Air Force Nursing duty locations

[samiyah1987]

Wanted to get input on the best duty stations And which ones have the least deployments. Here is my preferences

US

1. JB Andrews

2.Wright Patterson, OH

3. US Air Force Academy, CO

4.Eglin Florida

5. Kessler, Ms

Overseas

1. Landstuhl, Germany

2.Aviano, Italy

3. Lakennemath, England

4. Yokota, Japan

5.Osen, Korea

[jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA]

Extremely unlikely that you'll get any of those, with the exception of Eglin AFB in Destin, FL. New nurses, which is what you'll be considered with

If you're dead set on applying anyway, make sure you apply as a 'clinical nurse' or 46N. If you take a specialty designator, like ICU, OR, or ER, you wont be able to go to a clinic.

[zfredrick]

so if i come in as 46N how likely will i get there then?

[jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA]

46N doesn't limit you to just outpatient clinic nursing. It also includes inpatient med-surg, PACU, day surgery, and probably a few other things I can't remember right now. In other words, it's very broad. They could put you at literally any AF facility. They won't since you're a 'newer nurse,' but I'm speaking generally. Your chances of places like Shaw or Seymour Johnson (NC) are next to zero. Eglin is your only real shot, and it's also a place everybody wants.

Of course, you'll know what base you're getting before you sign-on. I would hate for you to go through the whole process for probably a 10% chance of getting what you want.

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

so if i come in as 46N how likely will i get there then?

I think one thing that nurses (or anyone, really) joining the military must realize is that once you do that, your personal freedom is GONE. You can and will be sent anywhere based purely on the needs of the branch in which you serve. If you are okay with giving up that control over your life, then the military is a great fit. If not? Then not so much. I have served with people who joined for money/"adventure"/travel/location, and they sometimes end up disappointed and miserable because they didn't join to serve. It's not an easy life, as jfratian can also attest. But if you desire to serve, it is so rewarding.

[zfredrick]

The desire is always to serve but I'm a mom first! And want to make sure that I'm in a situation that not only benefits me but also my child as well! Being near Sc for my first assignment would be beneficial for us both because I have family near, her father is near and would just help us adjust overall until she is a little older. She's only 5 right now!

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

The desire is always to serve but I'm a mom first! And want to make sure that I'm in a situation that not only benefits me but also my child as well! Being near Sc for my first assignment would be beneficial for us both because I have family near, her father is near and would just help us adjust overall until she is a little older. She's only 5 right now!

I can understand that, and it is a big decision when you have a little one to consider too. Speaking as a military brat, it's not always an easy life for kids. Moving every 3-5 years, having to start over everywhere you move, making new friends and missing old ones. But military brats are exceedingly adaptable - we learn quickly how to fit in anywhere and aren't afraid of change or new situations. I grew up overseas and wouldn't trade the experience for anything. Best of luck, whatever you choose to do. :)

[cece11]

Why join if you don't want to deploy? Please reconsider this decision, deployment is a part of the military and if you can't accept that it may not be the right fit for you. I think it's a slap in the face for ppl to join and before they even put on the uniform are trying to skip out of deployments while fellow service members are deploying over and over. Just my two cents. Joining is voluntary and if you are doing this you need to take the good with the bad or don't do it all.