Air force nursing cot august 2014

Bayern78 · Feb 20, 2014

Thank you Pixie.Did you start in the ER when you got in the AF?

Editorial Team / Moderator · Feb 20, 2014

Thank you Pixie.Did you start in the ER when you got in the AF?

I am in the Army, not AF. There are some similarities, though. :) But I actually have the Army ER identifier with my job code, so yes, straight to the ER. I was an ER nurse for 3 years before I commissioned.

Bayern · Mar 4, 2014

For those who have done this, I got a question: when would you suggest as the best time to give in your notice at work? I am thinking about taking a long-term leave while attending COT but this is in regards to health insurance. But this would also leave me with no time after COT to give my notice with enough time that respects hospital's policy.

jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA · Mar 4, 2014

You have health insurance coverage starting on the 1st day of active duty service on your orders (usually 1 day or so before COT starts). I think you have to weigh your family's security against your ability to respect your hospital's policy, because you may not be able to do both. I gave the minimum 30 days notice to coincide with day 1 on the orders to avoid a coverage gap, but I don't have any family to take care of. You could buy gap coverage (very expensive by the way) as well. All in all, angering one hospital isn't the end of the world in my book; burn the bridge if you have to.

Bayern · Mar 5, 2014

jfratian...thank you for the advice. have you read that document OTSMAN 36-2202? I am assuming we will have enough time to go through it at COT?

Bayern · Mar 8, 2014

How is excercise working out for you guys? I had slowed down some once I found out I was an alternate. I am picking it up now. I know we have time before COT. I just wished my taste for carbs respected m desire to be in shape :) Somewhere on here I read a suggestion to exercise in the morning bc that is how it is done at Maxwell.

jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA · Mar 9, 2014

If you work out 3-4 times per week then you'll be fine; PT is at 0515 every morning. Honestly the worst thing about COT right now is the academics. Read the manual 3 times before you get to COT, because you have a test on the whole thing at the end of week 1. Getting less than 80% means you'll have extra work. Since your days are already 18+ hrs, you don't want that.

I would also recommend learning the Airman's creed, the oath of office, and the complete rank structure of all branches of the armed forces, as you will also need to know that by the end.

Bayern · Mar 9, 2014

Jfratian...Thank you for that info. That thing is 115 pages on my pdf and I am on page 10...It is amazingly entertaining :) How many hours do you manage for sleep? What is the toughest period of the day? Bc I work at night, I start getting sleepy by 5pm when I am off and without fail, I would be awake by 2am. Trying to decide whether I should go to day shift a month or so before COT.

Bayern · Mar 13, 2014

Scheduled my swearing on 19th at Maxwell. Any advice of what I might need to do to prepare for this? I am just going there with my recruiter and family. Trying to decide what I really need to buy then. Will we end up needing the season stuff or it just depends?

Bayern · Mar 14, 2014

Anyone has the shopping list for COT?

Editorial Team / Moderator · Mar 14, 2014

Anyone has the shopping list for COT?

Did you check the COT website? Inbound COT Trainees. Under the FAQs, it has a link to this page with your uniform item and other requirements: Expenses

Good luck!!! :)

Bayern · Mar 14, 2014

Thank ou Pixie. How about the itemized one that shows: Boots, Dress, etc...not necessarily the prices but the items for Men vs Women, Mandatory vs Seasonal.