3 memorandum for all incoming graduate school of nursing ... · memorandum for all incoming...
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3 February 2014
MEMORANDUM FOR ALL INCOMING GRADUATE SCHOOL OF NURSING STUDENTS
SUBJECT: Welcome to the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU)
1. Congratulations on your acceptance to the Graduate School of Nursing (GSN). We are committed to
helping you succeed in your program so do not hesitate to contact one of us should you have any
questions as you plan your move to Bethesda, MD.
2. Enclosed in this packet you will find helpful information to guide you in your transition to full-time
study, as well as requirements which you must complete prior to departing your current unit, and
documents which you must submit when you come to your student orientation.
3. The quality of instruction at USU has no comparison and you are about to embark on an educational
journey which is the envy of your civilian counterparts. The rewards of a Graduate Degree are
immeasurable, however, graduate school is demanding, rigorous and challenging, and it requires that you
prepare yourself well in advance of your first day of instruction.
Note: Students who have not been in a classroom setting for many years find Anatomy/Cell Biology
and Pathophysiology challenging. If this applies to you, you may want to review your notes from
those courses and/or enroll in a refresher course to ease your transition into academia, and get used
to taking computer- based examinations.
4. If you are married or have a family, it is imperative that you have spouse/family “buy-in” of your
decision to attend graduate school. Depending on your study habits and learning needs, the demands of
your program may consume most of your waking hours, and much of your weekends and holidays may
be spent studying, writing papers or preparing for exams. It is important that you discuss this with your
family in advance so they understand and know how to support and help you succeed, before you move to
Bethesda.
5. You have been assigned a student sponsor who has been provided with your contact
information. If your sponsor has not already contacted you, you should expect to hear from
her/him soon. If you have difficulty connecting with him/her, please let us know immediately so
we can ensure that you receive the information and assistance you need for a smooth PCS move.
Please contact one of us by email or telephone if you have any questions. It is best to use our
group e-mail, [email protected], to reach us in case one of us is out of the
office.
6. As you begin your search for housing, it is important to know that traffic in Maryland, Virginia
and Washington D.C. is very unpredictable. A 4-mile distance can easily turn into a 30-minute
commute in some areas. Parking on campus is limited so we recommend that you look for a home
UNIFORMED SERVICES UNIVERSITY OF THE HEALTH SCIENCES
4301 JONES BRIDGE ROAD BETHESDA, MARYLAND 20814-4799
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that is either within walking/biking distance or on a metro line with reasonable commute time as it
may be necessary for you to use one of these modes of transportation to and from USU.
7. An Orientation Schedule is attached in Appendix C. While the dates are fixed, the activities and
locations may change depending on circumstances beyond our control. Please pay attention to the
requirements for each orientation day and be prepared to comply and produce the required documents as
instructed.
8. Again, welcome to USU and congratulations. We look forward to your arrival and to working with
you.
ANN L. QUARLES EFTHER V. SAMUEL MICHELLE L. MUNROE
HM1, US Navy CPT, US Army LTC, US Army
Leading Petty Officer/1SG Company Commander Commandant/Asst Dean of
[email protected] [email protected] Student Affairs
301-295-9556 301-295-9561 [email protected]
301-295-1022
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Table of Contents
Appendix A: General Information for All Incoming USU Students
USU Brigade In-processing /Reporting
GSN Student Orientation Process
Housing
Commuting
Required Technology
Available Health Care
Appendix B: In-processing and Orientation Requirements
Part 1: Action List
Part 2: DTS/Government Credit Card
Part 3: Immunization Verification Form
Part 4: Plagiarism Tutorial
Appendix C: Orientation Schedule
Appendix D1-D3: “Service-Specific” Tenant Unit In-processing Information
Appendix E: Program Directors’ Welcome Letter
Appendix F: USU Frequently Asked Questions
Appendix G: USU Map: Buildings and Location of most commonly used lecture rooms
Appendix H: USU Contact Information
Dean’s Welcome Letter
USU Brigade Commander’s Welcome Letter
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APPENDIX A:
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR ALL INCOMING STUDENTS
USU Brigade In-processing / Reporting: Report to the USU Brigade Military Personnel Office
(MILPO), Building C, Room C1016 at the University upon arrival to the area, per your orders, to begin
in-processing procedures. Ensure your orders are stamped to include the MILPO representative’s name
that checked you in, the date you checked in, and the time.
30 Apr – 2 May 2014- Mandatory GSN New Student Orientation.
Before these dates, you must have already checked into USU Military Personnel Office in Building
C (see enclosed map), obtained a place to live, have a transportation plan, and placed your children
in school if applicable, etc. Be prepared to be in school every day starting 5 May, unless otherwise
scheduled.
The uniform of the day is as follows:
Army - Class B with neck tab or tie
Navy/PHS - Summer White w/ Ribbons
Air Force- Short Sleeve Blue with neck tab or tie
2 May 2014, Friday Welcome Picnic: This is an integral part of New Student Orientation. This
Welcome Picnic, hosted by the Class of 2015/16, is for you and your families. Uniform of the day will be
the same as above during morning orientation, but you may change into appropriate civilian clothing for
the picnic. Spouses of current students will provide the new-student spouses a perspective on what it is
like to have a USU graduate student in the household and will share some information on how to
minimize tensions as the academic workload accelerates. Current students will provide incoming students
with graduate school survival tips. You will also meet the GSN Faculty and Staff.
Housing: Should you require permissive TDY/TAD to house hunt, you should obtain Permissive
TDY/House Hunting Leave from your losing Command based on the first day of orientation (30 Apr 14).
That is 10-Days prior for the Army and Navy, and 8-Days prior for the Air-force, any additional days will
be counted towards regular leave. NOTE: You have to have secured housing NLT 29 Apr 2014 and be
prepared to be in school daily beginning 30 Apr 2014. The following link will assist you with generating
a “Welcome Aboard” package catered just for you.
http://www.militaryinstallations.dod.mil/pls/psgprod/f?p=MI:CONTENT:0::::P4_INST_ID,P4_CONTEN
T_DIRECTORY,P4_TAB:20295,ALL,BKK
Commuting: Commuting in the Nation’s Capital is challenging at best. The DoD has instituted a policy
that allows for the subsidy of Metro Cost to service members living in the area who choose not to drive
their car to school. There is a maximum allowance per month and is based on your commuter costs. Visit
http://www.whs.mil/MTBP/index.cfm for up to date information on this program. You must have
CAC access to register online, however, if you do not have CAC access you have the option to print out
the paper application and mail it in. The application process takes about a month to activate, so if you
plan on using the metro you will not be reimbursed until your second month. Note: A registered SmarTrip
card is required to apply for benefits; Annual recertification is required for all participants, No Retroactive
Distribution. You may obtain the application user guide using this link:
http://www.whs.mil/sites/default/files/mtbp/MTBP%20Applicant%20User%20Guide_v1-8%20-
%20Final.pdf
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If you choose to take the Metro subsidy, you will not be able to obtain a parking tag to park at USU or the
National Naval Medical Center parking areas. For more information on parking at USUHS see page 28.
Required Technology: The Uniformed Services University offers technologically advanced learning
environments for our students. In order to maximize your experience here, we highly encourage you to
bring a personal laptop computer. The DoD and USU support Windows-based PC laptops. If you prefer
to use MAC hardware and software, be prepared to provide your own technical support.
Health Care: There are two locations on the Bethesda campus for student and family medical care: the
USUHS Student Health Clinic in the Building A, or at the Family Health Clinic at the Walter Reed
National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC). Dental care is also provided at WRNMMC.
APPENDIX B, Part 1:
Action List
IN-PROCESSING AND ORIENTATION REQUIREMENTS
BEFORE YOU MOVE: All Students Must Complete the Following:
1. BLS/ACLS- ensure all are current; no expirations within 1 yr. of the start of your program
2. Complete HIPAA and Privacy Act Training: Your HIPAA/Privacy Act certificate must be current. If it
has expired or about to expire, you must complete the on-line course at https://mhslearn.csd.disa.mil.
3. Anti-Terrorism Training: You must have a current AT/FP training certificate. If it has expired or about to
expire, complete the training at https://atlevel1.dtic.mil/at/ . You will not be able to obtain access to
computers at USU without a current AT.FP certificate.
