USAGPAN 2021

Bhebe55 · Feb 2, 2020

11 hours ago, MICU-nurse23 said:
Hey Bhebe55!
I wanted to know more about the Phase 2 Interview. The only thing I am aware of is that the interview is a 2-3 day process. My question was if the interview is more knowledge based or personality questions. Would really help if someone said, "Brush up on CCRN material" or think about a time when teamwork was very efficient. Please advise. Thank you and congrats!!

For the phase two interview you will be given a chapter out of an anesthesia book to read before you go. Learn it inside and out. They will ask you general CCRN level questions but nothing crazy. The biggest tip I can give you is don’t open any doors your not prepared to walk through. IE don’t bring up a drug or procedure that you aren’t prepared to discuss in depth. What they are mostly looking for is not that you know everything it’s are you teachable and can you keep up with the grueling pace of the program. Do you have a support system? Are your prepared for the commitment? Dress professional and don’t be late. Ask questions. Good luck.

lindswolf · Feb 9, 2020

Anyone taking the ICCC this semester already taken test 1?

easypeasylemonwheezy · Mar 6, 2020

Hello all!

I am applying from the reserve component where I am currently an Army critical care nurse. I wish everyone the best of luck and hope I get well wishes too!

I dont have the best GPA or test scores, and am honestly doubtful as to my candidacy based upon those facts, but I do have the practical experience, the gift of a great memory, and very very very very strong clinical background including numerous credentials and robust, interesting experience.

There were comments about the fitness aspect. I STRONGLY advise an immediate change in lifestyle including diet and exercise regimen to make it a habit, then the habit into a part of who you are. You will need to pass height/weight (or tape) before getting in. Cut out sugar and start running or do crossfit, or something similar!

As far as ranks go, reservists retain their rank. I am unsure of other circumstances but a civilian coming in should not be higher than O-2, if you're trying to work out finances, and expect O-1.

Again best of luck

By the way, there's a great program in the reserves where a current ICU nurse can apply to a CRNA school of their choice and get tuition paid plus a stipend of 2500/month. You'll need to be in the reserves already though, contact a medical recruiter! I'm doing that program as my "plan B"

Jeff G · Mar 12, 2020

On 8/23/2019 at 10:39 PM, Bonnie Bailey said:
This thread is super early but I want to create a spot for USAGPAN 2021 applicants to share our journey! I’m mostly posting this thread now to spread the word about Iowa Central Community College’s Intro to Organic and Biochem online course - CHM 130. This option was a lifesaver (read: time and money saver) for me and I have to pay it forward. I checked with the Baylor liaison and the course fulfills the Chemistry requirement. The only prerequisite is Intro to Chemistry I. I hope this helps someone and I’m looking forward to the upcoming application year!

I am glad that you found that online course at ICCC. There are only a few options nationwide for that particular course. ICCC is definitely less expensive than some of the alternatives.

I should add that North Central Missouri College offers online introduction to Chemistry, general Chemistry 1 and 2, organic Chemistry 1 and 2, physics 1 and 2. (I teach these courses and I am currently developing an online biochem course.)

loveicualltheway · May 8, 2020

Hi everyone,

I am currently in the reserves as an LVN and working in the ICU as an RN. I will be applying 2022 or 2023 cohorts. I want to be in the reserves though. Do any of you all know how many years of contract do they have in the reserves? I know its 5 years for active duty.

and if you are a current student, how's the didactic schedule looks like? Any PT's in the morning before didactic. We actually did phase I of the LVN school next to CRNA school. Our classroom was next to each other. That's how I found out about the program and been dreaming about it since then.

Bhebe55 · May 8, 2020

6 hours ago, bk waiba said:
Hi everyone,
I am currently in the reserves as an LVN and working in the ICU as an RN. I will be applying 2022 or 2023 cohorts. I want to be in the reserves though. Do any of you all know how many years of contract do they have in the reserves? I know its 5 years for active duty.
and if you are a current student, how's the didactic schedule looks like? Any PT's in the morning before didactic. We actually did phase I of the LVN school next to CRNA school. Our classroom was next to each other. That's how I found out about the program and been dreaming about it since then.

