Air Force Nurse Transition Program

[IowaRNBSN]

Hello all,

I am readying my package for the USAF NTP (Nurse Transition Program). How difficult is it to be selected? I have a 3.1 gpa, have already passed MEPS, and passed boards on my first try back in March. What worries me is that I graduated in December 2009 and have been looking for civilian jobs, but after a whle I decided that I wanted to do Air Force nursing (still applying for for civilian jobs). Will this decrease my chances of being selected? I still have to meet with the Chief Nurse at the Air Force base for and interview, and complete a little paperwork. Also, what happens if I take a civilian job in the meantime as I wait for the Selection Board in January? Do I have to wait if I get 6 months of experience? What is the NTP like also?

Any advice or experience from those would be helpful,

Thanks

[bsnkaty]

I applied in October 2009 and was accepted. My COT date is January 2011. You should ABSOLUTELY take a civilian job in the meantime because it could realistically take at least a year before you have an official COT date. I wouldn't tell any potential employers that you looking to enter the AF and civilian job has no effect on your chances of being selected.

NTP is for nurses with less than 6 months experience. I hear it's very similar to an orientation in a civilian hospital and you're assigned a preceptor.

There is LOTS of great information about timelines, NTP and COT on this forum... just search for your questions!

[mobro]

NTP is for folks with less than a year of experience. I had 6 months ICU experience and I still did NTP. I just graduated from it at the end of July. Basically you follow preceptors for 10 weeks (not always the same preceptor). You orient to the floor and "learn how to be a nurse." We also had seminar days where we had guest speakers or went to a simulation lab and practiced different skills. Technically it's an 11 week program but the first week you're in-processing to the base.

[luvbug080688]

mobro: where did you do your NTP?

[mobro]

i did ntp and am permanent party at keesler afb.

[luvbug080688]

ahhh gotcha. i am doing ntp in cincinnati in sept-dec and pcs'ing to lakenheath.

[bsnkaty]

Mobro... I'm headed to Keesler for my first assignment! How's the area and the on base housing? It's not too far home but it wasn't my first choice-- Still happy with it though! Anything I have to know about it?

[IowaRNBSN]

Also, what are the odds of getting a base in europe (high on my list of places to be stationed at)?

[mobro]

i think getting to europe as your first assignment is pretty hard. especially if you're a new nurse- but don't quote me on that.

biloxi/keesler is pretty nice. the on base housing is all brand new and is beautiful! i live off base but i know a few people on so i've seen inside them. it's insanely hot and humid here right now so if you're not used to that it might be an interesting transition. haha. overall, not too bad!

[bsnkaty]

I've heard that about the housing, which is great! Are there rentals in nice areas within the BAH?! I'm used to the heat and humidity... I'm from Atlanta! We're planning on a weekend trip to see how things are down there. I won't be in Biloxi until around May next year but I'm a "planner." I just like to know what I'm getting into!

[AFFam]

Mobro

I PMed you.

[mobro]

i'm from atlanta too!! the humidity is worse here because of the water, i couldn't believe it! at least you'll be used to it though.

there are some decent apartments near by and you could probably find a house if you knew where to look. i didn't know where to look and didn't get house hunting days so i don't really know the details. but i have seen some ok ones driving around. you can't beat base house for how big/nice they are. the downside is they take your whole BAH which is a bummer but if you have a family it'd be nice.