Air Force HPSP Program

[marti402]

Hi all,

I am getting ready to start CRNA school this fall and am in conversations with the Air Force regarding their HPSP scholarship program. I have a good idea about the program and am just curious about life as a CRNA in the Air Force. I have met with the recruiter and had some questions answered but want to make sure what I am being told is true. Below are a list of things I have been told and further questions someone may be able to help me with:

1.) It is a three year commitment following graduation.

Is the stop-loss program still in place?

2.) I would go to COT for a month in Alabama and come out as an O2.

3.) I would have the ability to travel oversees (ie Germany, Italy, England)

What is the likelihood of getting to work oversees? What is the likelihood of getting

one of your requested stations?

4.) Deployment is typically every 1.5-2 years and lasts abut 120 days.

How true is this? I have been told that you are deployed for 6 months every 18

months.

5.) The Air Force utilizes a rotation schedule so you know what your assignments will be

on signing day.

6.) There is a lot of support for my wife and kids while I am working and on

deployment.

7.) Air Force CRNAs do not go to FOBs, but are at larger outside hospitals while

deployed.

8.) Air Force CRNAs work 40 hours/week performing anesthesia services

How true is this? How much time/days per week should I anticipate at work away

from the family?

If anyone could just give me some insight to compare what I was told to what it is actually like as an Air Force CRNA, I would greatly appreciate it. I apologize for so many questions. I just want to make sure this is a good move for my family. Thank you for your time.

[jennshoe7]

What NP program are you finishing? Are you in the airforce or another branch? What rank will you be starting at when you graduate? I am starting Rutgers DNP PMHNP in the fall and would love any information you could provide.

Congrats on the scholarship! I believe that is mental health? correct? thats awesome! you will certainly have your work cut out for you!

I am finishing my MSN PNP this summer. The I am on the HPSP scholarship with the Air Force as well. I am currently an 01 and will be moving to an 02 when i graduate and pass my boards. the best advice i can give you is to do what they ask when they ask for it, but for the rest of the time be prepared to be very patient. I am finishing my program in a little over two months and don't know where i will be going after COT at this point. Every thing I've been told is that they will let me know my assignment 2-3 months before graduation. So patience is in fact the most valuable virtue here.

Otherwise, the scholarship is pretty standard. you don't need to do anything while you are in school other than graduate. The stipend is enough to live on for most people. COT is the next thing up for me. I have to pass my boards in September and hopefully get my orders in enough time to get to training. The alternative is that i am relatively unemployed and unemployable until i can go again in January.

Feel free to email me offline if you would like me to send you a couple of other links that I've found helpful along the way. jennifer.shoemake@gmail

Congrats again! Aim High!

Jenn

[Fp5014]

Hello NP_HOPEFUL I am in the same program as you at Rugters and just started in September with you. I just contacted a recruiter who is eager to get me to basically complete lots of paper work within a weeks time. He says there are 4 spots available for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Scholarship and says by completing mine now I will be ahead of the people applying in the next month. He also said if I commissioned during next semester tuition and the stipend would be back payed. I was hoping you would be willing to share your experience with the scholarship application and how things are now. Thank you.

[Fp5014]

Hi MunkiRN, how was your experience with the HSPS program? I was recently accepted by the Airforce to receive the HSPS scholarship and I am starting the Rutgers DNP PMHNP program this September. Can you provide me with information about things you wish someone would have told you, or about your experience in general.

Hello NP_HOPEFUL I am in the same program as you at Rugters and just started in September with you. I just contacted a recruiter who is eager to get me to basically complete lots of paper work within a weeks time. He says there are 4 spots available for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Scholarship and says by completing mine now I will be ahead of the people applying in the next month. He also said if I commissioned during next semester tuition and the stipend would be back payed. I was hoping you would be willing to share your experience with the scholarship application and how things are now. Thank you.

[Bluebolt]

I'm new to a doctorate CRNA program right now and the military just came and talked about this HPSP program today. I've always been interested in it but am wondering if there is anyone who has actually used the scholarship and what was their opinion of the choice? Financially it sounds pretty rewarding, especially for an expensive DNP CRNA program like mine.

[wtbcrna, MSN, DNP, CRNA]

I'm new to a doctorate CRNA program right now and the military just came and talked about this HPSP program today. I've always been interested in it but am wondering if there is anyone who has actually used the scholarship and what was their opinion of the choice? Financially it sounds pretty rewarding, especially for an expensive DNP CRNA program like mine.

Depending how far you are in the program you maybe better financially to not do the HPSP, and take the 4 year retention bonus instead.

[Bluebolt]

We're in the first month. We have 3 full years left. My calculations for total student loan debt upon completion (including living expenses since we can't work) is about $175,000 if you include the accruing interest during the program.

[as1013]

If you don't mind me asking, what branch of the military came to speak with you all?

[Texmexsurf83]

The above post was only referring to Air Force CRNA positions. My recruiter told me when I applied they were only accepting 3 applicants per year. But, this can change to meet the needs of the AF, and also as applicants drop out of school, or become ineligible for the scholarship.

TO the OP: #2 I would clarify; you will attend COT as an O-1 (2nd Lieutenant). After you graduate from CRNA school and pass boards, you will then become an O-3 (Captain), If you have 5 or more years of experience (as an RN), you may come in at a higher rank, but while in the HPSP program, everyone, will be paid as an O-1. If you need more details, PM me and I can send you a copy of the benefits letter.

Would you be able to show me a copy of the benefits letter ? I've recently submitted all of the required paperwork for the HPSP for CRNA school. It'd be awesome if I could get more info from you.

[Texmexsurf83]

Would you be able to show me the benefits letter and expectations etc?

[mn_nurse]

Sent PM.