Air Force

Ultraposh · Jan 18, 2014

I'm really concerned about this too. I think the school I want to go to which is Rutgers is a program like this if not all or most of the ones on the east coast.

allnurses Guide · Jan 18, 2014

Actually, if someone came in and was honest and said up front "I'm waiting for a military appointment", we would probably hire them if we had an opening, and since we have a locum tenens division, that would probably be where they would be placed. Haven't you heard of that "honesty is the best policy" concept?Most people on this board have no clue about being an Air Force CRNA. I wasn't speaking to that point - only to the point about lying to a potential employer about your intentions. That is not unique to CRNA's - or AA's, MD's, or the kid next door that wants to go flip burgers after school.Turn it around - what would you think of someone who jumps through all the hoops to become a CRNA in the armed forces, runs through all the applications and background checks, delaying or possibly dissuading others by taking up a slot in the application process, and just as they're ready to take their oath, takes a better job in a non-military position. And then decides after a few months or a year, "Nah, maybe I should have taken the military slot". Would he be welcomed back with open arms, or would he be looked at as "you had your shot and blew it"?

FYI: It is not lying to not state that you have applied to the military, but have no idea whether you will be accepted or how long the process will take before starting active duty.I have known too many employers do just the opposite of your proposed statements and not hire someone when they know they are trying to join the military. Also, I have seen employers withhold positions and not advance these individuals. I think realism is the best policy until you have firm date for commissioned officer training. When you get a firm date then you should try to give your employer as much head notice as possible. It maybe common where you work, but I haven't seen many places willing to hire new grad CRNAs as locums.The military system and application process does not have comparable civilian process, if a person were to drop their recruitment process they would need to write a letter stating why. Then if that person wanted rejoin at a later time they would have to go through the entire process again and more than likely write another letter explaining their decision not enter the first time. It would not be an automatic disqualifier. Each package is judged on its individual merits and how their package ranks with the other applicants at that time. It isn't uncommon to change your mind during the recruitment process. I went through the entire process for Army Reserve LPN and later turned it down. I had no trouble joining the USAF a couple of years later.

bradleyclose · Jan 19, 2014

Its 4 months difference b/c VCU is one of 8 schools or so in the USA that offers the combined degree: meaning that while we are doing our MSNA, we take consecutive DNAP courses. However, if you do the DNAP after, it is the full time. I hope this makes sense. VCU's didactic load is ridiculous, probably why other schools rank it so well (students still manage to do DNAP qualifications)

allnurses Guide · Jan 20, 2014

Okay, I am now learning that it is very competitive. I am at a GREAT program. What are some ways to make myself a competitive applicant in the AF?

I just wanted to add that your USAF application will be looked at by people with probably absolutely no idea about CRNAs or the different NA schools. I am not sure if the Chief USAF CRNA reviews CRNA applications or not and how much weight their review has on the process.

Your application needs to stand out d/t your grades, certifications, and any volunteer activities that you may have done.

bradleyclose · Jan 20, 2014

I just wanted to add that your USAF application will be looked at by people with probably absolutely no idea about CRNAs or the different NA schools. I am not sure if the Chief USAF CRNA reviews CRNA applications or not and how much weight their review has on the process.
Your application needs to stand out d/t your grades, certifications, and any volunteer activities that you may have done.

That helps a lot. I have been working with a different recruiter than my assigned one by geographical location and as soon as we get permission to proceed, I have everything ready to go. Unfortunately, our program does a mock disaster OR simulation (well many of them) and during this training, we recertify for ACLS and PALS so I have had to let them expire. I have kept my CCRN up to date and other certifications. I have been to West Africa on medical trips. My undergraduate GPA was a 3.9 and mine now is a 3.6. I think i have a strong application overall. Its just a matter of time. Would you say that you have been financially compensated well for your time compared to civilian CRNA's (I know about all the different incentives, but just overall). I am NOT doing this for the money, but instead my lifelong desire to serve in the military and get the best training possible.

allnurses Guide · Jan 20, 2014

That helps a lot. I have been working with a different recruiter than my assigned one by geographical location and as soon as we get permission to proceed, I have everything ready to go. Unfortunately, our program does a mock disaster OR simulation (well many of them) and during this training, we recertify for ACLS and PALS so I have had to let them expire. I have kept my CCRN up to date and other certifications. I have been to West Africa on medical trips. My undergraduate GPA was a 3.9 and mine now is a 3.6. I think i have a strong application overall. Its just a matter of time. Would you say that you have been financially compensated well for your time compared to civilian CRNA's (I know about all the different incentives, but just overall). I am NOT doing this for the money, but instead my lifelong desire to serve in the military and get the best training possible.

The medical trips sound great, but make sure you keep the exact dates for them. You will need those for your security clearance. The pay is relatively low compared to civilians until your eligible for the multi-year bonus.

as1013 · Jan 22, 2014

wtbcrna,

Another question for you: If I have a four year commitment, get accepted into the Critical Care Fellowship after my first two years, will I owe the AF only two years after the fellowship (totaling five years) or an additional year after the fellowship plus the two year PCS commitment (totaling 6 years)?

allnurses Guide · Jan 22, 2014

wtbcrna,
Another question for you: If I have a four year commitment, get accepted into the Critical Care Fellowship after my first two years, will I owe the AF only two years after the fellowship (totaling five years) or an additional year after the fellowship plus the two year PCS commitment (totaling 6 years)?

The old nursing Call for Candidates for the critical care fellowship states you would owe 24 months after the completion of your training.

as1013 · Jan 22, 2014

ok. thanks.

ckh23, BSN, RN · Jan 24, 2014

I signed up for the Army HPSP and it took a little over 5 months from the time I started the application to commissioning. I graduate in November and I will owe them 3 years active duty when I'm done.

bradleyclose · Jan 24, 2014

I signed up for the Army HPSP and it took a little over 5 months from the time I started the application to commissioning. I graduate in November and I will owe them 3 years active duty when I'm done.

I think right now there is a greater number willing then their is supply of spots so the competition has increased. I have not looked at the Army, are the compensations about the same as the Air Force?

allnurses Guide · Jan 25, 2014

The last I heard the AF is no longer going to offer HPSP for NA school.