Questions about commissioning to USAF in psych RN

Specialties Government

Published

Hello,

I am currently in the USAF National Guard and have serval questions for my fellow Airmen that are currently nurses.

I am finishing up my associates, and will begin start the bridge program to get my BSN. I wanted to commission to the Active Duty side, but before I do I want to make sure I have all my facts straight.

Please keep in mind, that I am aware that I will need my BSN before I commission and that I plan to do a direct commission because my enlisted contract will end before I am finished with school.

1. I was informed that due to the military's high demand of nurses, that they are giving incoming nurses the rank of captain (0-3) upon entering. I will have a minimum of at least one year experience as a RN before commissioning; however I was given mixed reviews about this. Some individuals stating that you don't need any experience and others stating that they only will give you a higher rank than 2lt if you have several years of experience.

2. I want to ONLY do psych nursing, and will have a certification to do so. Is it possible for me to only commission into this field?

3. If it is possible for me to only commission into psych nursing, I was informed there are only two bases I can be stationed at: Lackland AFB in San Antonio and another base in Farifield, CA. is this true?

4. Does the Air Force still offer loan repayment to commissioning nurses? If they do, will I still receive the bonus that is involved?

Thank you for any advice you can give me. I wanted to make sure I talked to actual USAF nurses seeing that recruiters are the perfect salesmen! ;)

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

Moved to our Government / Military Nursing forum.

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

1. As far as I know, rank is based on number of years of experience in nursing. I had about 5 and came as O2. I've met nurses who came in as O4. If you have less than 5 plan on O1. I was under the impression that there is no shortage of nurses who want in right now. I do believe that psych is a desired speciality however. I would contact a recruiter that works where there are psych facilities. Good luck.

2,3,4. I don't know, sorry

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