4. DoD Information/Cyber Awareness: You must have a current training certificate. If it has expired or
about to expire, complete the training at: Army use this link: https://ia.signal.army.mil/DoDIAA Navy: on
NKO, Air Force: https://golearn.csd.disa.mil/kc/login/login.asp (ADLS/course list/annual training). You
will not be able to obtain access to computers at USU without a current certificate.
5. Have your Command Authority release your Government Credit Card and your DTS account and sign
(See Appendix B, Part 3)
6. Complete attached Immunization Verification Form, (See Appendix B, Part 4)
7. Ensure your SECURITY Clearance is up to date (within 10 years)
8. Complete Plagiarism Tutorial and bring the completion certificate to orientation (See Appendix B, Part
5) https://www.indiana.edu/~istd/
9. You must be fully “medically” ready at all times. Take care of as many appointments as possible prior to
your arrival at USU. If any of your Medical Readiness screens are within 60 days of expiration, you
should complete them before you PCS to USU.
10. All students with dependents under 18 yrs. must provide a Family Care Plan. This applies to single
service members, dual-military, and members with civilian spouses. Single and dual-military service
members must provide a formal care plan. Members with civilian spouses must provide an “informal”
plan (Signed word document) stating the name and ages of the children, the name of the primary care
taker and who will take care of the children in the event the primary care taker is unable to provide care
(due to illness/ hospitalization/ etc.)
RNA: Complete all requirements in Acceptance Letter/Review Basic and Organic Chemistry
PCNS/FNP/PMH: Upgrade Computer skills
PHS: Ensure Physical Exam within last 5 yrs on DD2807-1 Report; Provide to Medical Branch
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Mandatory In-processing Documents for all Services:
1. HIPAA and Privacy Act Training Requirement: bring 2 copies of training certificate
2. Anti Terrorism Training: bring 2 copies of current AT/FP certificate upon arrival to USUHS (required
annually)
3. DoD Information/Cyber Awareness: bring 2 copies of current DoD Information/Cyber Awareness
certificate upon arrival to USUHS (required annually)
4. BLS/ACLS/PALS (+ CNOR for PCNS students) certifications: bring 1 copy of certification
5. Nursing License: bring 1 copy of nursing license
6. One Copy of service record: Army ORB, Navy/PHS Electronic Service Record, AF SURF
7. One Copy of front page of last performance evaluation report (OER, OPR, FITREP, COER), must show
previously held Job Positions.
8. One Copy of your last physical fitness test report and any physical profile (temporary or permanent)
9. One Copy of individual medical readiness report
10. Completed Release of Government Travel Card and DTS (See Appendix B, Part 3)
11. Completed Immunization Verification Form (See Appendix B, Part 4)
12. One Copy of Plagiarism Tutorial Certificate (See Appendix B, Part 5) https://www.indiana.edu/~istd/
13. One copy of your leave form, if you took leave from your losing Command prior to reporting to USU
Military Personnel Office (Army DA 31, Navy NSIPS printout, Air Force Leave Web printout, Public
Health Service leave form)
14. Copy of all mandatory training certificates. We do not have APEQs and cannot access your training
record.
Complete USU in processing Check Sheet by 2 May
Air Force
The package given to you by your losing base (Dental and Medical Records)
2 Copies of your PCS orders
Copies of receipts required to process your Travel Voucher
Army
Finance Briefing held Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 0800.
Provide 5 to 8 copies of your orders
Provide 3 to 5 copies of your DA 31 signed and completed
Provide 1 copy of your ORB
Provide marriage certificate and or birth certificate if you are not getting paid with dependent rate
Provide receipts from travel (airplane tickets, motel receipts)
Provide a copy of rental agreement/proof of ownership of home
Navy/PHS:
Ensure orders are stamped by USU MILPO before attending briefing at PSD. In Processing briefs are given only
at 0900 and 1300, Monday – Friday. Arrive 30 minutes prior to brief with all travel documents to ensure you will
have a seat in the class.
Provide copy of last FITREP and extension letters
Provide all receipts for travel expenses
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15. REQUIRED MANDATORY TRAINING
(Mandatory Training and Medical Readiness is required to submit leave request)
TITLE: Date Completed:
NAVY (All Annually/Face-to-Face)
Equal Opportunity, Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedures
Suicide Awareness and Prevention FFSC
Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP)
Alcohol Abuse Prevention and Control(DAPA)
Operational Stress Control-Stress Management
Personal Financial Management- Credit Management
Hazing Policy and Prevention
Fraternization
Physical Readiness
NAVY (Online)
Information Assurance-Cyber Challenge
Records Management
Combating Trafficking in Persons
PII
Operational Security
Anti-terrorism Level 1 Awareness Training (only the CONUS course)
Drug Abuse Prevention and Control
Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation
Sexual Health and Responsibility
Counter-intelligence Awareness and Reporting
Operational Risk Management
Anger Management
Domestic Violence Prevention and Reporting
AIR FORCE (All Annually/On Line)
DoD Information Assurance Awareness
DoD Information Assurance/Cyber Awareness
Force Protection
Human Relations
Information Protection
Suicide Awareness
Antiterrorism Training
ARMY (Face-to-Face)
Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness (Quarterly)
Equal Opportunity Program (Semi-Annually)
Army Suicide Prevention Program (Annually)
Sexual Harassment /Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) (Annually)
Army Substance Abuse Prevention Training (Annually)
ARMY (Online)
Threat Awareness and Reporting Program (Annually)
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Antiterrorism Training (Annually)
Operational Security (OPSEC) (Annually)
Information Assurance (IA) Training/Cyber Awareness (Annually)
Law of War - Detainee Operations (Annually)
Fraternization Policy Training (Annually)
Global Assessment Tool and Comprehensive Fit (Annually)
Combating Trafficking in Persons Program (Annually)
Personnel Recovery (PR) Army PR 101A: Into to PR Concepts (Annually)
No FEAR Act Training (Every two-years)
Portable Electronic Device & Removable Storage Media (One Time)
Phishing Awareness (One Time)
Safe Home Computing (One Time)
Personally Identifiable Information (One Time)
Composite Risk Management MILITARY (One Time)
Orientation Week
All Students must also have the following available:
- Your contact information (emergency and next of kin)
- Your new address and phone numbers while attending USU GSN
RNA Students: Copies of BSN Diploma & All Other Diplomas/ Checkbook for AANA Fee/ Current CV
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APPENDIX B, Part 2:
DTS/Government Credit Card
1. Government Travel Card (GTC): All students are required to have a Government Travel
Card for TDY/TAD for clinical rotations. Your GTC must be released by your losing command
before you leave, and it must be transferred to USU upon arrival. This is your responsibility.
If this is not done prior to your first TDY, you will experience extreme delays getting paid, and
problems creating DTS travel orders. If you do not have a government travel card, complete
an application form the week of orientation.
2. GTC Cardholder Responsibilities:
a. GTC Bill Payment: Ensure that you have funds saved up to pay for credit card
indebtedness when it is due, in case of delays in travel settlement, especially at the
end/beginning of the fiscal year. Delinquent accounts are reported to the Brigade
Commander and University President monthly.
b. It is your responsibility to ensure you receive your card, have it activated and enter it
in DTS.
c. It is your responsibility to update your GTC information in the DTS when you receive
a new GTC, your GTC is renewed and you have a new expiration date, when you
change your address, and when you change your BANK account for direct deposit.
Recommendation: DO NOT Change your bank account for your direct deposits for DTS travel
settlement. Changing your bank account can cause major problems in DTS which can result in
your travel settlement being deposited into a closed bank account, and can take months to
resolve.
Air Force Students Only:
1) Inbound AF students selected by AFPC for AFIT sponsorship at USU must follow all
electronic automated communications sent by AFIT before departure to USUHS, during
transition, and throughout their program of study.
2) Inbound Students must: log onto the AFIT student website at https://www.afit.edu/CIP/
and update their local area contact information and continue to login as necessary to keep
us updated.
3) For all AF inbound students, transfer government credit cards to AFIT and ensure that
you have been "released" from your previous base DTS hierarchy so that AFIT can add
you to the AFIT hierarchy. If you have the Air Force Control Spend Travel Card, that
account will have to be closed so that you can be issued a regular government travel
card.
Army and Navy Students:
Ensure that your government credit card and your DTS accounts are released by your losing
command. Make sure both accounts are transferred to USU during your finance in-processing.
