[abbyRNtobe]

So I went to talk with a recruiter yesterday (4/8/08) and he said there are currently NO bonuses or student loan repayment options for nurses joining the Air Force? I was so shocked I had to pick my jaw up off the floor lol. He said that in the fiscal year there were no bonuses at the beginning and that they finally approved them in December and that the money was all "ate up" with the applicants that applied before and after that time. I guess I was under the impression that the AF was hurting for nurses and especially ICU nurses (which I am). Can anyone shed some light on this situation for me? Is there any chance I am being lied to? Husband was with me (previous AD USAF), so it's not that we believe everything recruiters say, but he seemed pretty honest on this issue?? He did say that they are "scrambling" to try to pull money from other sources in order to recruit and retain nurses but just that there is "no money" right now? Anyone that can help I would really appreciate it!

[The Little Greek]

Your recruiter is being honest. I know two other experienced nurses that are applying and they are not eligible for loan repayment/bonus either. They plan to reapply in the fall so they can get both. I was selected in March and I got both. I would suggest waiting until the fall to apply since the "bank" will be filled again in October (hopefully).

[Esh570]

Really! I am shocked! I am still working on my application and I was informed that there is a bonus. If I find out there isn't one that I will not be joining. . . .

[The Little Greek]

I'm wondering, is it possible that they give out bonuses by region? Just a thought I wanted to throw out there. That could explain why some people are getting them and others aren't.

[wtbcrna]

Originally Posted by Esh570

Really! I am shocked! I am still working on my application and I was informed that there is a bonus. If I find out there isn't one that I will not be joining. . . .

Esh570,

I have read two of your posts about joining the AF so far...and I would have to say that if your top concerns are money/bonuses and being in charge then I don't think the AF/military is for you.

[Esh570]

I spoke with my recruiter today. We talked about the bonus and it is true. I guess they are debating if they should continue the bonus or the loan repayment. He said it should be settled soon, and they will decide on one or the other. So I think that I will move forward with my paper work for now.

As far as being in charge... Well the only time I feel that I am in charge in the O.R. is when things go wrong. I am consumed with paper work and answering personal phone calls. Management does more to protect the techs and orderlies then they do the nurses. I would like to get back to patient care! This is a feeling that is echoed by many nurses I work with at all the hospitals I have worked for. And as an enlisted I remembered how well respected the nurses were while I was in the Army. But none the less I will take a tour of an O.R. in the Air force before making my decision...

[wtbcrna]

Originally Posted by Esh570

I spoke with my recruiter today. We talked about the bonus and it is true. I guess they are debating if they should continue the bonus or the loan repayment. He said it should be settled soon, and they will decide on one or the other. So I think that I will move forward with my paper work for now.

As far as being in charge... Well the only time I feel that I am in charge in the O.R. is when things go wrong. I am consumed with paper work and answering personal phone calls. Management does more to protect the techs and orderlies then they do the nurses. I would like to get back to patient care! This is a feeling that is echoed by many nurses I work with at all the hospitals I have worked for. And as an enlisted I remembered how well respected the nurses were while I was in the Army. But none the less I will take a tour of an O.R. in the Air force before making my decision...

I think the AF can give you some of the things you are looking for except the escape from mountains of paperwork...that part doesn't change no matter where you work military or civilian. You have to thank JC for that one. Depending on your rank you should expect to be involved in direct patient care until you are a senior Capt or Maj (a lot of that will depend on the size of the facility you get stationed at).

I don't know if your recruiter has talked to you about AFIT, but there are two programs that you can do through AFIT. The CRNA program and the perioperative CNS programs are both available to OR nurses. http://www.usuhs.mil/gsn/

[Esh570]

Thanks for the info. I always knew that the Air force was big on education. I don't think that I can do CRNA with out critical care experience, but the CNS is definitely available to me. I am pretty sure that you owe them time for your education, but if you are planning to retire, I am sure that it is worth it. I was also looking into some of the online programs like Walden and PhoenixUniversity. Eventually I will do something, after I get accepted and I am settled. Thanks again!

[armyicurn]

Why do you want to go AF? Not trying to start a multi component war in here. We already have one that is basically depleting our resources...

Really, you need to think why the AF and what exactly are you after. If you are for the money, then I second what wtbcrna said.

[Esh570]

I was in the Army for several years, and I had the chance to go to several Air Force Bases. I have always known them to treat their people well. Even the enlisted! I took a look at goarmy.com and I just can't see myself doing the whole army thing again. If I go active again my first choice would be the Air Force.