I’m not aware of any reserve option. The full contract is 8 years, first three is school then 5 after you graduate.
Didactic schedule is all consuming, especially the first two semesters, but doable just know studying is you job. Group PT once a week, but you will be doing more on your own.
It’s an amazing program most of our class is direct commission, came in with no military experience. We’re about to graduate phase one and move on to clinicals. Haven’t lost a single student. Many are holding 4.0 GPAs. Good luck on you application. Start studying now for the GRE. Try to get your CCRN.

loveicualltheway · May 8, 2020

Thank you! I am working on my CCRN and GRE. I am aware that this program is one of the best in the country.

MICU-nurse23, ADN, BSN, RN · May 8, 2020

Hey everyone!

Wanted to see where everyone was with their application for this next upcoming cohort. With this pandemic, things have really been difficult since kids are being home-schooled, taking the GRE at home, fitness centers have been closed, etc. I am about to send all of my paperwork. I don't think it's too late. If anyone disagrees, please let me know. I think I can get all my stuff in before August 1, 2020. I would like to know more about where people are in their application. Also, I had a question regarding the critical care checklist. Do we have to have this filled out by our current supervisor? If so, does anyone have a sample of what it should look like? More questions to come.

MagicMAC, BSN, RN, EMT-B · May 16, 2020

On 5/8/2020 at 10:41 AM, MICU-nurse23 said:
Hey everyone!
Wanted to see where everyone was with their application for this next upcoming cohort. With this pandemic, things have really been difficult since kids are being home-schooled, taking the GRE at home, fitness centers have been closed, etc. I am about to send all of my paperwork. I don't think it's too late. If anyone disagrees, please let me know. I think I can get all my stuff in before August 1, 2020. I would like to know more about where people are in their application. Also, I had a question regarding the critical care checklist. Do we have to have this filled out by our current supervisor? If so, does anyone have a sample of what it should look like? More questions to come.

The DA Form 7653 is what you're looking for. And yes, it needs to be filled out by your current supervisor. Make sure they hand-initial and date EACH LINE. I've attached a copy that just has my general info on it ?

Are you working with a recruiter yet??? I'm thinking no -- otherwise you wouldn't be asking about that form! Make sure you contact one ASAP if you haven't already. Hope this helps!

DA Form 7653.pdf

MagicMAC, BSN, RN, EMT-B · May 16, 2020

I just heard from my recruiter they are not doing the shadow/Phase II interviews on site any more (cuz 'Rona). Now we are supposed to shadow a provider for 16 hours on our own, and get letter of recommendation from the head CRNA of whichever hospital. Interviews will now be done virtually. Anyone else hear about this???

Bonnie Bailey · May 16, 2020

I haven’t heard about a recommendation letter from the head CRNA but I did hear about the shadow hours! I’m on a crisis contract in New Jersey and it’s tough to find someone to shadow here with all elective surgeries canceled.

ChrisWang · Jun 2, 2020

On 5/15/2020 at 11:14 PM, MagicMAC said:
I just heard from my recruiter they are not doing the shadow/Phase II interviews on site any more (cuz 'Rona). Now we are supposed to shadow a provider for 16 hours on our own, and get letter of recommendation from the head CRNA of whichever hospital. Interviews will now be done virtually. Anyone else hear about this???

This is true. I have been working on my application since the beginning of the year. I received an email from my recruiter From LTC Kertes which basically says at least 16 hours of shadowing, letter of support/recommendation from the chief of crna that you have shadowed with and then video interview once verified by the army chief crna. It is done in place of the 3 day interview since they are not allowing applicants on base due to COVID-19 restrictions and keeps the application process from being held up.
I hope this is helpful, good luck to everyone. I’m lucky to have stumbled across this thread.