AF nursing questions

[AFfamof5]

Hello, all!

I am tossing around the idea of, once I actually become a nurse, trying to get into the AF. I have a few questions, though, and I was hoping someone could answer them.

First - As a new grad, is it hard to get into what I would assume to be smaller nursing areas, such as neonatal or obstetrical nursing?

Second - Once in the AF, will you get the chance to advance your education and progress into a new field? I am interested in becoming a CNM in the future, and am curious as to how I could go about doing that while practicing nursing in the AF.

Third - I have found a few things here and there online, but I am still a little unclear on any programs for nursing and the AF. Are there any school loan payment or "sign on" bonuses that the AF offers?

My husband is currently AD AF. That said, he is also being med boarded as we speak... his package has been in TX for about 4 weeks and most everyone is expecting that he will be let go. If he isn't, he will be getting out next year at enlistments end anyway to pursue another career. But we both agree we will definitely miss things about the AF and I think this would be a great way (myself going into AF nursing) to continue the lifestyle we have come to love.

Thanks in advance!

[NYnur2010]

Hi AFfamof5,

http://www.airforce.com/pdf/nursePDF.pdf

That PDF has the most information that I could find about USAF nursing. I'm not found of their new website format because they cut out alot more information that they had up about nursing. But at least they kept that one up!

Anyway, in the PDF it says "A few high-need professions may also recieve sign-on bonuses". The air force health professions recuiter is coming to my school at the end of the month. Ill post more then and I will keep your questions in mind.

Hope that helps!

[nursemel09]

I have been looking in to joining when I graduate in may. The recruiter I spoke to, said they are offering up to $40k in student loan repayment and $20k sign on bonus for a 6 year committment. If you do not take the student loan repayment, it is a 4 yr committment. Good Luck! I hope this helps!