Some questions about the Army Reserve Nursing Corps

[84Nozzle]

Sorry if this is a repeat of any questions previously asked, but this is my first post.

I am a 28 yr old NYC firefighter currently in a ADN program. I'm interested in joining the Army Reserve Nurse Corps after I graduate and pass the NCLEX but I have a few questions. I have spoken to recruiters and I have all of the basic information, but I wanted to ask some of the more experienced members of the forum a few more specfic questions.

1. Is it feasible in this political climate (Iraq/Afghanistan/War on Terror) to serve in the Reserves and complete a BSN program in the allotted time. I understand that deployment is definetly going to happen, but would it be more worthwhile for me to complete my BSN or at least a portion of it before seeking my commission?

2. What kind of tuition assistance is available for an ADN who is working on a BSN?

3. In the Reserves, what are the duties I will most likely be performing. I would like very much to get out in the field and actively be a part of "battlefield medicine" but I am unable to commit to active duty (my job is very generous with military leave for reservists). I guess my question is, what kind of clinical experience will I be receiving?

4. I do have a primary career already that I am locked into for 13 more years because of pension purposes. I would be unable to work full time as a nurse in the civilian field. Would Army Reserve nursing + part time civilian nursing work be good enough for me to develop as a competent professional?

5. Are all of the training and schooling opportunities that the Army provides for active duty nurses available for Reserve Nurses?

Hopefully some of you can help lead me in the right direction.

Thanks.

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

The website still has the STRAP program listed (among others): http://www.goarmy.com/amedd/education/undergraduate-health-care-education.html

Of course, the website also still says that the Reserves will take RNs with ADNs. I really wish they'd update the site to reflect reality...

[SFC JIMENEZ]

ALCON,

Things have changed drastically since my Feb post : (

For Active Duty they now require 2 years experience before you can apply for a position.

For Reserve, they are no longer taking ADN/ASN RNs. The STRAP is still available, but ONLY for current Reserve RNs who dont have a BSN.

I also wish that they would update the information on the website. I know I have sent up several requests (as have other Recruiters) but it is a slow process, why? I have no idea. From what Ive been told its a seperate department and the site is taken care of by a civilian contractor.

For those out there like Josh who would like to join, you have to contact a school (cant refer you to a specific one) that has the RN to BSN bridge program. There are some RN to MSN programs as well. Schools like UOP (Phoenix) and West Coast (CA.) offer the BSN/MSN programs. There are numerous other schools but these two and others similiar to them dont require as much class time as a Cal ST or University. Good luck and hope to see some of you in boots one day : )

Josh,

What part of the country are you in?

[just_cause, BSN, RN]

... or get into a PA program and apply for a direct commission

[SFC JIMENEZ]

Yes, for those interested in the IPAP here is the website:

http://www.usarec.army.mil/armypa/

BUT, for most RNs - getting your NP is a better option (opinion of majority RNs I deal with) - more pros than cons.

ALSO, if you happen to have another degree in ANYTHING but only have a ASN/ADN and would like to serve here is another possible way. Come in as a 70B /67A Health Care Admin Asst. and serve as a Platoon Leader/Section Leader until you finish your BSN and then apply for a RN position. It gets you in the door faster and I will check to see if while youre serving in a Health Care Admin position IF youre eligible to apply for STRAP : )

[deftonez188]

Yes, for those interested in the IPAP here is the website:

http://www.usarec.army.mil/armypa/

BUT, for most RNs - getting your NP is a better option (opinion of majority RNs I deal with) - more pros than cons.

ALSO, if you happen to have another degree in ANYTHING but only have a ASN/ADN and would like to serve here is another possible way. Come in as a 70B /67A Health Care Admin Asst. and serve as a Platoon Leader/Section Leader until you finish your BSN and then apply for a RN position. It gets you in the door faster and I will check to see if while youre serving in a Health Care Admin position IF youre eligible to apply for STRAP : )

Are you suggesting an ADN RN take an enlisted position? Not all that familiar with Army MOS's but if that's the case, they could just as easily take out a student loan and work part time while going through an RN-BSN program. Beats the heck out of a 4 year commitment and wasted skills time. I wouldn't suggest it if that's the case, but again, not sure if that's what you mean/

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

No, I believe SFC Jimenez is saying if you have a Bachelors in another area (non-nursing) and an ADN, you can still come in (to the Reserves, yes, SFC Jimenez?) as an officer under a different healthcare AOC, and then get STRAP.

[SFC JIMENEZ]

Yes, Im checking to see if they would accept an ADN/ASN RN who has a Bach. degree as a 70B/67A (Health Care Admin. Asst. which is an Officer). If they do then you can apply for the STRAP if it is offered to those who are not a 66 series. I am checking but I thought it might be a way for those interested to come in. Just a thought.