Undergrad Info on Becoming CRNA in Army Reserves

[jessica2242]

Hi all!

First of all THANK YOU for all your input and help as I have read many of the forums here. I feel like I need someone with experience to help me weed through the options of what I'm trying to accomplish. Here it goes:

I am currently in undergraduate work to obtain my associate degree as a RN. I am in the pre-requesite stage and am looking at hitting clinicals in Fall '09. I am really wanting to first enroll in the ROTC program here at school (which I was told today by a recruiter I should wait till the clinical phase so I have everything lined up as it is a 4 year degree). I want to get my feet wet so to speak as I have a strong desire to serve specifically in the Army Reserve (not to mention a huge fact of the CRNA program available). After my Associate degree I am planning on working as an RN while attaining my BSN (all the while in the ROTC program). Here is my MAIN question: What if after this year of planning, researching, and immersing myself in the ROTC program in the Fall of next year I decide to jump right in to the Army Reserves? Is that advisable? or what until my BSN is complete? I would love to be able to go through school while in the Reserves and eventually apply to the CRNA school while I am still in. Is this possible? What route do you recommend? I was told today that the ROTC scholarships can cancel out the Army Reserve incentives for school? Will what I'm doing [going to school while a reservist] set me back, be inadvisable? I am wanting to be commissioned as 2LT after my bachelor's w/ the ROTC. If I'm already in the Reserves will I automatically get ranked to 2LT? I don't mind serving with a basic medical concentrated field in the reserves while going to school. But, of course, I am wanting to be in the NurseCorps then apply for the CRNA after I have acquired my Critical Care experience in the civilian world. Throughout this time specifically after obtaining my Bachelor's I would consider going active duty as well. Pros/cons? Please share your experiences as I am scared to death of being told what I want to hear and then not being able to serve like I want to serve. I also am thinking of going in a Reserve unit as early as this Fall; I just need some sense of direction/advice from those more experienced. (Not to mention I do have a long path goal, but I fully intend to shadow CRNA's and the like to make sure it's fully what I want to do. The RN side of things is no question about it.Thanks in advance!

[lifeafter40]

HI Jes, Welcome to Allnurses!

I am not as knowledgeable in this area as some of our other members, but there are a couple of things to factor into your planning.

1. Unless you get it in your contract (doubtful), you will not be guaranteed the CRNA Program from the Army.

2. If you go into the Reserves now, you should still be able to be commissioned as a nurse upon completion of your BSN, but most likely as a 2LT. Your time in the reserves will count towards your retirement, but I am not sure how "E-Pay" works in the Reserves.

3. most importantly, if you enter the Reserves now, you will go in as an Enlisted Soldier (nothing wrong with that, I was one myself) and as our nation is at war and units are frequently being deployed and redeployed, there is a strong possibility that you will be pulled out of your BSN program to deploy with your unit. this could result in you having to reapply for your BSN Program upon redeployment. if nothing else, this could drastically postpone your nursing degree.

4. on the bright side, you might be able to use the GI Bill to pay for your BSN.

It is good that you are checking out all your possibilities, and always best to be armed with some information and direct questions when you approach a recruiter.

good luck to you!

S