Air Force Nurse Officer

midinphx, BSN · Jul 4, 2021

I’m active duty and came in with 14 years ER and ICU. In active duty, it is basically calculated as a nurse gets half the time credit to rank. So I cam in like I’d been a nurse 7 years and was a captain. I would not have wanted to come in higher than that, as it is a huge disadvantage in military understanding. And I had prior service as enlisted army.

The reserves and guard have way different rules when it comes to rank. It may be what position they have open for you to fill at the unit you are with.

Good luck on your journey!

Rozie · Jul 4, 2021

That is good information, thank you! I got my letter to commission as 1st Lt but was told with my experience I'd be Captain so when I received my letter I was taken back a bit. I have 16 years ICU/ED/Flight experience. So not sure why others are getting Captain or why I didn't receive that rank. According to the regs it seems as though Capt. is what I should come in as. It's not about getting rank as much as it is pay. Would I be at any disadvantage coming in as Capt.? Also, I asked my recruiter what my commitment length was and he told me I didn't have one. Feeling like I am getting the run around a bit. I would like concrete answers before I make a big commitment. Thoughts? Thank you

jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA · Jul 4, 2021

Are you active duty or reserves/guard? I'm not actually sure if reservists who decline accession (sign-on) bonuses, specialty pay, and/or loan repayment have any commitment. If you do take one of those then you certainly have a contract. Active duty always have a contract. I can ask the people in my unit and get back to you if you are indeed a reservist/guard member who isn't getting any money.

Your commitment length depends on the terms of your contract which you will eventually have to sign. Generally speaking, all contracts are 8 years in length. However, people typically serve only 3 or 4 of those years actively drilling once per month (reserves/guard) or on active duty. The other 4-5 years of the contract can be served on IRR (inactive ready reserve). IRR is essentially a call-up list used after the reserves/guard are exhausted but before the draft. On IRR you have no requirements other than maintaining a uniform and furnishing your contact info.

As for the constructive credit issue (I.e. starting rank), I believe the rules have recently changed. I think starting experience for RNs is now capped at O-2 unless you have an MSN or other advanced degree in nursing. I would recommend you reach out to the chief nurse you interviewed with to double check on that.