USAGPAN 2018

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I noticed someone had started a thread to rally up nurses applying to the USAGPAN class starting this year so I thought I'd do the same for next year's class! I'll be speaking with a recruiter soon, but I hope to begin the application process very soon! I have about 2 years of critical care experience, just took my GRE and I'm scheduled to take my CCRN next month. I'll be doing that biochem class sometimes before June as well. Anyone else out there applying for next year's Army Nurse Anesthesia Program?

Another deleted duplicate. Not sure why my computer is doing that. Sorry guys.

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

Just to clarify — you don't "test" for promotion. The promotion from 2LT to 1LT is automatic. For promotion to CPT, your file goes before the promotion board. You do have a hand in ensuring that packet is correct. You will be notified when you are board eligible.

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Just to clarify — you don't "test" for promotion. The promotion from 2LT to 1LT is automatic. For promotion to CPT, your file goes before the promotion board. You do have a hand in ensuring that packet is correct. You will be notified when you are board eligible.

Thank you! That's how I've heard people word it, but I'm glad there's not actually a test involved. So many military intricacies to learn!:nailbiting:

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
So many military intricacies to learn!:nailbiting:

There are, but it also pretty basic. As long as you show up on time (that means 15 minutes early) in the right place wearing the correct uniform, things go pretty smoothly. :)

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Maybe MissSurgeRN or someone else with additional knowledge can correct me if I'm mistaken, but basically you get military credit for experience gained prior to commissioning. The whole thing is confusedly explained in Title 10, Subtitle E, Part II, Chapter 1205, Sec 12207 of the US Code (U.S.C. Title 1 - ARMED FORCES).

When I asked my recruiter about it, he gave me this slide...

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He explained 2 years experience as a civilian counts as 1 year constructive credit, up to a maximum of 3 years constructive credit (i.e. I've been a nurse for 11 years, but I still only get 3 years constructive credit.) You also get an additional 6 months for professional certifications (but apparently there's a cap on that as well, at least for now. I have CCRN and CEN, but I'm only getting 6 months total.)

If you have 0-1.9 constructive credits, you go in as a 2LT (O1)

2-3.9 years constructive credit, you go in as a 1LT (O2)

4 years constructive credit, CPT (O3)...

You want to make sure you get all the constructive credit you're due because it will affect your first promotion. For example, I will come in with 3.5 years constructive credit as a 1LT. To test for CPT, you need 4 years (and also a full year of active duty.) Since we will commission in 2018, I will be eligible to test for CPT in 2019 (granted I make all the deadlines, etc.) By that time I'll have the equivalent to 4.5 years "military experience."

Since the program requires a minimum of 1 year of critical care experience and prefers CCRN, most applicants should have at least 1 year constructive credit from the start. They would come in as a 2LT, eligible to test for 1LT after a full year in the Army.

Hope this helps.

p.s. When your CV packet was approved, they should have told you at which rank you'd come in. What did they tell you then?

This is awesome. Thank you!! So, I realize I haven't been getting updated as much as I thought. I'll have to ask my recruiter about all of this. Seems like I'll probably be going in as a 2LT as I have 2 years ICU experience and my CCRN, I'm a bit shy for 1LT which stinks lol. Not sure if my prior service would get me anything in that department. Thanks again for the detailed response!

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First of all, good luck! Where are you interviewing? My interview is in 2 weeks at WAMC in NC. The Phase 2 Director sent me an itinerary, and told me I'd be changing into scrubs provided. Day 1 starts at 1300, and I'll have an orientation and be shown around. Day 2 starts at 0445 and I'll shadow a CRNA all day. Day 3 starts at 0445, shadowing for a half day. I'll break for lunch, then there's a 90min board interview with the Director and a few other CRNAs. I was planning on wearing business casual to the hospital (unless someone with experience recommends otherwise). I was also asked to prepare a 3 ring binder "Candidate Packet" to turn in to the Director when I arrived, containing my CV, transcripts, goals & objectives, letters of recommendation, etc. Did you have to do that? A few days ago I was sent a chapter from Barash's Clinical Anesthesia to "study for discussion" while I'm there. Man is it dense! Where you given any "homework" to prep for?

So you got a whole lot more details than I did. I got a map and phone number. I was told to show up at JBLM in WA at 0600 on day one and that my interview would be day 3. That's it! I was given a chapter to read about hypertension and the anesthesia management, and I was told they would ask me questions about it. I interview on Monday the 7th and I'm definitely getting nervous! I'm sure it will be fine, but, you know. I'll keep you guys posted and let you know how it goes!

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
This is awesome. Thank you!! So, I realize I haven't been getting updated as much as I thought. I'll have to ask my recruiter about all of this. Seems like I'll probably be going in as a 2LT as I have 2 years ICU experience and my CCRN, I'm a bit shy for 1LT which stinks lol. Not sure if my prior service would get me anything in that department. Thanks again for the detailed response!

It really is not a bad thing to come in as a butterbar — pretty easy to fly under the radar and find your bearings because no one expects greatness from a 2LT. :D I was promoted to 1LT about a month after arriving at my first duty station, after my new peeps figured out that I was an experienced ER nurse. :)

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It really is not a bad thing to come in as a butterbar — pretty easy to fly under the radar and find your bearings because no one expects greatness from a 2LT. :D I was promoted to 1LT about a month after arriving at my first duty station, after my new peeps figured out that I was an experienced ER nurse. :)

Haha! That's awesome! I was thinking more for salary purposes. Lol

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
Haha! That's awesome! I was thinking more for salary purposes. Lol

Yes, there is that. Will you at least qualify for O-1E pay with your prior service?

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Yes, there is that. Will you at least qualify for O-1E pay with your prior service?

I don't think so. I think you have to have 4 years and 1 day, and I have exactly 4 years. Lol. I guess either way I would be getting the career and education I want. I'm just nitpicking at this point. I'll be doing this no matter what if they take me. :)

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...I guess either way I would be getting the career and education I want. ...I'll be doing this no matter what if they take me. :)

Absolutely!

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... My interview is Monday...

Good luck today! :up: Let us know how it goes.

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