Air Force Reserve Question

The Little Greek · Jan 28, 2008

2bNurse Nini,

I see that you are from Austin (I graduated from UT Austin School of Nursing) and wanted to suggest that if you really want that BSN, look into the RN-BSN program at UT Austin....it's a great school! I'm sure you already know about that program, but if you want some "insider" info about the school, I'd be happy to offer my opinion. I know several ADNs that completed the program on a part-time basis.

P.S. As for your screen name, I think they may have changed it because you mentioned that you aren't yet a nurse and they have rules on the site about calling yourself if you aren't a nurse yet. Not positive about that, but that may be why it was changed.

allnurses Guide · Jan 28, 2008

Really, thank you so much!
I haven't been able to get a single response from AF Reserves, so I guess the recruiters don't even want to waste their time with my questions. The Navy Reserves contacted me though, only to tell me no, but call us back later!
I guess that means that it will just have to wait til I get my BSN.
Which is fine, I shouldn't be focusing so much on that right now. It can be on my to-do list for my 5yr goals.
I want to thank you again, you guys are so incredibly helpful - I would have gone crazy not knowing anything if it wasn't for you!
Hope you all have a great week!

I would difinetly say get your BSN, but if the nat'l guard takes ADNs it is worth looking into. The jobs are usually the same, and the benefits are even better with the NG sometimes depending on the state.

Best of Luck!

lucy18 · Aug 6, 2010

You got me....I have no idea when it changed, but I have been AD AF for 6 yrs now, and as far as I know it has been that way the whole time.
Qualifications:
* Must be a U.S. citizen between the ages of 18 and 47
* Must be a Licensed Registered Nurse
* Be in your Senior year or a graduate of an approved B.S.N. or B.A.N from an accredited National League of Nursing (NLN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCN) program
http://www.airforce.com/careers/subcatg.php?catg_id=3&sub_catg_id=2
http://afreserve.com/hp/nurses.asp (that nursing page doesn't tell what the requirements are but there is a recruiter contact page)
I think the current system works quite well this way...there is much more professional solidatary without someone saying that BSNs are better than ADNs/Diplomas grads etc.
The uniformed services have the highest percentage of advance degree nurses than any other large organization that I know of and if going through RN-BSN program puts you off then you would definitey feel out of place in the AF where they expect you to have your Masters degree before you make Major.
Capt E, USAF, NC

I realize I am responding to a 2 year old post, however I am hoping you are still able to answer my questions. I am a 46 year old 22 year experienced RN. I have a masters Degree in education and am almost done with my MSN. I have spoken with a healthcare recruiter and I have sent resume, transcripts and essay for review by the Surgeon General. My recruiter is covering 3 states and is not really giving any information as to the process, how long it will take and my chances of getting accepted. She said she is "optimistic". Can you tell me what's next, if I get past the SG? What is the process? Is my age a problem? Also, the recruiter thought I would be a Major, is this realistic?

I am an ED nurse and an educator currently. I live in NY city so there is only McGuire AFB within driving distance. Do you know what type of nursing I would be doing since there is only an ambulatory clinic there? The fact that there is not a hospital there, does this lessen my chances of being accepted?

Does the age pose any difficulties, like I would be a grandmother among my coworkers? (no one would know my age looking at me).

allnurses Guide · Aug 7, 2010

I realize I am responding to a 2 year old post, however I am hoping you are still able to answer my questions. I am a 46 year old 22 year experienced RN. I have a masters Degree in education and am almost done with my MSN. I have spoken with a healthcare recruiter and I have sent resume, transcripts and essay for review by the Surgeon General. My recruiter is covering 3 states and is not really giving any information as to the process, how long it will take and my chances of getting accepted. She said she is "optimistic". Can you tell me what's next, if I get past the SG? What is the process? Is my age a problem? Also, the recruiter thought I would be a Major, is this realistic?
I am an ED nurse and an educator currently. I live in NY city so there is only McGuire AFB within driving distance. Do you know what type of nursing I would be doing since there is only an ambulatory clinic there? The fact that there is not a hospital there, does this lessen my chances of being accepted?
Does the age pose any difficulties, like I would be a grandmother among my coworkers? (no one would know my age looking at me).

I would say the next step would be MEPS if you haven't been there yet, and then your package will go in front of board to determine if you will be formally accepted.

I would say with your education and background you would probably be put in the education department or some kind of administrative duty.

There are plenty of nurses around your age in the AF.

Coming in as a Major in the Reserves sounds right with your experience/education.

lucy18 · Aug 7, 2010

Thank you so much for the response. It is anxiety provoking to not have questions answered and just go over things in your head. Although my husband was in the Marine Corps, he has little idea about AF nursing.