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APPENDIX B, Part 3:
RELEASE OF GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD and from DTS
Print Legibly:
Your Last Name: First Name: Middle Initial:
Releasing/Losing Command Government Travel Card Authority:
This certifies that the credit card for the above named Service member has been released from
this Command.
Printed Name of Government Travel Card Authority:_____________________
Commercial Phone Number:
Signature of Government Travel Card Authority ______________________
Date signed:
******************************************************************
Releasing /Losing Command DTS Authority:
This certifies that the above named Service member has been released from this Command’s
DTS hierarchy.
Printed Name of Government DTS Authority:__________________________
Commercial Phone Number:
Signature of Government DTS Authority: ______________________________
Date signed:
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APPENDIX B, Part 4:
Immunization Verification Form
UNIFORMED SERVICES UNIVERSITY OF THE HEALTH SCIENCES
4301 JONES BRIDGE ROAD
BETHESDA, MARYLAND 20814-4799
Date: _______________
Student’s Name:
_____________________________________________________________________
IMMUNIZATION DATE
(1) MMR verification with:
(a) Proof of two (2) doses MMR after age one (1) year, or
(b) Positive antibody serum titers to rubella and rubeola.
(2) Hepatitis A verification with:
(a) Proof of vaccination with at least one (1) dose of hepatitis A and a second
dose if at least five (6) months after the 1st, or
(b) Proof of positive hepatitis B antibody serum titer, or
(c) Signed declination of hepatitis A vaccine (co-signed by a parent if a Minor)
(3) Hepatitis B verification with:
(d) Proof of vaccination with at least two (2) doses of hepatitis B 30 days apart
and a third dose if at least five (5) months after the 2nd
, or
(e) Proof of positive hepatitis B antibody serum titer, or
(f) Signed declination of hepatitis B vaccine (co-signed by a parent if a minor).
(4) Tuberculin Purified Protein Derivative (PPD) verification with:
(a) Negative PPD within six (6) months, or
(b) History of a positive PPD and a negative chest x-ray is acceptable if
screening by Preventive Medicine reveals no sign of active disease.
(5) Varicella verification with:
(a) Documented or patient-stated history of chickenpox, or
(b) Current varicella serum titer.
(6) Tetanus verification with proof of vaccination within ten (10)
years.
The above immunizations have been verified to be complete/correct by:
Printed Name and Signature of medical authority ___________________________________________
Title: ________________________________________________________________________
Date: _____________
Name of Medical Facility: ___________________________________________________________
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APPENDIX B, Part 5:
Plagiarism Tutorial
1. All incoming students will complete the Indiana University’s Plagiarism Tutorial at this
site: https://www.indiana.edu/~istd/(Indiana University makes this site available to non-
Indiana University students).
2. Complete the tutorial in its entirety.
3. Take the test for Non-Indiana University students. You must score 100% to obtain a
completion certificate.
4. Print the certificate, fill in all the blanks and sign it.
5. Bring the completion certificate to Orientation Day #1, Apr 30, 2014. Your
certificate will be collected and filed in your record.
6. Plagiarism is an offense which can result in disciplinary action including probation or
dismissal from USU. At the discretion of the program directors, student papers maybe
scanned using plagiarism detection software.
7. There are resources available to assist in developing your writing skills and check for
plagiarism. Examples of resources are below:
www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu
www.grammarly.com
https://turnitin.com/static/products/writecheck.php
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APPENDIX C
Orientation Schedule, Class of 2017
Day 1: Wednesday, 30 Apr 2014, Lecture Hall F, Building E
Army - Class B with neck tab or tie w/ Ribbons
Navy/PHS - Summer White w/ Ribbons
Air Force- Short Sleeve Blue with neck tab or tie
0730-0800 Opening Remarks/ Orientation Schedule/ Student Folders/ Counseling
GSN Commandant/ Company Commander/1SG
0800-0815 Military Personnel Office (MILPO) Briefing
CW3 James O. Myers II and Staff
0815-0830 USU Brigade Commander Remarks
Col Kevin Glasz, USU Brigade Commander
0830-0845 USU Presidential Remarks
Dr. Rice, President, USU
0845-1000 Group/Individual Program/Individual Group with Faculty Photo Session; Court
Yard
CNS/FNP/PMH RNA
1000-1045 GSN Orientation Schedule/Parking Information
Lecture Hall F, Building E
GSN Company Commander
HM1 Quarles, GSN Leading Petty Officer
1000-1045 Individual Photos
Building C, Room G070
POC: Thomas Balfour - 295-0240
1045-1100 BREAK 1045-1100 BREAK
1100-1145 Individual Photos
Building C, Room G070
POC: Thomas Balfour- 295-0240
1100-1145 GSN Orientation Schedule/Parking Information
Lecture Hall F, Building E
GSN Company Commander
HM1 Quarles, GSN Leading Petty Officer
1200-1300 LUNCH 1200-1300 LUNCH
1300-1330
Library Resource Orientation (LRC)
Chief Reference Librarian
POC: Rhonda Allard
1300-1330
Library Resource Orientation (LRC)
Chief Reference Librarian
POC: Rhonda Allard
1330-1500
Computer Orientation
Learning Resource Center (LRC), Bldg D
Computer Lab, POC: Bob Shimokaji
1330-1500
Complete USU Brigade
In-processing
Bldg C, Room C1016
1500-1630
Complete USU Brigade
In-processing
Bldg C, Room C1016
1500-1630
Computer Orientation
Learning Resource Center (LRC), Bldg D
Computer Lab, POC: Bob Shimokaji
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Day 2: Thursday, 1 May 2014, Lecture Hall F, Building E
You will be issued many heavy books on this day. Bring a Large Bag with Wheels to put your
books in to save your back. You may also be taking a Box of Bones home (see schedule below).
Refer to Appendix D1-D3 for your service in-processing locations and requirements
0730–1200 In-processing with each service specific office
Army - ACU
Navy/PHS – NWU/CUU
Air Force - ABU
1200-1300 Lunch – Sponsored by STTI Tau Theta Chapter
1300-1330 Sakai Review
Dr. Diane Seibert / Ms. Rozeta Jones
1330-1345 Equal Opportunity Brief
LT Hermansen
1345-1400 Brigade Judge Advocate
Maj Mark Peterson
1400-1415 Religious Ministries
LCDR Christopher Martin, CHC, USN
1415-1500 USU Health Center Brief
MAJ Bunt and TSgt Davis
CNS/FNP/PMH/RNA
1500-1600
By Program
Round Robin Here
Locker, Textbook, & Clicker Issue
Bldg A, Room, G028
POC: Terry Malavakis & Bob Shimokaji
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Day 3: Friday, 2 May 2014, Lecture Hall F, Building E
Army - Class B with neck tab or tie w/ Ribbons
Navy/PHS - Summer White w/ Ribbons
Air Force- Short Sleeve Blue with neck tab or tie
0700 – 0730 GSN Dean Welcome Remarks
Dr. Ada Sue Hinshaw, Dean, GSN, USU
GSN Overview, Dr. Romano, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, GSN
0730 - 0745 Welcome from GSN Program Directors and Administrative Staff
COL(Ret) Linda Wanzer, Director, Perioperative Clinical Nurse Specialist Program
CDR Robert Hawkins, Director, Nurse Anesthesia Program
Dr. Diane Seibert, Director, Family Nurse Practitioner Program
LTC Jess Calohan, Director, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program
0745-0800 SPC Brief
Dr. Catherine Ling
0800 – 0830 Mental Health Brief
LTC Jess Calohan, USA
0830-0845 Security Brief
Ms. Evelyn Wallace, USU Security
0845-0900 Break
0900-0930 Test Taking Skills
CDR Kenneth Wofford
0930-1000 GSN Handbook Review
LTC Munroe
1000 - 1030 Student Led Panel: CPT Whitaker, President, Class 2015/2016
1030 - 1200 Spousal Briefs with Class 2015-2016 Spouses
1030 - 1200 Program Breakout Sessions
*Nurse Anesthesia Program Room G252, Bldg E
*Family Nurse Practitioner Program Room G255, Bldg E
*Perioperative Clinical Nurse Specialist Program Room G256, Bldg E
*Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program Room G250, Bldg E
1200-1500 GSN Welcome Picnic with Families
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APPENDIX D1: ARMY Student Inprocessing
WALTER REED NATIONAL MILITARY MEDICAL CENTER, BLDG 17
Your appointment is scheduled for: Thursday, 1 May 2014, 0700
Ensure you have the required documents as instructed in the Action List
The Uniform of the Day: ACU
USU Brigade Military Personnel Office (MILPO) Representatives
SSG Jessica Dillard 301-295-3078
SSG Damiean Clarke 301-295-0418
APPENDIX D2: NAVY/PHS Student Inprocessing
Your appointment is scheduled for:
Thursday, 1 May 2014, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, BLDG 17
0700
Ensure you have the required documents as requested in the Action List
The uniform of the day: NWU/CUU
USU Brigade Military Personnel Office (MILPO) Representatives
YNC Sturdevant, Brian 301-295-9650
YNSA Riojas, Sessaly 301-295-0885
Walter Reed PSD
301-295-0715/0716
APPENDIX D3: AIR FORCE Student Inprocessing
Your appointment is scheduled for: 1 May 2014, 0700, Lecture Room C, BLDG A at USU
Uniform of the Day: ABU
Military Personnel Office (MILPO) will be providing all required documents except:
