Transfer from Reserve to AD

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I have been planning on going into the Army's RN Anesthesia Program (USAGPAN) in 2017 (if accepted) and I have placed myself in a crossroads of sorts.

I currently have my App in for the Army Reserves (selection board Feb 9th) and they may be offering a sign on bonus that, according to my recruiter, could lock me into the Reserves for 3 yrs. It is a substantial bonus and I would love to take it.

My concern is: I have the full intention and desire to go into Active Duty Anesthesia program (USAGPAN) in June 2017 (

I am considering turning down the bonus so that I won't be stuck in Reserve and I will be able to streamline into my program 06/17.

My overall question is this: Does anyone have experience with/ever heard of anyone accepting a Reserve Sign On Bonus and transferring into Active Duty before the Reserve Bonus Military Service Obligation (3 yrs) is completed?

Can I keep the bonus and just transfer into Active Duty? Can I take the bonus, maybe stay in reserve for 3 yrs, but potentially change my mind 1/2way through and give the money back?

What are my options? At this point, I am going to just disregard the bonus and shoot for CRNA school next year.

Thanks for you info.

JC

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

How strong is your USAGPAN candidacy?

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

Right now it is hard to go from reserves to AD because of the nurse corp being overstaffed.

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Specializes in Med/Surge, ED, Critical Care, Anesthesia.

I would be hesitant to take the bonus if you are planning on starting USAGPAN in 2017 as it may be difficult to get out of that 3 year contract or you may have to pay all or part of it back. I would talk to your recruiter and find out somewhere in writing if you would be able to leave the reserves early to enter into active duty. It would be beneficial to be in the reserves for getting accepted into the USAGPAN. I know that when looking at applicants, active duty are considered first, reserves next, then straight direct commissions. Hope this helps.

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Specializes in Administration.

What will the reserve contract say? Is the bonus prorated so that if you end the contract early you will only lose or pay back the portion of the contract that you haven't completed? And, IF you get accepted into AD, will the benefit be worth what you might lose in the meantime?

Quite often the reserve sign on bonus is based on an obligation of "years", so each year or part of a year is counted. So, you may only lose the part that you haven't served. Also, the experience you will gain in the reserves might help you to be more competitive for active duty.

Good luck either way!!

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

Presently the Army is not accepting nurse in the reserves for AD. If you are chosen for CRNA in the reserves the recruitment climate might have changed and you might be able to switch to AD. If you are able to switch over you will have to go through the boarding process again. You are saying that your reserve contract is 3 years but in all reality it is 8 years. The last 5 years would be inactive reserves if you decide to get out after your loan obligation.

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lol Pixie that is a great question. I meet all of the minimum qualifications (BSN, CCRN, >1yr CC Experience, Biochem prereq, 3.0+GPA, etc). I will be taking GRE this March 16th with plans to at least meet the threshold requirement (>297 composite score) and plans to take additional GRE as needed.

The word on the street where I am is that it might be currently less competitive to get into USAGPAN and that they are actively recruiting, but regardless of that I plan on maximizing my GRE score and blowing the interview out of the water. I am determined and have been moving in this direction for 4 years and I am finally here knocking of destiny's door. I feel like a strong candidate and I feel that my CV supports that. . I plan on applying with this first wave of applicants in June 2016 in hopes to get an acceptance letter by August 2016 and to begin class June '17.

I'm completely foregoing the Reserve stuff right now since I am SO close to the app deadline for USAGPAN AD.

Thanks everyone for your input.

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