Trying to enter BSTRAP program

You are far from alone in the waiting process. I was all set for May boards....waiting for Oct. now too.

Best of luck to you.

LA40

Thankyou for your help in "hanging in there" Lifeafter40! It is hard to complain or talk about with most people, because they don't understand why I am doing it or they dont know what the big deal is in waiting!! ahhhh I am almost 40, in my RN-BSN program with 2 kids. Lord help me!! Then in the back of my mind I wonder, after all of this what if I get rejected?? Does that happen to you too?

Every day... I am 39 with two kids as well. I have wanted to be an Army Officer even before I started my BSN program, in fact that was one of the determining factors in choosing nursing as a career. I will be very disappointed if I do not end up being accepted after this is all said and done!

Luckily, I am applying for the Nurse Candidate Program, so I actually have 2 more years of waiting, and waiting, and waiting...lol.

Keep your chin up,

LA40

Every day... I am 39 with two kids as well. I have wanted to be an Army Officer even before I started my BSN program, in fact that was one of the determining factors in choosing nursing as a career. I will be very disappointed if I do not end up being accepted after this is all said and done!

Luckily, I am applying for the Nurse Candidate Program, so I actually have 2 more years of waiting, and waiting, and waiting...lol.

Keep your chin up,

LA40

So..are you wanting to start the BSN program too? I don't really understand the Nurse Candidate Program...what is it? How do you get involved in that? How far are you into the BSN program? I completely understand the dissapointment thing..I will be too!! ughhh fingers crossed!

LA40,

That is awesome, so you are entering junior year and pending boards for this OCT for the Nurse Candidate Program?

Tammy,

ACTIVE NURSE CORPS PROGRAM

ARMY NURSE CANDIDATE PROGRAM

This program is open to undergraduate students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited nursing program. It provides:

• A $5,000 bonus when you begin the program, plus a $5,000 bonus at graduation
  
• A monthly stipend of $1,000 during the months you are enrolled in a full-time Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education-, or National League for Nursing-accredited nursing program
  

Eligibility requirements:

• Bachelor of Science degree must be completed within 6 to 24 months
  
• Passage of the NCLEX-RN examination is necessary prior to commissioning as an Army Nurse Corps Officer
  
• U.S. citizenship
  
• Prior enlisted Army Soldiers must have completed all Mandatory Service Obligations and have less than 10 years active federal service at time of commissioning
  

LA40,

That is awesome, so you are entering junior year and pending boards for this OCT for the Nurse Candidate Program?

That is correct.

I was also informed by my recruiter that the slots for the Nurse Candidate Program come from a different pool than the direct commissions... so I am keeping my fingers crossed!

I have completed my application to be commissioned into the Army BStrap program. Unfortunately the boards were closed for June..so now I have to wait until Oct. Anybody else going through this?

almost everyone on this board who is applying is waiting for slots to open up...

Hello Tammy, I to am waiting for Oct. Boards. I have been at this application thing for a year. I had everything completed for the May Boards and had to have my references redone...ugh! and then they tell me June Boards are closed...always something. I'm 35 with four kids so I'm not actually getting younger. I don't mind waiting if thats what I have to do. I just look back on the process and think there was a lot of time wasted. But like they say good things come to those who wait Just using this time to get physically fit for the army's PT test that's required TWICE a year.. and enjoying my summer of no school for right now.

So NO! You are not alone, you have plenty of company....:lol2:

LA40,

That is awesome, so you are entering junior year and pending boards for this OCT for the Nurse Candidate Program?

Tammy,

ACTIVE NURSE CORPS PROGRAM

ARMY NURSE CANDIDATE PROGRAM

This program is open to undergraduate students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited nursing program. It provides:

• A $5,000 bonus when you begin the program, plus a $5,000 bonus at graduation
  
• A monthly stipend of $1,000 during the months you are enrolled in a full-time Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education-, or National League for Nursing-accredited nursing program
  

Eligibility requirements:

• Bachelor of Science degree must be completed within 6 to 24 months
  
• Passage of the NCLEX-RN examination is necessary prior to commissioning as an Army Nurse Corps Officer
  
• U.S. citizenship
  
• Prior enlisted Army Soldiers must have completed all Mandatory Service Obligations and have less than 10 years active federal service at time of commissioning
  

I have already passed my boards and I am an RN..thank you just cause for the explanation..I appreciate it.

Lifeafter40,

I am keeping my fingers crossed for you too!!

Nurse Candidate Program can be used for up to 24 months for getting your BSN even if you are already an RN. you would have to go active duty upon completion though, so if you are looking at the Reserves, then the STRAP program might be your best bet still.

I heard that they may be closing entry into the BSN STRAP program after the last board closed earlier this year. Have any recruiters mentioned anything?

i haven't heard anything - it could be possible but to be honest its a rumor until next fiscal year recruiting goals, incentives, slots are established.

I've heard lots of rumors.. no new nurses for next year... joint dod health care and draw down of individual branches... etc etc. Even if the rumor was correct it would remain a rumor until next fiscal year info is published.