** Bring 2 copies of your PCS orders and your sealed envelope from your losing unit.
** Do not attempt to in-process early at Andrews AFB. You will be turned away.
** Housing allowance will be backdated - don’t try to process these actions early.
If you have done a DITY move, it is your responsibility to contact (and visit) your local TMO
office.
It will be reiterated at in-processing but remember to update your VMPF Record of Emergency
Data.
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APPENDIX E:
Program Directors’ Welcome Letter
29 January 2014
Congratulations on your acceptance into the Uniformed Services University of the Health
Sciences (USU). The faculty is looking forward to your arrival this summer as you begin
transitioning to an Advanced Practice Nursing (APN) role. You are entering an excellent
program that will provide you a unique opportunity to interact with the other services in a true
joint service environment and the opportunity for success as you advance in your military career.
Before addressing program specific information, we would like to provide you with some
general information that is not mentioned in the other correspondence you have received.
1. GSN Website: Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the USU Graduate
School of Nursing (GSN) website at http://www.usuhs.mil/gsn/. This contains valuable
information related to administrative questions that you may currently have as well as
those that may arise in the future.
2. Required admission course work: Submit any outstanding course work or issues that
may have been identified in your acceptance letter from the Admissions Committee.
These documents need to be submitted to the Graduate School of Nursing registrar, Ms.
Terry Malavakis ([email protected]). Ultimately she must receive an official
transcript documenting course work. If you arrive at USU and have not completed
required course work, you will be returned to your respective service and not allowed to
matriculate.
3. Computer Skills: Proficient computer skills are essential. Explore options for refresher
classes at your present facility or on-line to improve your skills as you deem necessary.
There are many online tools to assist you in learning how to use various Office software
programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc). One central site is the Microsoft Office
website found at http://www.microsoft.com/education/howto.mspx, but other very useful
tutorials and “Youtube” videos have been created that you might find very helpful.
Simply do a Google search for “PowerPoint (or Word or Excel) tutorial” and choose the
ones that give you the help you are seeking.
4. Adult Learners: Transitioning from your role as a skilled nurse to a graduate
student/adult learner can be stressful, challenging and a bit of a shock. The information
comes at you very quickly as well; 15 weeks of content is compressed into that first 10
week summer semester. Please make every effort to be settled into your home before
the first day of class so you will be able to concentrate on your studies as soon as classes
UNIFORMED SERVICES UNIVERSITY OF THE HEALTH SCIENCES
4301 JONES BRIDGE ROAD BETHESDA, MARYLAND 20814-4799
18
begin. The key to success is development of organizational skills, time management and
establishment of a student support network.
5. RN Licensure: You are responsible for informing your state nursing licensure board of
your change of address. This requirement is necessary so that state boards of nursing can
notify you when it is time for licensure renewal. It is not necessary to apply for a
Maryland nursing license.
6. Life in the DC area: Please give careful thought to where you chose to live. The DC
metropolitan area is a very large geographic area. It is also an expensive place to live and
it may be very tempting to look in the out-lying suburbs because it is generally less costly
the farther out you are. However, if you will be doing clinical in the DC area (FNP’s,
PMH-NP’s, and PCNS in particular) a word of caution: we select clinical sites and
preceptors that we feel best meet your individual learning needs; not your commuting
distance. You may be asked to go as far south as Quantico and as far north as Aberdeen
Proving Grounds. If you choose to live a long distance from the campus please
understand that we may ask you to drive 50 miles or more past USU to get to your
clinical site. It is not unusual for students to drive 90 minutes (each way) to clinical due
to traffic density in the National Capital Area. Although public transportation is available
in the DC Metro area (Buses, trains, Metro), many clinical sites are not located on a
public transportation route, so you cannot plan on taking public transportation to all your
clinical sites. If you are coming with a family, two cars are highly recommended.
PROGRAM-SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS) Students:
Congratulations on your acceptance into the Uniformed Services University of the Health
Sciences (USUHS) Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist program (AGCNS). The
faculty is looking forward to your arrival this summer as you begin your role transition to
Advanced Practice Nursing (APN). You are entering an excellent program that will provide you
the opportunity for success as you advance your military career within the federal healthcare
system as a Clinical Nurse Specialist with a specialty in perioperative nursing.
Successful completion of the 24 month AGCNS program option leads to the awarding of a
Master’s of Science in Nursing degree as an Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist and
qualifies you to sit for advanced practice board certification as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in
Adult-Gerontology offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Corporation.
During the first 12 months of the program, the focus of your learning will be on core
advanced practice nursing sciences, research, and program-specific courses. Although you will
be spending the majority of your time in the classroom setting, you will also experience a clinical
immersion at the end of each didactic course in both the Fall and Spring semesters.
19
The clinical rotations ramp up in the second year of the program where the focus shifts to an
emphasis on clinical application of knowledge: demonstrating competencies supporting the five
domains of the CNS across the three spheres of CNS influence within the acute care
environment. During this time students attend some classes and seminars; however, the majority
of the time is spent in clinical rotations. Highlights of the 2nd
year include facility design; trauma
simulation experiences focused a team approach to the delivery of healthcare in contingency
settings; immersion rotations with CNSs; clinical experiences across the acute care continuum;
working with industry in Rochester NY (5-day: TDY) supporting standards of practice related to
sterilization verification and audit processes; and culminates in your spring semester with a full
scope perioperative specific CNS immersion rotation (10-13 week: TDY).
The clinical sites supporting our program are primarily located within DoD and federal
health care facilities. Most of your clinical rotations will be accomplished locally; however, there
are several occasions where you will be sent outside the National Capitol Area. Therefore, be
prepared and expect to be sent TDY/TAD for some of your clinical rotations throughout the 2
year program.
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Students:
Congratulations on your acceptance into the Uniformed Services University of the Health
Sciences (USUHS) Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) program. The faculty is
looking forward to your arrival this summer as you begin your role transition to Advanced
Practice Nursing (APN). You are entering an excellent program that will provide you the
opportunity for success as you advance your military career within the federal healthcare system
as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. WHNP students provide direct patient care throughout
the program, most of which is provided in DoD and federal health care clinical sites. Clinical site
placements are very limited in the National Capitol Area so WHNP students will not be able to
accomplish all of their clinical training locally. Therefore, all students should prepare and
expect to be sent TDY/TAD during most clinical rotations.
Successful completion of the 36 month WHNP program option leads to the awarding of a
Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and qualifies students to sit for board certification as
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. The first 12 months of the program focuses on core
advanced practice nursing sciences, research, and program-specific courses, and although
students spend the majority of their time in the classroom setting, all students will experience a
clinical immersion at the end of each didactic course in the Fall and Spring semesters.
Beginning in the summer of the 2nd
year, didactic sessions are shorter (lasting approximately
4 weeks) and are followed by intensive (10-13 week) clinical rotations, often at a TDY/TAD
location.
At the beginning of the 3rd
year students PCS to an identified clinical residency site to
complete the remainder of the didactic and clinical courses. USU faculty retain overall
responsibility and control over the curriculum and DNP prepared faculty at the clinical sites
(Phase II site directors) are responsible for daily management of clinical and didactic content.
20
Family Nurse Practitioner Students:
Congratulations on your acceptance into the Uniformed Services University of the Health
Sciences (USUHS) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program. The faculty is looking forward to
your arrival this summer as you begin your role transition to Advanced Practice Nursing (APN).
