2015 USAF NTP

jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA · Jul 25, 2015

I've was an alternate the cycle before I got selected. I was alternate 3 for clinical nursing, which is the biggest specialty. It's not very likely.

jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA · Jul 25, 2015

Maybe if you're alternate #1 you have a reasonable shot. However, you have to figure that the vast majority of people who go through all the hassle of applying aren't going to turn down an opportunity if it's presented to them unless there are circumstances outside of their control (break the law or get pregnant).

Michelangelo30 · Jul 25, 2015

So from one Alterante Select 3 to another, my chances are slim to none.?

Does that mean I would have to apply for next year, or am I already part of the next app pool?

jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA · Jul 25, 2015

Yep.

You will need to apply again, but a lot of the paperwork can be re-used. It means that you will need to get a civilian RN job and reapply as a fully-qualified nurse (experienced nurse). The AF takes new grads only once per year (as opposed to twice per year for experienced nurses), and I'm guessing that you would have more than 6 months of experience by the time you applied again.

Michelangelo30 · Jul 25, 2015

Thanks.

I've been working in ER since mid-March. I'm def gon have way more than 6 months by the time next round of applications come around. Do you know what the time frame is for FQ nurse applications, and what the criteria is (i.e. does school GPA, type of credentials, etc. play a factor)?

jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA · Jul 26, 2015

GPA is still a factor. They use the whole person concept, therefore they can take any info on your application into consideration. I would definitely get your CEN credential before applying as a fully-qualified ED nurse; ACLS, PALS, ENPC, and TNCC would also be helpful.

The silver lining to not getting-in as a new grad is that you won't have to do any med-surg. You'll start as an ED nurse off-the-bat.

jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA · Jul 26, 2015

I believe your paperwork for the next FQ application cycle will be due in September; the board meets in October. The app is largely similiar to what you've already done, however I think there is a form for your boss to sign too (verifying your ER experience). However, you won't be eligible for that board, because ED/OR/ICU nurses must have 1 year of full-time experience to apply. The next board should meet in roughly February 2016. (Jan 2016 due date for paperwork). If you don't have 1 year by then, the following board will be Oct 2016 (Sep 2016 paperwork due date).

You'll get 50% credit for your civilian RN experience towards your rank. So, if you've got 1 year of civilian RN time, you'll promote to 0-2 6 months quicker.

Michelangelo30 · Jul 26, 2015

I worked MedSurg from Jan-March 2015 and ED March-Now 2015. Would that make me eligible for the February board?

Also, what if I went Reserve route, would that increase my chances of lateraling into the active side?

jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA · Jul 26, 2015

You are eligible to apply as a FQ clinical nurse for Feb 2016, but not as a FQ ED nurse. You need 1 year of full time experience as an ED nurse to apply as an ED nurse.

If you choose to apply as a clinical nurse, know that you have to do 2 years of inpatient med-surg in the military. Then, you'll be eligible to apply to a clinical fellowship that trains you as an ED, OR, ICU, pysch, OB, or NICU nurse.

Reserves is easier, but it's not a back door to active duty. You'll be stuck in reserves.

Camo-angel · Jul 26, 2015

I applied for the NTP and was selected. I applied last year and was not a select or even alternate. Personally, I had to look at my entire application and figure out how I could improve everything. I got better LORs from higher up individuals, I prepared better for the Chief Nurse Interview, I got more certifications (ACLS, PALS, NIH Stroke Scale, etc), I volunteered with the local Army Base Red Cross at their hospital, I began working in a critical care environment, and I completely revamped my 9 short answer questions to really drive home how much I want this and what I can do for the Air Force. Going from alternate to select does happen, but not too often. If you're alternate 5 or better I'd say there is still a chance, but I also would not hold out for it. Keep in mind, applying next year as FQ will be extremely difficult. NTP is competitive enough, imagine applying against nurses with 10 plus years experience! With that in mind, work hard and just keep asking yourself how you can improve. Look back at some of these forums and you'll find people's backgrounds and stories. That's where I got a lot of good input and ideas. Best of luck!!

Michelangelo30 · Jul 26, 2015

Thanks everyone for the advice. I'm pretty disappointed with the outcome of this process bc I had a 10/10 interview, pretty good LOR (ED director, school DON, Army Lt Col, Legal Nurse Consultant), 7 years EMT exp, volunteer trips to Guatemala, Dysrythmia ACLS NIH PALS cert, and Cum Laude graduation.

My recruiter considered me a "top notch candidate" and seemingly assured me as a lock for selection. After all that I got a Alt Select 3.

Now that I'll be out of the new grad NTP I'm not too sure how much more I can improve my likelihood with a higher pool of comptetition, bc my experience is minimal compared to those other forms I've read on here.