Active duty & nursing school

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Hello! I'm trying to figure out a way to attend nursing school. I am active duty AF & my military supervisors have said they'll support me if I wanted to pursue nursing school while still on active duty. By supporting, I mean they'll still expect me to fulfill all required military obligations & move me to another shift so that I can attend nursing school during the day. I wanted to see if there was anyone else out there that has done this. I am married with two small children.

Yes, I'm fully aware nursing school is a shock to your system, you must be extremely good with time management, studying, reading, etc but if it can be done, then I will get it done. I was looking to see if there were others out there, in the same boat, that could let me know their stories.

Thanks!!

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
Hello! I'm trying to figure out a way to attend nursing school. I am active duty AF & my military supervisors have said they'll support me if I wanted to pursue nursing school while still on active duty. By supporting, I mean they'll still expect me to fulfill all required military obligations & move me to another shift so that I can attend nursing school during the day. I wanted to see if there was anyone else out there that has done this. I am married with two small children.

Yes, I'm fully aware nursing school is a shock to your system, you must be extremely good with time management, studying, reading, etc but if it can be done, then I will get it done. I was looking to see if there were others out there, in the same boat, that could let me know their stories.

Thanks!!

I have a couple of people doing this, and it is doable but difficult. It also does not in any way guarantee you a job in the Nurse Corps after you are done.

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I know, I've been trying to apply to the nurse enlisted commissioning program for the past 3 years, last year didn't make it into school, this year I'm not being released from my career field to be able to apply. I know I could wait another year, but that puts me more eligible to pcs/deploy & my enlistment is up in feb. With all the cuts they're making, I was hoping to be released, or the very least be able to palace chase or voluntarily separate. Unfortunately my current career field, (aircraft maintenance) is under manned. I'm just concerned for my family mostly. I know I'd be able to handle it, but the guilt of never seeing my kids or hubby is really motivating me to try to find another way.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
I know, I've been trying to apply to the nurse enlisted commissioning program for the past 3 years, last year didn't make it into school, this year I'm not being released from my career field to be able to apply. I know I could wait another year, but that puts me more eligible to pcs/deploy & my enlistment is up in feb. With all the cuts they're making, I was hoping to be released, or the very least be able to palace chase or voluntarily separate. Unfortunately my current career field, (aircraft maintenance) is under manned. I'm just concerned for my family mostly. I know I'd be able to handle it, but the guilt of never seeing my kids or hubby is really motivating me to try to find another way.

I think you are making the right decision to pursue a nursing degree on your own time. I just wanted to make sure that you knew you may not be able to a nurse in the AF afterwards (obviously you do) at least not without a break in service.

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For the ones you know that are doing both, do they say what the hardest part is? The biggest struggle? I appreciate your help with this!

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
For the ones you know that are doing both, do they say what the hardest part is? The biggest struggle? I appreciate your help with this!

I don't think I work any nurses that did it that way right now. I have been an AF nurse for 12 years now and will be making my 5th PCS this summer…

I think clinicals will be the hardest to manage. I don't know if you could do the majority of your shifts on the weekends, but that would probably be the best way to work out your schedule.

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It's something I can ask, biggest thing they say is no. I appreciate your advice. I didn't realize nurses pcs so often. I hope it goes smoothly!

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
It's something I can ask, biggest thing they say is no. I appreciate your advice. I didn't realize nurses pcs so often. I hope it goes smoothly!

Nurses will usually PCS every 4-4.5 years state side/CONUS and 3 years at accompanied OCONUS bases. I was at Keesler 2yrs d/t Katrina and then AFIT. CRNA school was 2.5 years. I am going back to school again which will be another 3 years before I move again. I have found that in general commissioned officers tend to move more than enlisted.

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