Air Force Nursing

[retuRN]

Alright, I will graduate from an accredited BSN nursing program in December 2008. I have recently began toying with the idea of joining the Air Force to become a flight nurse. Now I have many questions about that commitment and hopefully you guys can help me out...because I don't have time to stop by and talk to a recruiter!

1. How long do I have to sign up for, is it active/non-active?

2. Will I have to work a year of med-surg before working critical care such as flight nursing?

3. If yes for #2, If I work as a civilian in ER or ICU for a year, can I then enter straight into critical care?

4. I'm interested in working in Europe, what are the chances I will be assigned there if I request that base?

5. If I plan to continue my education, do I have to wait for my commitment to end and then re-up, go to school, then serve the # of years in school +1, or can I attend during my initial commitment?

6. Would I be allowed to moonlight at nearby facilities?

I'm sure more questions will arise but I'll just see what yall have to say about these.

[The Little Greek]

I am also considering joining the Air force active duty, I graduated in 2006 and since then have been a psych nurse and would like to continue in this area. My only concern is even though I have had full time/part time hours most of the time that I've worked, I've had PRN status, because the flexibility allows me to stay at home with my kids. Will I have to be a clinical med/surg. nurse once I join or will I be able to do psych nursing in the military?

I was in the same position as you. I am classified as prn but have worked part-time/full-time depending on my childcare availability. No one even asked about my working status when I applied. I was also able to obtain entry with an OB identifier (I've been an RN since 2005). Like wtbcrna, I would think that going in as a psych nurse won't be a problem at all.