You are entering an excellent program that will provide you the opportunity for success as you
advance your military career within the federal healthcare system as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
FNP students provide direct patient care throughout the program, most of which is provided in
DoD and federal health care clinical sites. Clinical site placements are very limited in the
National Capitol Area so FNP students will not be able to accomplish all of their clinical training
locally. Therefore, all students should prepare and expect to be sent TDY/TAD during most
clinical rotations.
Successful completion of the 36 month FNP program option leads to the awarding of a
Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and qualifies students to sit for board certification as Family
Nurse Practitioner. The first 12 months of the program focuses on core advanced practice
nursing sciences, research, and program-specific courses, and although students spend the
majority of their time in the classroom setting, all students will experience a clinical immersion
at the end of each didactic course in the Fall and Spring semesters.
Beginning in the summer of the 2nd
year, didactic sessions are shorter (lasting approximately
4 weeks) and are followed by intensive (10-13 week) clinical rotations, often at a TDY/TAD
location.
At the beginning of the 3rd
year students PCS to an identified clinical residency site to
complete the remainder of the didactic and clinical courses. USU faculty retain overall
responsibility and control over the curriculum and DNP prepared faculty at the clinical sites
(Phase II site directors) are responsible for daily management of clinical and didactic content.
Nurse Anesthesia Students:
The 36-month front-loaded DNP program consisting of two phases. The Phase I didactic
component, conducted on the campus of USU, provides the student with the academic and
professional education necessary for entrance into the clinical arena. All content areas identified
in the Standards and Guidelines for Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs are
introduced during Phase I. The Phase II clinical component focuses on the application of science
and research to clinical anesthesia. Students are assigned to a federal medical treatment facility
as their principal clinical training site. Individual clinical training sites may be eliminated or
added as needed to assure quality clinical education. The clinical phase is designed to guide
graduate students toward the goal of functional autonomy by demanding that students care for
patients in a manner reflecting comprehensive integration of scientific principle and, anesthesia
theory, as well as, maximal independent decision-making appropriate to each student’s level of
experience.
Students are assigned to a service-specific medical treatment facility as their primary clinical
site. Most students will have a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) to this site. Assignments for
Navy, Army and PHS students may be made prior to arrival, although not always. Phase II duty
stations for Air Force students will be made after arrival. The Army clinical sites will either be
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center located (WRNMMC) in Bethesda, MD and/ or Ft.
21
Belvoir Community Hospital, Fort Belvoir, VA. The Navy clinical sites are at San Diego, CA,
Portsmouth, VA, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, Ft. Belvoir
Community Hospital and Jacksonville, FL. The Air Force clinical sites are Wright-Patterson
AFB, OH, WRNMMC, and Eglin AFB, FL.
The Public Health Service clinical site is the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage,
Alaska. Regardless of the location of your primary/required clinical sites, most students will
have enrichment rotations at other hospitals and locations, and at some time may be TDY/TAD
away from the primary duty stations.
*****If you will be staying in the National Capital Area for your Phase II training
(regardless of Service) please be aware that you may be spending a significant amount of
time at either/or both Fort Belvoir, Virginia and Walter Reed National Medical Center,
Bethesda, MD and therefore plan your housing accordingly.******
On the first day of orientation you need to bring the documents indicated on the
Commandant’s Action List. Hand-carry those during your PCS move to Bethesda. Do not pack
them in your household goods shipment. You will also need to bring a certified check or money
order made out to the AANA. You will apply to the professional association as a student
member. The student enrollment fee for the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists is
$200.
Psychiatric - Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program Students:
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program is a 3-year/36 month
graduate program leading to a Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree that prepares students to sit
for American Nursing Credentialing Center (ANCC) board certification as a Psychiatric Mental
Health Nurse Practitioner. The first year of the program stresses core advanced practice nursing
science, research, and foundational behavioral health content. The majority of student time will
be spent on campus with simulation center clinical experiences integrated into first year
curriculum. The second year builds on the foundation of the first with more focused
concentration on evidence-based research, substance abuse, operational behavioral health,
pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment modalities. Students begin the transition from
the simulated clinical experiences to clinical rotations in a variety of treatment settings. At the
beginning of the third year - Summer semester, students will complete a permanent change of
station (PCS) to a predetermined – service specific training site. Therein, students will complete
3 additional semesters comprising of both clinical practicums and continuation of work on the
Scholarly Inquiry Project. Upon completion, students will graduate from USU with a Doctorate
of Nursing Practice (DNP).
22
Program Administrative Assistant:
If at any time you have any questions or require further information, please contact your
respective Program Administrative Assistant:
Perioperative CNS Program: Rozeta Jones
[email protected] 301-295-1220
Family Nurse Practitioner Program: Araya Amdetsyon
[email protected] 301-295-1147
Family Psychiatric Mental Health Program: Christine Carter
[email protected] 301-295-1760
Registered Nurse Anesthetist Program: Joseph Engle
[email protected] 301-295-0979
We look forward to meeting you in person in May and will do all we can to support you and
your family over the next 24-36 months. Again, congratulations on your selection and welcome
to the Graduate School of Nursing.
Linda J. Wanzer, DNP, RN, COL(ret), AN, CNOR
Director/Chair, Perioperative Clinical Nurse Specialist Program
Diane C. Seibert, PhD, CRNP
Director/Chair, Family Nurse Practitioner Program
Robert J. Hawkins, CDR, NC, USN, DNP. MS, MBA, CRNA
Director/Chair, Nurse Anesthesia Program
Jess Calohan, LTC, USA, DNP, PMH-NP,
Director/Chair, Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program
23
APPENDIX F:
Answers To Most Frequently Asked Questions
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter Page
I. Relocating to USU 21
II. A Word to Spouses 25
III. Personal Life Style 26
The provisions of this guide are for informational purposes only.
CHAPTER I
RELOCATING TO USU
The purpose of this chapter is to provide information which will be helpful to you as you relocate
to the metropolitan Washington, D.C., area. The information comes from a number of sources,
including housing referral offices at installations in the area. It also includes the insights of
students and spouses who have recently shared your upcoming experience and who offer tips
they found particularly useful when they arrived. The information should give you a good start as
you plan your move and get settled into this area.
A. Moving. Army, Navy and Air Force students should make moving arrangements through the
transportation office at the nearest military installation. Even if you plan to move yourself, you
must contact a transportation office before you leave in order to be reimbursed for your moving
expenses. U.S. Public Health Service students should contact the Shipping Officer at the
National Institutes of Health (NIH) (301-496-1595) to arrange to have their household goods
packed and moved.
All students, regardless of service, should refer to the DOD publication "It's Your Move,"
(available through the transportation office). The booklet addresses issues that are specific to a
military move, but also offers suggestions helpful to anyone facing a move. Every service
family has its own set of moving shortcuts, but here are a number you will want to consider (or
reconsider) as you plan for your move.
1. They are YOUR belongings--don't let the packers or movers convince you otherwise.
Watch them carefully; if you don't like the way they packed something, ask them do it
over.
24
2. You must allow the packers to pack your breakable items if the moving company is to
insure them against damage. A box will be considered "packed by movers" if, after you
pack the box, the mover inspects and seals the box.
3. Make sure all of your belongings are marked with a number and recorded on the
inventory sheet created by the movers.
4. The movers will inspect your furniture before they move it and note any damage. Don't
let them mark down damages that aren't there. Look very carefully at the inventory
before you sign it.
5. Hand-carry some emergency items (i.e., kitchen items, bathroom items, clothing,
complete military uniforms, school items). You can't be sure when your goods will
actually arrive at your new home, even though you may be given a specific date.
6. Develop a personal inventory of your property and hand-carry this when you move. Take
photographs or create a videotape inventory of any particularly valuable items and
document ant serial numbers (e.g., art work or furniture). This is a good idea not only for
losses due to moving, but is helpful for insurance purposes if you ever experience a loss
from fire, flood, theft, etc.
7. You may purchase extra insurance beyond what the government offers to cover your
belongings. Photographs and other items that cannot be replaced and any valuables
should be moved by you personally.
8. You will be given a telephone number of a government moving inspector at both ends of
your move. If your movers don't respond to your requests (this includes not packing
things the way you want or insisting on marking damages with which you disagree) call
the inspector immediately.