I understand the recruiter cannot waste time on answereing questions when the candidate may not be accepted. I am happy you are giving me the answers to some of my questions so I can sit and wait patiently.

I have sent my transcripts, resume and essay to the recruiter for fowarding to the Surgeon General. Is this the board or are you referring to an additional step in the process?

I have not attended MEPS as of yet, my husband believes once she recieves confirmation from the Surgeon General she will schedule that. Does that sound correct?

When do they fit in the credit and background check? When do I do the fitness test? Is there any other steps to the process?

You mention administrative or education duties as my job, is this due to McGuire only having a clinic? Would I then be undeployable since this is not clinical? Also,would I be clinically ready to deploy since I am not doing military patient care?

Lastly, how long does the entire process take, is a year correct?

I cannot thank you enough for your knowledge. As you can see I am definitely taking advantage of it. I am very excited and really hope the AFR can utilize me!

allnurses Guide · Aug 7, 2010

Thank you so much for the response. It is anxiety provoking to not have questions answered and just go over things in your head. Although my husband was in the Marine Corps, he has little idea about AF nursing.
I understand the recruiter cannot waste time on answereing questions when the candidate may not be accepted. I am happy you are giving me the answers to some of my questions so I can sit and wait patiently.
I have sent my transcripts, resume and essay to the recruiter for fowarding to the Surgeon General. Is this the board or are you referring to an additional step in the process?
I have not attended MEPS as of yet, my husband believes once she recieves confirmation from the Surgeon General she will schedule that. Does that sound correct?
When do they fit in the credit and background check? When do I do the fitness test? Is there any other steps to the process?
You mention administrative or education duties as my job, is this due to McGuire only having a clinic? Would I then be undeployable since this is not clinical? Also,would I be clinically ready to deploy since I am not doing military patient care?
Lastly, how long does the entire process take, is a year correct?
I cannot thank you enough for your knowledge. As you can see I am definitely taking advantage of it. I am very excited and really hope the AFR can utilize me!

1. You package will still have to in front of additional board other than the SG after MEPS.

2. You won't take a fitness test/pt test prior to going to COT.

3. Background/Credit check will be done when the recruiter gives you a bunch more papers to fill out.

4. Every nurse is eligible to deploy as long as their not on a profile.

5. Mcquire also has to have a place for you to work, and accept you. You need to ask your recruiter if you are going to be able to be stationed there as a reservist.

6. D/T incoming rank, education/experience, services at Mcquire etc. I predict that you will be assigned to either doing education or admin duties, but the actual choice is up to the chief nurse.

lucy18 · Aug 8, 2010

Thank you for your assistance. It is quite an involved process, that is dependent on many variables. I guess one step at a time. In the end, even if you qualify it really omes down to whether they need you. I hope that is the case and they can utilize me in one capacity or another.

Can you let me know about the board, is it at the base you are requesting or is it in Washington?

Thank you

allnurses Guide · Aug 8, 2010

Thank you for your assistance. It is quite an involved process, that is dependent on many variables. I guess one step at a time. In the end, even if you qualify it really omes down to whether they need you. I hope that is the case and they can utilize me in one capacity or another.
Can you let me know about the board, is it at the base you are requesting or is it in Washington?
Thank you

I believe the board is at Randolf AFB in San Antonio.

lucy18 · Aug 10, 2010

I had some bad news today and I am hoping this is not the end of the line for me. As I already posted I am 46 years old. I also have had hypothyroidism for 10 years and am very stable on my meds. My recruiter said this was not an issue. However she forwarded a request to attend MEPS and the medical history today. When filling it out I noticed a question regarding fainting. Not wanting to lie, I called the recruiter and explained I had fainted getting OOB several months ago. My physician gave me a Brain MRI, EKG, EEG and holter which all came back negative. I was told it was probably a vasal vagal syncope. The recruiter said very annoyed this could be a disqualifier. Do you have any insight into this? How do I explain this on the history form in the best possible way? I am a little perplexed many if not most people my age have something. Why is she annoyed, she never asked me about anything other than heart problems, asthma, broken bones, surgery ormeds I am taking. I was very forthcoming and didn't even think of this incident. Maybe she's annoyed I was so honest and thought I should conceal this. Who knows. I am sooo very upset. I am gathering the test results so I can send them along with the history to MEPS. Do you think this is a definite disqualifier or do I still have a remote chance?

You are one of the more experience AF nurse on this site so I thought you might have some knowledge on this.

Thank you in advance.