AF Nursing?

[guest798886]

I'm interested in Air Force nursing. I've heard it's pretty hard to get into especially as a new grad. But I've also heard it's not hard at all. Which one is it?

Do I need experience? Or can I just right into it? I was advised to be a civilian nurse at an AFB first to get my foot in the door.

[jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA]

I'm a current active duty AF nurse. I just joined last year. I had to apply twice and had experience and good grades. How easy it is to join depends on what specialty you are applying for, how much experience you have, and (most importantly) if that Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) is expanding or contracting.

As a blanket statement, it is very hard to join right now as a nurse regardless of the circumstances. The Air Force is looking to shrink, not grow.

Right now, if you don't have experience, then you will have to either do med-surg or OB for several years. It will also be nearly impossible to get in (I've heard single digits nation wide for the year for new grads). If you had several years of experience (or your specialty was in need of people: maybe OR/ICU/ED), it would be easier but still competitive. Experienced RNs (>1 year of experience) compete in a separate pool and usually have more allocated slots.

Help your chances by getting certifications (ACLS, PALS, TNCC, ENPC, board certification in a specialty) and getting a few years of experience in a more needed specialty (OR/ICU/ED).