B. Renting Versus Buying. Your decision to rent or buy will depend on your tastes, needs, and
financial status. Here are some thoughts as you consider what is right for you.
Buying: Housing costs in the area are high and it may require two incomes to qualify for a
home loan. Buying also brings with it certain financial outlays: move-in costs, initial fix-up
costs, maintenance and repair expenses, taxes and fees, utilities, selling costs if/when you decide
to move. On the other hand, mortgage interest and property taxes are deductible items, so in
some cases a buyer will actually be paying less than a renter who cannot deduct any part of the
rent payments. Once the investment is made, there is the satisfaction of being in control of your
surroundings. Also with buying, there is the POSSIBILITY of benefiting from rising values;
historically, this has been a high-appreciation area (although this has NOT been true during the
past several years). Because of the closing costs on the buying and selling end, it is not usually
worthwhile to buy unless you will be keeping the house for several years; some people choose to
buy and keep the house as a rental, with hopes of returning to the area in the future. Consider all
of these factors when deciding to buy. You are eligible to apply for a VA loan after 180 days on
active duty; depending on the current loan rates, you may want to pursue that option or choose
another kind of loan. A positive feature of a VA loan is that it allows the buyer to use a higher
percentage of his or her income to determine loan eligibility; always remember, however, what is
"allowable" and what is "comfortable" may not be the same, depending on such factors as a
second income, family expenses, savings, etc. More information on VA loans appears later in
this chapter.
25
If you choose to buy, you will have many houses, townhouses, and condominiums from which to
choose. A rule of thumb for the area is the farther away you live, the more you'll get for your
money. The housing office's listing of available properties might be useful, as are the classified
ads in the local newspapers and a listing from a realtor.
Renting: If you choose to rent, you also have a wide range of choices in houses, townhouses,
condominiums, and apartments. Again, the housing office and newspapers, as well as the
university's bulletin boards--the electronic board and wall boards--are good sources of rentals.
Some Realtors will help you with rentals, but many shun them since their commissions are
lower. Housing offices maintain a "black list" of apartment complexes, management companies,
and builders which the installation has had problems with or does not recommend. You might
find your school sponsor to be another useful source for rental information.
Normally rentals will require the first month's rent and a security deposit (equivalent to up to
two-month's rent) at the time of move in. Often landlords who allow pets will require an
additional deposit and perhaps a cleaning fee when you vacate. Pay particular attention to the
wording regarding lease expiration. Be cautious of leases which provide that if you do not give a
certain number of days’ notice of intent to move prior to the lease expiration, you agree to renew
the lease for another FULL year. Also, be aware of penalties that may be charged should you
find it necessary to break the lease.
If you are planning to purchase at a later date, you may wish to request that a house buying
clause be put in your lease. This clause allows you to break your lease if you buy a home,
provided you abide by the specific stipulations written in the clause. Insist that a "military
clause" (sometimes called a "government clause" or "diplomatic clause") is part of the rental
contract; this will allow you to break the lease without penalty if the government decides to
move you. Read the lease carefully and find out before you sign about your other expenses and
those the landlord will pay (i.e., maintenance and repairs, utilities, etc.). For your protection, let
the housing office or the University's Office of the General Counsel review your lease before you
sign it.
While property owners will have insurance to cover the residence itself, it is also important for
YOU to have insurance to cover your household goods. A renter's insurance policy will cover
damage to or loss of your personal property caused by fire, flooding, freezing and bursting of
pipes and water heaters. Policies are relatively inexpensive and, considering what you have to
lose, are very good investments.
C. Housing Costs and Allowances. The Washington, D.C. metropolitan area can be very
expensive and a rule of thumb is the closer to the university you live, the more you will pay. If
you have a family, you'll need a larger place to live, and that can be costly in the immediate area;
however, within a half-hour commute you can find larger places to accommodate you. You must
balance the cost vs. location trade-off: how much are you willing to pay and how far are you
willing to travel?
D. Location. While the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area can be overwhelming at first, it
won't be long until you are getting around like a native. An important first step is getting a good
26
area map. Detailed county and city maps are available at local bookstores, convenience stores,
and newsstands; often realtors have up-to-date map books they can provide.
Students and staff live all over the Washington area: most in Montgomery County, but many
others in surrounding counties of Maryland and Virginia. Areas immediately surrounding the
University--Bethesda, Chevy Chase, and Kensington-- can be quite expensive; there are
apartments in these areas. More reasonably priced areas which offer a good mix of houses,
townhouses, and apartments include Rockville and Silver Spring. The Gaithersburg,
Germantown, and Olney areas offer newer houses and townhouses, and are within the magic 30
minute drive-time, however traffic can make this drive longer.
E. Commuting: Commuting in the Nation’s Capital is challenging at best. The DoD has
instituted a policy that allows for the reimbursement of Metro Cost to service members living in
the area. The maximum allowance is $125 month (approximate) and is based on your commuter
costs, and the vouchers are issued on a quarterly basis
(http://www.whs.mil/DFD/Info/NCRTransitSubsidy.cfm). Claims are made between the 1st–
15th of the month prior, for the next month’s benefit (cut off dates are driven by WMATA’s
required deadlines). Three reminders will be sent during the claim period. You will need access
to a CAC enabled DoD network computer to submit your claim. Failure to submit a claim or
forgetting to submit a claim will result in skipping a month’s benefits.
F. Applying for Homes and Parks. Military housing (referred to as "on-base housing" by
Navy and Air Force personnel and "on-post housing" by Army personnel) is available to military
students at some of the military installations in the area. On- base living puts you in a safe
community close to frequently used military services (exchanges, commissaries, hospitals, day
care, etc.) and with other military families. Some people appreciate that environment, while
others prefer living out in the civilian community.
Most USU students who live on base do so at either Ft. Meade (Army, Navy, and Air Force
students) located about 25 miles away or Andrews AFB (Air Force students) located about 25
miles away. While both commutes are on major interstate freeways, they will take an average of
30 – 45 minutes each way (sometimes much longer depending on traffic); some students living
there car pool each day. The Glen Haven Housing located in Wheaton, MD is closer to USU and
offers apartments and townhouses for Enlisted personnel and O1-O3 (301-649-9700). Contact
the housing offices at these bases to obtain information on how long of a wait there is to get in
and how to apply for base housing. Should you decide to live on base, you won't, of course,
receive a BAQ or VHA in your pay.
G. Temporary Quarters. Whether visiting the area for house hunting or just getting into town
for school, you may want to consider the relatively inexpensive temporary quarters located at
and maintained by most military installations in the area. The temporary quarters you and your
family will be eligible to use include Guest Houses (GH) and Visiting Officers' Quarters (VOQ).
Their prices and maximum lengths of stay vary with facility, and it is best to reserve well in
advance.
The closest of these to USU is the Navy Lodge, on the grounds of WRNMMC and a block from
the university. First priority for reservations is to family members of in-patients at the hospital,
27
but newly arriving service personnel have second priority; you may reserve a room by calling
(301) 295-5960 or (800) NAVY INN (toll-free) two months in advance. Several other military
temporary quarters in the area and their phone numbers are listed below.
A number of well-known hotels in nearby Bethesda and Rockville offer outstanding relocation
packages for incoming students. Some of these include rates as low as $80 per night for the
entire family, often with other benefits such as free breakfast. The housing office at WRNMMC
can provide more details on these specials.
The Andrews AFRC Loan Locker, Fort Belvoir Family Support Office, and the Walter Reed
National Military Medical Center’s Fleet and Family Support Center offer loaner items until
HHG arrive. Ensure you take copies of your orders if you intend to borrow any items.
Andrews AFB: (301) 981-7087
The Airman Family Readiness Center operates the Loan Closet and the hours of operation are
Monday-Friday 0730-1600
FT Belvoir: (703) 805- 5058
The ACS operates the Loan Closet and the hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 0730-
1600. The ACS is located in Building 200, 9800 Belvoir Road (18th and Belvoir Rd), Fort
Belvoir, VA 22060
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center: (301) 319-4087
The Fleet and Family Support Center operates the Loan Closet and the hours of operation are
Monday-Friday from 0730-1600. You must call to set-up an appointment before you go.
