Is it possible to become a RN but work part time from the start. Get Air Force commission?

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Specializes in Behavioral Health.

So, this is going to be a pretty unique post (hopefully). I will be eligible for retirement at 47 (I'm not even 30 yet) from the State. I want to retire and go immediately active duty Air Force as a Nurse. My plan is to go to the local community college and get my associates RN. I need to have at least a BSN to get a commission. Is it possible for me to become an associates RN when I'm approximately 45 continue working my current job, work part time as a Nurse (or possible not at all as a associates RN), and then get my BSN just before I retire and then get a commission? Just a little background, I currently have a college degree and I'm national guard if that matters. Also, I'm in law enforcement and I really want to get my law enforcement retirement from the State. Thanks guys for the help.

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Specializes in LTC, med/surg, hospice.

So you want to get a BSN but never work as a nurse?

Nurses can work full-time, part time or PRN (as needed) depending on what they desire and what positions are available.

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Specializes in Behavioral Health.

I was unclear. I wanted to work as a nurse on active duty in the Air Force.

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Hi, I've moved your thread to our Government / Military Nursing forum for best chance member advice re Air Force nursing.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

At age 47 you will be beyond the maximum age to commission.

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Specializes in Behavioral Health.

Not necessarily true. Just spoke with a guy who used to recruit medical personnel for the Air Force and he said he has recruited nurses and doctors as old as 52. Just depends on the needs of the Air Force at the time. For the sake of argument, can we assume that I am young enough to get in please?

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Specializes in PACU.

From my understanding, military nursing is pretty competitive right now since they aren't exactly hurting for nurses at this point but that could change in 15-20 years.

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Specializes in Behavioral Health.

But can you start off as a brand new nurse part time?

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Specializes in PACU.
But can you start off as a brand new nurse part time?

It's hard to say. You are essentially asking us to predict what the military may or may not allow in 15 or more years (since you said you are not yet 30). A lot can change in that time. Right now the general age range is 18-48, but it can vary from field to field. That could suddenly change and they no longer take anyone over 40, or increase it to 60 (ok, maybe not). Who knows? Also, my understanding is that anything outside of reserves is full-time, but maybe the more experienced military nurses might be able to chime in on that fact.

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Specializes in Behavioral Health.

I don't know how my question got moved to military section. I just wanna know if I can get a associates RN and either work part time when I'm brand new or not work at all as a nurse until I get my BSN and attempt to go active. The part about the military is actually secondary since it depends on what could happen 20 years from now almost. I guess the moderator saw fit to move it here.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
But can you start off as a brand new nurse part time?

Depends on what kind of nursing you do and if your employer would offer it. It would take you longer to progress from novice to competent to expert on the experience spectrum, which may not be desirable for employers. What kind of nursing interests you? Any ideas?

Regarding the age issue and the military, waivers are possible if you are highly experienced in an in-demand nursing specialty. But as a relatively new nurse at your (projected) age, being selected is highly unlikely. I am just being realistic.

Best of luck!

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Specializes in PACU.
I don't know how my question got moved to military section. I just wanna know if I can get a associates RN and either work part time when I'm brand new or not work at all as a nurse until I get my BSN and attempt to go active. The part about the military is actually secondary since it depends on what could happen 20 years from now almost. I guess the moderator saw fit to move it here.

Ok I think I misunderstood your post. I thought you were talking about working part-time as a commissioned nurse. My mistake.

A lot of people around here have only been able to get PT work as a new nurse, so I don't think it is out of the realm of possibility.

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