Army Nurse Thinking going To Air Force

BSNinTX · Oct 8, 2007

Thanks so much! You provided the answers I was looking for. I just want to make the most informed decision so that I don't have any regrets in the future. By the way, which agency are you going to be employed with? It seems to be a great opportunity with all of the different nursing paths they offer. Thanks again and keep us posted on how everything goes.
Best of luck,
Stephanie

I'm converting from GL to Public Health Service but remaining at the same Bureau of Prisons facility. Public Health Service places a lot of value on mobility, geographic and programatic, for promotion. So, the many paths offered are not only personally rewarding, they are important for career progression. FYI, promotion beyond O-3 is competitive.

jane123 · Dec 13, 2007

Hello,

I have one more class to go before I get my BSN and I was planning on returning to the army. I have 81/2 years prior service. However, I was looking into the USPHS but I did not see were they offered any bonus or pay back for school tutions. Plus their assignments seems limited. Any information you can give me would be appreiciated. Email

[email protected]

I can't give an unbiased opinion between AF and Army, but I can give you some facts/advice.
1. AF deployments are 4-6mo, usually. AF considers a manning assist to Landstuhl for 4months as a deployment!
2. AF nurse corps has the longest promotion time to major, so if you are anywhere close to making major I would stay in the Army until you pinned on Major and then transition over. The average time for an AF nurse to make major right now is 12-14 total time assuming that you came in as a new nurse or 8-10 after Captain. Don't listen to you recruiter if he trys to tell you any different!
3. The AF medical facilities are generally very small compared to the Army.
4. ER/ICU nurses usually have the worst jobs/worst schedules and are expected to take up the slack for the other nurses (ie. med-surg nurses). Sorry, if that upsets any med-surg nurses, but I have seen this at three different bases so far.
5. If down time and education are your priorities right now....I suggest not going to any AETC bases (ie Wilford Hall, Keesler, etc).
One other consideration besides the AF is USPHS...it is not the military/no real deployments, but it offers the same benefits/pay as the military. I am currently going school with a USPHS officer that was a Captian in the AF just over two years ago and is now an O-5/Commander in the USPHS.
Good Luck!
Hope this helps a little bit.
Capt E, USAF, NC

allnurses Guide · Dec 13, 2007

Hello,
I have one more class to go before I get my BSN and I was planning on returning to the army. I have 81/2 years prior service. However, I was looking into the USPHS but I did not see were they offered any bonus or pay back for school tutions. Plus their assignments seems limited. Any information you can give me would be appreiciated. Email
[email protected]

Try this link: http://dcp.psc.gov/vats/rpt_category_button.asp

You can also look on http://www.usajobs.gov you just need to look for positions for commissioned corps officers.

You can also look directly at agencies that use USPHS officers...US marshall, FDA, NIH, BOP, INS, DIHS, CDC, NOAA, Coast Guard (not exactly sure where they post their vacancies)...

The 1st two I listed are probably your best bet.

BSNinTX · Dec 13, 2007

I converted from civil service to PHS in October. In exchange for a four year committment, I got a $20,000 assension bonus paid up front. I am eligible for the GI Bill, which is now at $36,000+. Loan reimbursement may be available from the agency you will be assigned to, escpecially with Indian Health Service.

As for assignments:

Federal Bureau of Prisons (nationwide)

Indian Health Service (many areas nationwide)

FDA

NIH

CDC

EPA

Coast Guard

and others