Air Force Nursing

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Hello! I am a pediatric RN with 2 years experience, looking into Air Force nursing. I was hoping to hook up with a pen pal of some sorts, a nurse in the Air Force (preferably pediatrics) to pick their brain. Thank you!

Specializes in ER.

Hi Snoopy,

Congratulations!!! I just graduated last week from BSN program. I am a prior enlisted Navy member. I am currently on getting admitted into the Air Force Nurse Corps. I am submitting a package for the October selection board. I do have a question about your process of entry. Did you have a good idea that you would get selected? I know how competitive it is. How difficult was the interview? Overall, did you think it was a difficult process? Thanks.

Sonya:yeah:

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WELCOME TO ALL NURSES UGA RN AND SNOOPY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:nurse::redbeathe:nurse:

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Specializes in Peds Neuro/Neurosurgery/General.

THANK YOU!! ;)

Everyone wish me luck....I am starting the initial paperwork with the USAF reserves. Sending it to my recruiter tomorrow. I have decided that it is the right choice for me. I am really excited about it but I just pray that its what they have in mind for me. I really hope it all goes smoothly and I can come on this forum in a year or so and give advice ;)

I guess whatever is meant to be will happen but obv I am wanting it to happen. Like I have told others, I need to work on the whole "patience is a virtue" thing since I know this is going to be a long process. Ha. For me, well worth it though if it gets me there in the end.

I am like a little giddy school girl that has heart palpitations when a helicopter flys over.(even though I know thats not what I will be on) - Always loved aviation growing up, just never dreamed that this route is what would bring me to it. I even have a pic of 4 C-130's lined up in a row on my desktop. Not jumping the gun I hope and getting my hopes up but I think of it like I am just helping myself keep 'my eye on the prize' :yeah:

Supposed to have an interview/meeting next week as well at the reserve base with Capt so if anyone has any advice for that - I am MORE than willing to take it. ;) Or any other tidbits of info for that matter...

Hope everyone has a great week!

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Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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I am seriously considering joining the airforce as a nurse after I graduate with my BSN December 2008 and pass my boards. I've heard conflicting stories about the experiences of airforce nurses experiences from other people word of mouth...(one hand, poor conditions of nursing facilities in Iraq, descrepancies in the salary actually paid vs the salary promised, drastic shortstaffing, locked into contract for life. etc), then I hear the good side that the recruiter is saying about all the benefits and what not. I also spoke to a few retired nurses who said that they loved AF nursing, but they've also been in the AF for many years and we're in a different time now. So is there anyone who is an air force nurse now, during the current wartime, who can share the REAL DEAL experience to help me with my decision..? Also, not that I would mind getting deployed to Iraq, but what area in nursing is less likely to do so? And what are the questions that are important to ask the recruiter? I just want to be well informed so that I can make the right decision, plus I don't want to get BSed by my recruiter, cuz I've heard what liars they can be. Thanks for your help, sorry for the long autobiography...

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Hey, how is your process going so far? just wondering because i'm also considering joining the USAF as well as a nurse too..just trying to get feedback

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Air force nursing has many opportunities just like any other kind of nursing. Retirement benefits are a plus if you are of a fairly young age to start. Also, they are currently expanding bedside opportunities for higher ranking nurses. Pay wise, it is pretty much a set pay based on rank and time in service. Nurses with previous experience do get that taken into consideration when coming in. Nurses with no experience have great opportunities to get education within the airforce. I had six months of experience, but decided to come in as a "new grad" so I could get a better orientation to nursing and for a career field in OB. Med/Surg and OB nursing (as a new grad) gets 5 weeks at COT and 11 weeks at NTP (Nurse Tranisition Program). OB nurses get an additional 2-6weeks at PNC (Perinatal Course). My best advice is that if the thought of a deployment and being away from family is to much to bear, then don't join. If you are a go with the flow kind of person and can consider being away from family and deploying a matter of when and not IF, then the Air Force might be for you. There is no type of nursing that is at greater risk of deploying more than others because it all depends on the needs of the military. Even OB nurses deploy to Iraq/Kuwait/Afghanistan/etc as Med/Surg nurses when needed. As with anything, it is what you make it. There are many jaded Air Force nurses still in the system that may try to discourage you, but your attitude is what makes all the difference in your Air Force career.

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mole can you PM me.

I just got the call to go to COT as an critical care nurse and need all the help as possible. Or anyone that is a critical care nurse. help please

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
Palakiko said:
mole can you PM me.

I just got the call to go to COT as an critical care nurse and need all the help as possible. Or anyone that is a critical care nurse. help please

This is an old thread. What exactly do you need? Along with recently becoming an AF CRNA I am also an AF ICU and ER identified nurse.

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Specializes in Flight/ICU/CCU/ED/Trauma.

There are a few threads that have been resurrected here lately...this may be the oldest, though, lol.

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Specializes in ER.

What info do you need?

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