H. Moving In. Public Health Service officers should contact the Shipping Officer at NIH (301-
496-1595) to arrange for the delivery of their household goods. Military Officers will work
through the Joint Personal Property Shipping Office (JPPSO), located at 9325 Gunston Road,
Suite N110, Ft Belvoir, VA 22060, south of Washington, D.C. This is the military transportation
office servicing this area and is where your household goods will arrive. The main POC for the
shipment of your household goods is your Transportation Service Provider. Ensure you contact
them as soon as you arrive at your final destination, provide them with a good contact number,
and schedule the delivery of your household goods. If the goods must be put into storage, you
will need to make arrangements to have them delivered once you are ready to move into your
new residence. You may even find it advantageous to call several weeks before arriving in the
local area and set up a date for move in if you know exactly when you will arrive and where you
Andrews AFB, Camp Spring, MD GH/VOQ (301) 981-5516
Bolling AFB, Washington DC/
Annacostia Naval Center
GH/VOQ
(202) 404-7050
Fort Belvoir, VA GH (703) 454- 9700
Fort Meade, Odenton MD GH (410) 672-4570
Fort Myer, Arlington VA VOQ (703) 696- 3557/8
Marine Corps Base, Quantico, VA GH/VOQ (703) 784-2711
(703) 784-3149
28
will be living. When your belongings are delivered, be certain that every item listed on the
inventory has been brought into your home before signing for them; if items are damaged or
missing, note those on the forms which the movers will have you sign. The movers are to
unpack your belongings if you wish; some families prefer to do this at their leisure, but the
movers must do it if you wish.
If you find that any of your belongings have been lost or damaged during your move, you can
pick-up copies of the government claims forms from the university's Office of the General
Counsel to be reimbursed for the loss or damage. Follow through on this immediately. It takes
some effort to fill out the lengthy forms, but it is well worth it to receive the money to which you
are entitled. Hopefully this and the following information will make your relocation an
enjoyable experience, with minimum hassles. Let the personnel in the Office of the
Commandant know if you need further assistance during the move or settling into the area.
If you are unable to contact your Transportation Provider, you can contact the JPPSO office
(1800-326-2137/1800-462-2176)) when you arrive and let them know where you can be reached.
When you contact JPPSO be patient and persistent; the phones are always busy and you may be
on hold for a long time even after you get through to the office.
29
CHAPTER II
A WORD TO SPOUSES
We would like to take this opportunity to welcome all spouses, significant others, and or children
of the Matriculating Class of 2017 to the National Capitol Area. Whether you are a seasoned
veteran of military life or are brand new to the armed services, you may be wondering what USU
has in store for you, the other half of the student. The next two/three years will be filled with
many changes, challenges and adjustments. The Student Spouses Club (SSC) is here to provide
support, friendship, and occasional advice as you make the transitions from year to year.
The SSC was founded in 1980 with a handful of members who felt the need to provide support
for one another. Organization was minimal, and the club's only responsibilities were a Get
Acquainted Brunch and the annual Holiday party. Since then the club has grown considerably.
It has a board of officers, monthly meetings with planned activities, and various annual events.
The Club has become an integral part of life here at USU.
The Club is open to both male and female spouses and significant others of USU students. Its
membership currently consists of men and women who work both inside and outside the home,
each bringing with them unique experiences and histories which enrich the character of the club.
The Club has many purposes: to provide support from a group of people who have already been
through the changes that you are now experiencing: to sponsor various activities throughout the
year that contribute to the sense of "family" here at USU; to provide a network from which
lasting friendships are formed; and most importantly, to get you through those unexpected
"surprises" that come with relocating. Chances are that no matter what difficulty you may
experience, at least one member of the SSC has experienced it before.
The Club meets on the first Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Lounge.
Although important announcements regarding upcoming events and activities are made at this
time, the meetings are generally informal and social. Each month they have a different theme or
activity scheduled to appeal to different interests. These activities are funded in part by fund-
raisers such as bake sales and the traditional $30.00 yearly dues by the club's members.
The Moms and Tots group provides monthly outings for Moms and their small children. In
years past, the group visited a local orchard, a nature center, a bagel factory, and the Hard Times
Cafe. It is a good way to meet other moms and make baby-sitting connections.
Each year the SSC class representatives have planned special get-togethers for spouses and
significant others of each individual class. These activities have consisted of potluck dinners,
dessert nights, volleyball games, and hot chocolate nights during the winter.
Success is a family affair, and the Spouses Club looks forward to including you in our USU
family. Please join in the Student Spouses Club activities. It is your group and with your
participation, it can continue to grow and flourish.
Additional information about the USU Student Spouses Club can be found at:
http://www.usuhs.mil/students/ssc/. This is a very resourceful website.
30
CHAPTER III
PERSONAL LIFESTYLE INFORMATION
This chapter provides an A to Z listing of general information which students and families new
to USUHS might find helpful as they settle into the area.
BANKING A number of banking facilities exist in the area near USU and in the local communities. Their
services, fees, and interest rates vary.
The banking facility closest to the USU campus is Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU). Most
Navy personnel are already familiar with this institution, since it has branches on or near most
Navy bases around the world. In addition to its branch office located in Building 2 of the Walter
Reed National Military Medical Center and its automatic teller machine at the Navy Exchange,
NFCU offers a number of branch offices and automatic teller machines in various communities.
BOOK STORES Although your textbooks are issued to you, you may want to supplement your personal library
with review books or other materials. Several bookstores in the area are noteworthy: NIH
Foundation Bookstore (located at NIH across Wisconsin Avenue from WRNMMC), Reiter's
Scientific and Professional Books (1900 G St NW (between N 19th St & N 20th St) Washington,
DC 2006); use Farragut West METRO stop), George Washington University Bookstore (use
Foggy Bottom METRO stop), and Georgetown University Medical Bookstore (3900 Reservoir
Rd, NW, Washington, DC). USU also has a small bookstore that will be able to order books to
meet most supplemental needs.
CHECK CASHING You will be able to present checks for cash at military exchanges. This applies to either local or
out-of-area checks if you present your government identification card. You will also be allowed
to pay for items or services with a personal check at military exchanges, commissaries, and
service stations.
COMPUTERS Computers play a major role in the lives of students at USU. During orientation, staff members
will brief you on the use of the entire system and its features, as well as issue you an account
number which gives you access to the system. Two of the most important features of the system
are the email, and Sakai. Historically, some students have reported some compatibility
challenges with MAC operating systems. Snow Leopard operating system is required to run
Defense Connect Online (DCO). Computer terminals are available for student use in the
Learning Resource Center (LRC), and the Student Lounge. Wireless access and power outlets
are available in most classrooms. A personal portable computer with wireless capability is
necessary for access to online examinations and note taking. There are also many other
helpful programs out there but they are not compatible with all operating systems. Some
software licenses are available and will be discussed after your arrival and change from year to
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year but many are compatible with the iPhone, iTouch or Blackberry smart phones. It is
advisable that you get a CAC reader for your personal use as some cites will require log-in using
CAC access, again this is just a recommendation. I highly recommend that you download the
necessary software on your personal laptops so that you are able to access the various CAC
required web sites and documents.
DINING USU operates a cafeteria on the first floor of Building B. The cafeteria is open from 6:30 AM to
10:00 AM for breakfast and from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM for lunch, Monday through Friday, with
a salad bar, sandwich bar, and grill. Food is reasonably priced and students and family members
can use it. The WRNMMC complex also offers several eateries within the campus. There are
also refrigerators and micro-waves for your personal use.
EXCHANGES The exchange closest to USU is located on the grounds of WRNMMC, it is a brand new facility
that just opened in NOV 2012. A gas station (no automobile repair services provided) and a
McDonald’s restaurant are located near the NEX. Most of the areas exchanges are open seven
days a week, but it's always smart to check their hours before you go; their locations and phones
numbers are listed below.
Andrews AFB, Camp Springs MD (301) 568-1500
Bolling AFB, Washington DC (202) 562-3000
Fort Belvoir, VA (703) 806-5800
Fort Meade, Odenton MD (410) 674-7170/7171
Fort Myer, Arlington VA (703) 522-4575
Henderson Hall, Arlington VA (703) 979-8420
Naval Station, Annapolis MD (410) 757-0005
WRNMMC, Bethesda MD (301) 295-6363
Marine Corps Base, Quantico VA (703) 432-8800
Washington Navy Yard, Washington DC (202) 889-7534
GROCERIES Several major chain grocery stores-including Safeway, Giant, and Shoppers Food Warehouse-as
well as small and large independent groceries have stores in the local communities. Roadside
produce markets are open seasonally in many suburban areas. Be prepared to pay higher prices
for groceries if you are coming from areas outside Hawaii, New York City, Seattle or California.
