Air Force Nurse Tips and Help?

[layne27]

I'm a freshman in college going into my universities nursing program next year to get my BSN. I have been very interested in pursuing a career in the air force as a nurse. I was wondering if anyone had any tips on getting involved or getting information about this career or if there is anything I can do to begin pursuing this career. I have looked into ROTC programs but my university, nor any around me, offer this program. I also do not have a healthcare recruiter anywhere near my town. All I know is there is an enlisted recruiter at the university. I was also wondering if anyone knew any tips on what I can do in the next four years to make myself a more worthy candidate for applying and make my application sort of..stick out? I believe it is my purpose to pursue a career in the air force just like my father before me, and I want to do anything I can to accomplish this goal.

Thank you.

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

I've been a nurse for just about ten years, and have been on active duty for almost eight. I am prior enlisted Air Force and am currently an Air Force captain.

Health Professions recruiters for the Air Force are responsible for wide areas - the one where I was managed three states, and that was before the most recent drawdown. The enlisted recruiters will not know a thing about officer recruitment and even less about health professions recruitment. You have to get in touch with a health professions recruiter. The other guys will concentrate on convincing you to enlist - don't do it. Google "US Air Force health professions" and sign up for information from a recruiter; they will route the request to the appropriate recruiting district and to the officer folks.

Your best bet is to get the strongest GPA you can. That's really going to be the deciding factor. They're also looking for community service; volunteering a couple of hours a week consistently at whatever program interests you is also a great idea.

[layne27]

Will the recruiter still talk with me although I'm only a freshman in university? I've heard that they don't often talk to those unless their close to finishing their degree.