AF new grad program vs civilian experience

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I was not sure if there was a thread about this or not, but I was hoping anyone could help me with this. I know that if an individual is considering joining the military they can direct commission into a position via two ways, a new grad residency within the military, or coming in with experience (example of having 5 years experience as an ICU nurse or an ER nurse). I am currently a second bachelors student who would be starting his application for the new nurse grad residency program for the AF this coming February. Could anyone shed some light on the pros and cons of starting off as a brand new nurse in the military as opposed to a new grad residency program in the civilian world. Is there a concern of a loss of skills or exposure? How was the experience? Thank you everyone I greatly appreciate it.

I eventually really want to be an ER nurse. I work as a tech in the emergency room now and greatly enjoy it. That being said I'm not opposed to experiencing other sides of nursing. Do I like "bedside" nursing, yes and no each for their own reasons (leaning more towards no ha). Right now going back to school isn't a priority, I want to enjoy out of school life for a bit. My focus is obtaining experience, especially experience that would land me in an ER.

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Specializes in Adult Critical Care.

It's definitely not uncommon for civilian new grads to start in ER. If you join the Air Force without 1 year of full-time ER experience, you'll have to do 2 years (3 if you're in some overseas locations like AK or HI) of med-surg and apply/attend a 1 year fellowship. Upon completion, you will be committed to 5 additional years of active duty service as an ER nurse...with no ability to apply for grad school.

That's at least 8 years of total bedside nursing. A civilian nurse could graduate, do a 1 year of ER nursing, and immediately start an ENP program. It's just something to think about.

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At this point in my life, I do not see myself going back to school for FNP. 8 years is not too bad, I don't plan on going back to school till my early 30's anyways.

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Thank you so much jfartian btw. I appreciate all this information.

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