It is much cheaper to shop at the commissary, especially if you are shopping for more than one
person.
The commissary closest to USU is located at the Forest Glen Annex. Two very large and
relatively new commissaries are located at Fort Meade and Andrews AFB. Most commissaries
close at least one day a week (usually Sunday and/or Monday), so call before you go. The areas
commissaries and their phones numbers are listed below.
Andrews AFB, Camp Springs MD (240) 857-6512
Bolling AFB, Washington DC (202) 767-4695
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Fort Belvoir, VA (703) 781-0536
Fort Meade, Odenton MD (301) 677-7465
Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Arlington VA (703) 696-3674
Naval Station, Annapolis MD (410) 293-9030
Marine Corps Base, Quantico VA (703) 784-2233
Forest Glen Commissary, Silver Spring MD (301) 295-7448
HEALTH SERVICES
The University Health Clinic at USU, located in Room A1034. The clinic provides
comprehensive and continuing health care for all ages, including routine prenatal care, well-baby
check-up, routine immunizations, illnesses and minor injuries, and mental health counseling.
The clinic stocks some commonly used medications, but you will receive most medications from
the large pharmacy at WRNMMC nearby. The clinic staff also coordinates all referrals to other
specialists. The clinic's telephone number is (301) 295-3630; a physician is always on call after
duty hours and may be contacted at 301-312-7241. Clinic hours are from 0715-1600 Monday-
Friday, with the exception of Tuesday when the clinic is only open for administrative issues after
1200.
To be seen at the clinic, please call ahead and schedule an appointment; make a separate
appointment for each family member to be seen. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your
appointment to allow time for you to be screened by one of the clinic nurses. Bring only those
children scheduled to be seen by the doctor. Always bring your government identification card
and your military medical card.
In an emergency during non-duty hours, go directly to the emergency room at any military
medical facility. The major facilities and their phone numbers are listed below. In a life-
threatening situation, go to the nearest emergency room, civilian or military.
Anytime you obtain emergency care at any other facility, military or civilian, bring any
paperwork you receive regarding treatment and medications to the University Health Clinic as
soon as possible so that it can be incorporated into your official medical record.
Ft. Belvoir Community Hospital, Ft. Belvoir, VA (571) 231-3224
Kimbrough Ambulatory Medical Center, Ft. Meade MD (301) 677-8800
Malcolm Grow USAF Medical Center, Andrews AFB MD (240) 857--5911
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda MD (301) 295-6289
LEGAL SERVICES
The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) at USU offers free legal services for students and their
families. Additionally, students and their families can receive assistance at the legal services
office at any of the military installations in the area; their telephone numbers are available by
contacting the OGC or Office of Student Affairs at (301) 295-3028
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LIBRARIES
The Learning Resource Center (LRC) is USU’s library and a lot more. You will have an
introductory visit to the LRC during matriculation, at which time you will receive your library
access code.
Student mailboxes are located in the student lounge of the university (Room G059A). Since the
mailboxes function only as a mail distribution office and therefore are not part of the U.S. Postal
Service, DO NOT use this mailbox to receive mail from outside the university. Check your USU
mailbox regularly so you do not miss any important mail from the University or the GSN.
NEWS
USU events and announcements are advertised through notices on the many bulletin boards
located throughout the campus, the closed circuit television monitors located around the campus,
the numerous computer bulletin boards or the USU email system.
POST OFFICES
There is a Post Office located on the first floor of Building 2 at WRNMMC (301-941-2786).
There is also a branch in Bethesda, located at 740 Wisconsin Avenue (301-654-5894), and in
nearby Kensington, located at 10325 Kensington Parkway (301-949-2863).
QUESTIONS
The Commandant Team Office is a good resource, particularly if the question pertains to your
conduct or development as officers, uniform issues (military issues). It may be a cliché, but it's
true: "the only dumb question is the one you didn't ask."
RELIGIOUS SERVICES
Many religious faiths are represented in the Washington area, and the local chambers of
commerce and telephone directories are fine sources to locate houses of worship and religious
activities. The WRNMMC chapel staff and the Office of Student Affairs can provide telephone
numbers for chapel programs at other bases in the area. The USU Chaplain can be reached at
(301) 295-9658/3193.
SHOPPING
There are several large, well-equipped malls located a short distance from the university. The
closest of these, White Flint Mall, is several miles north on Maryland Route 355 (called
Wisconsin Avenue until you reach WRNMMC then the name changes to Rockville Pike). White
Flint boasts a Bloomingdale’s, Lord and Taylor, over 120 specialty stores, theaters, restaurants,
and an eatery; many are quite expensive.
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Other malls in the local area include Montgomery Mall, west on Democracy Boulevard in
Bethesda
(Sears, 160 specialty stores, theaters, several restaurants, food court); Wheaton Plaza, north on
Georgia Avenue at Viers Mill in Silver Springs (Montgomery Ward, 120 specialty stores,
theaters, and eatery); Lake Forest Mall, north on Route 355 (it's called Frederick Road at this
point) at Montgomery Village Avenue in Gaithersburg (J.C. Penney, Sears, 160 specialty stores,
theaters, and several restaurants). In nearby Virginia (Exit 11B off the Beltway), Tyson's Corner
Center is the largest in the state (Nordstroms, Bloomingdale’s, Lord and Taylor, 230 specialty
stores, restaurants, theaters, and an eatery) and The Galleria at Tysons II is upscale and
expensive (Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, 110 specialty stores, and an eatery).
USU PARKING
USU has limited parking for students, staff and faculty. As a result, only about 25% of each
class will be issued a parking tag allowing them to park at the USU garage. Parking tags are
issued through a lottery system and is NOT based on special circumstance (i.e. having multiple
small children, living far away from USU, etc.). Students who park at USU or anywhere on base
without an assigned tag will be towed at their own expense. Hence, it is essential that you
explore and consider alternate modes of transportation (i.e. metro, walk/run/bike). If needed, you
will be able to park in the USU garage from 30 Apr - 19 MAY 2014 during your New Student
Orientation period only. After this, you will have to have a parking tag to park in the USU
garage, starting 20 May. You will receive additional information on the lottery system during
in-processing.
You may park in the USU garage without a parking tag after 1500 and before 0700, Monday
through Friday, and all day on Saturday, Sunday and all federal holidays.
VOTER REGISTRATION
You may maintain voter registration either here in the local area or at the address where you
maintain legal residency.
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APPENDIX G:
USU MAP
Bldg. B Breezeway
Bldg. A
Bldg. E
N
Amphitheater
Auditorium Bldg. B
Bldg. D
Bldg. C
Bldg. B
Cafeteria
Diagram Not to ScaleUSU Bldg Diagram
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APPENDIX H:
USU CONTACT INFORMATION
If you have any questions, please contact the office of the GSN Commandant or anyone else listed below.
USU Faculty Phone # E-mail
GSN
Commandant
LTC Michelle Munroe
301-295-1022
michelle.munroe@usuhs,edu
GSN
Company, Commander
CPT Efther Samuel
301-295-9561
GSN
Company 1SG,
Leading Petty Officer
HM1 Ann Quarles
301-295-9556
GSN Commandant Team To reach each of us simultaneously [email protected]
Perioperative Clinical
Nurse Specialist,
Program Director
COL (ret) Linda
Wanzer
301-295-1507
Family Nurse Practitioner
& Women’s Health Nurse
Practitioner
Program Director
Dr. Diane Seibert
301-295-1080
Family Psych Mental Health
Nurse Practitioner,
Program Director
LTC Jess Calohan,
USA, DBP, PMH-NP
301-295-1092
Nurse Anesthesia,
Program Director
CDR Robert Hawkins
301-295-1199
Military Personnel Office
(MILPO)
CW3 James O. Myers
II, OIC
SFC Larry Thrash,
NCOIC
301-295-3652
301-295-3087
MILPO
Air Force Personnel
SSgt Lyschale Jones
301-295-9651
MILPO
Army Personnel
SSG Jessica Dillard
SSG Dameian Clarke
301-295-3078
301-295-0418
MILPO
Navy/PHS Personnel
YNC Sturdevant, Brian
YNSA Riojas, Sessaly
310-295-9650
301- 295-0885
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BASE MAP
38
METRO MAP