interviewing with NP and Chief Nurse (air force)

The AF Board is reviewing packets starting this week according to my recruiter. He told me that I will have an answer by Aug 7th and will go to COT in Oct. We are still hoping for Mt. Home AFB and going crazy thinking of the other possibilities.

I'm still waiting for the "phone call" from the recruiter. Has anyone else gotten any news yet?

Know the mission of the Air Force and the core values; I feel certain you'll be asked about them. When/if they ask you patient care questions, if you're unsure of the answer, there is ABSOLUTELY nothing wrong with saying you might not feel completely sure of what to do and you'd seek out the assistance of a more experienced colleague (the answer in the Air Force, or any branch for that matter, is NEVER 'I don't know'). If it's about something you're unfamiliar with, I personally think it's appropriate to say you'd use all resources at your disposal to get the answer (like an unfamiliar drug or procedure). Remember your ABC's, though - you'll almost never go wrong with that if you start there.

Have a solid answer as to WHY you want to cross into the blue - make sure it's more than flag waving (although a bit of that never hurt anyone either). I'd say it's a given that you want to serve our country and saying it never hurt anyone.

If you need a moment to think about an answer, take it - don't rush in with the first thing that pops into your head.

Be uber-professional; remember to address the interviewer as sir or ma'am.

Dress appropriately - it disturbs me when folks ignore this one thing that's the most important because this is one time you REALLY don't get a second chance to make a first impression! I wore a suit (because I own three of them), but if you don't have a suit, just dress as professionally as possible, and if you don't own anything appropriate (some folks just don't, and that's OK), invest in something nice if you can (you don't have to spend a fortune to do this, either). I don't know if you're male or female, but if you're female, you don't HAVE to wear a skirt; dress slacks are quite appropriate. If you are a girl, easy on makeup, and if you have long hair, I'd recommend pulling it up. Look the part as much as you can walking in the door; it will go a long way for you.

Don't be nervous (easier said than done, I know) - you'll do fine! Keep us posted and good luck!

With the exception of the hug (my interviewer was a male lieutenant colonel), it sounds pretty much like my interview and every other one I've heard about (except the ones that you hear about that you KNOW went bad from the moment the door was opened). You're right, it's not a "typical" job interview in a lot of ways; I've heard that most of them are very conversational but you never know what type of person you're going to end up with, you know?

I know you're glad that's out of the way - now STAY ON YOUR RECRUITER to make sure all your paperwork gets done and is submitted correctly to AFPC. Seriously - it sounds terrible, but be very proactive and don't be afraid to chase him/her up if you don't feel like something's getting done.

And above all, keep us posted!

"Ask and Thou Shall Receive" I got the phone call from the recruiter. I'm leaving for Oct 09 COT. Thanks to everyone who has had input on all the message board. What a great website for nurses! GO AIR FORCE!

Spencer did you get orders to Mountain Home AFB?