Posted on Jul 21, 2018
SPC Practical/Vocational Nursing
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I just got approved for reclassification from 11B to 68C, and am looking for every bit of helpful information I can get. I know there's some information out there already, but I'm trying to get the most recent and up to date info I can from any 68Cs that have been through it.

I'm not slotted to leave for phase I until May of next year, is there any idea of when I will be able to know my phase II site? Is that given during phase I, or will I know beforehand? I read that it depends on the time you go to phase I, but I don't know if that's true or not.

What is daily life like? Do the majority of 68Cs go to a hospital setting or FST, etc.

What should I do with the almost 10 months I have before beginning school. I've read about studying up on anatomy and physiology, as well as pharmacology. Does anyone have any particular books that would be helpful? Maybe specific NCLEX study material? Just whatever you think would be helpful to study so that I could get that edge before I begin the school would be great.

Also, for reclassing, is there any say or requesting a duty location after the phase II? I wouldn't think so, but if there's a chance there is that would be incredible.

Thank you in advance.
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CPL Practical/Vocational Nursing
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I'm currently an IET student for the 68C program and we graduate from phase II in 2 and a half weeks. We've been going at it since July 2017 in Ft. Sam. Don't mind my rank, the 68C program is all I know for the army.
Anyway, if you do not have a medical/biological/A&P background, you may have a rough start in all honesty. It doesn't hurt to start reading about normal human processes right now. They give you all the textbooks you need for anything you will be tested on, so don't stress about getting books now. Cracking open an A&P book from a library or reading on the internet for a little bit will only help you so much if you retain it for a whole year before. Enjoy not being in a learning environment for a year because its rough. Phase I, which is down in San Antonio, will be strict didactic from 0630 to roughly 1700 with a few experimental classes M-F so hunker down and !!!stay awake!!! That's probably the hardest part for phase I. Study. You do not want to be the fool who never studies and fails out of phase I of all parts of the program. Your studying will only show in your test performances. Your tests STRONGLY reflect the power points and the textbook you are assigned so use your textbook with the slides up on your phone or computer, etc. Since you are prior service, I cant vouch for your after class lifestyle as I stayed in the Bays with some other 68D and 68Cs.

As for phase II, this will depend when you are enrolled into the program. They cycle through their sites. If I remember, it goes something like Ft. Lewis, Ft. Gordon, Ft. Bliss, Walter Reed D.C., Ft. Sam. My class is in Walter Reed which, all in all, is pretty cool. Occasionally you get some VIPS like Obama and trump come by so all hell closes down for them. This part of training is heavy didactic and Clinical rotations. DO NOT STRESS ABOUT THE NCLEX UNTIL THE END. I'm taking my NCLEX here on August 6th and that's 1 week before graduation. They will prepare you appropriately for the NCLEX if you listen and put in the effort to pass. Focus on each test that is given to you as each test brings their own challenges. Learn to take tests and devisee a test taking strategy. Just like phase 1, you're going to receive a fat purple book (we call it the nursing bible) which will be used in phase 2 as well. READ THAT THING. The test corresponds with the textbooks you receive. Do not doubt your resources. All the answers on your tests are easily found in the textbooks. Having the PowerPoints and that textbook in class is all you need to pass the tests. Just pay attention, and when you start to daydream, look at the textbook, take notes, standup and stretch; keep your brain awake. Its engaging information, but it is very repetitive. Get a study group because discussing amongst your classmates helps bring everything together. (Know your med classes, disease processes, electrolytes, lab values, and nursing processes - they will make sense when you get there). Don't put yourself down if you fail a test. Swipe yourself off and take the retake the next day. It happens.

Your life here at WRNMMC is 0630 to 1530 in the routine portion. In the beginning it was 0630 to 1700/1800 at times, but it will eventually cut down. There will be some early days (rare - so enjoy them) but more late days than anything. These are usually for doing your Nursing care plans, DCWs, and reading. EXERCISE. Nobody will make you PT so keep up with your fitness. Most programs here if you get over 270, you don't have to PT with the class which is nice time to study or go home and sleep. I usually spend my weekends downtown DC riding bikes, working out, and reading for the next weeks classes. Think of it as highly organized college where you cant skip the classes.

Clinicals are the root of your education; at least it is here at WRNMMC. Your first few clinical rotations are going to be stressful and you're going to be a deer lost in headlights, but let me assure you, if you listen to your preceptors, they will teach you everything you need and want to know. Volunteer to do everything because nobody will make a student do anything. OR is cool as hell. Open heart surgeries and craniotomies (thumbs up).

I think you are making a fantastic decision. You wont see it in the beginning, but the light is at the end of the tunnel for us and all the education finally seems worth it. I'm being stationed to BAMC (Ft. Sam Houston) for my first duty station. Most of my class is going to Korea and Hawai'i. Im one of the few staying CONUS :( .You're going to walk away with a license in medicine to practice and some of the best knowledge you can get from intelligent individuals. Ask stupid questions because sometimes the responses you get will blow your mind.

If you have any questions reach out to people to reach out to you because they will only help!
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PFC Ait Student
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Hi,
Do you mind to share the name of those textbooks they give you during your AIT? Thank you!
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CPL Practical/Vocational Nursing
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Man I wish I could remember the name of the nursing textbook. Your phase 1 will have a pretty general A&P textbook so whatever you choose wouldn’t be wrong. They also include a “how to math” textbook, but I hardly ever used it and everything in regards to math you learned thoroughly in class.

A tip for the textbooks is that if the curriculum hasn’t changed, they give you the purple textbook in phase 1 as an additional source but don’t really use it much - that would be the best opportunity to read up. Phase 2 you’re going to get a FAT stack of textbooks including that purple book.. like 12 of them. Pediatrics, critical care, multiple clinical nursing textbooks, pharmacology stuff.. best you can do before is just A&P it out and start reading some decent nursing literature. I saw youre a Papa so it shouldn’t be as grueling as it was for some folks who came straight from high school. If there’s anything else I can help with feel free to message me.
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PFC Practical/Vocational Nursing
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When did you start your phase I?
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CPL Practical/Vocational Nursing
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I started AIT back in July 2017
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Oh yea almost forgot, coming from a line unit as medic to Tradoc and then MEDCOM is a huge culture shock. Start cutting down on your swearing now. As prior service your going to be expected to hold yourself to a very high standard with the Initial Entry. Mind not just what you say, but how you say it.
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MSG Directorate For Nursing Services Senior Enlisted Leader
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Don’t worry about the NCLEX until phase 2. Take the A&P correspondence courses. Remove social media from your phone when you get to Ft Sam so you have to use your computer if you access it. Be intentional with your time. Focus on 50 meter targets.
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SGT Jamarl Jones
SGT Jamarl Jones
6 y
I'm lost on the "social media from your phone". Why would one remove social media from their phone? Is the idea to encourage the person to use their computer?
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MSG Directorate For Nursing Services Senior Enlisted Leader
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The idea is that you won’t be tempted to check your phone when you get a social media notification when you should have your nose in a book.
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