I just recently started the process to apply to be an Air Force nurse. I'm trying to complete my packet for the January 2013 (Feb 19-Board, Mar 08-Decision). Anyone else currently starting or in the process? Any advice with gathering my information?
Any current Air Force Nurses that could give me insight about their experience, especially regarding their first assignment?
My husband is about to separate from the Army and we are used to that way of thinking and doing things (i.e. lots of misleading information, less family oriented, less options regarding career). My recruiter had mentioned that everyone goes into a general clinical nurse slot, but is given the opportunity to specialize into a department of their choice after one year. My initial response was "Yeah... riiighhhttt." I don't actually believe that I would be given such a choice so soon, but I'm not sure if that is only because of our experience with the Army. Can anyone enlighten me??
You can go active duty from guard, it's a process, but it can be done. Switching from ANG to Active isn't easier. I am a critical care nurse in the Guard as well, so that had no bearing. Getting into the Guard can be harder than active in the sense that there are not a lot of slots available so you have to wait quite a bit sometimes. Both are extremely competetive programs to get into, it's just a matter of life style I guess.
Can you wife share what types of things are on the tests? Is it customs and courtesies type information?
As with nursing schools, I can't imagine the Air Force would like people sharing information about test content. I can say that at the Army basic officer leadership course, we were given study guides and instruction. I'm sure all will be made clear. Best of luck!!
Lunah- Just to clarify- I was not looking for specific content of exams. I would never want that myself nor would I ever ask or expect anyone to divulge information such as that. From what I've read on the website for COTS the curriculum seems to be mostly based on learning the customs and courtesies, protocols, etc. So I was looking for generalities more than anything else.
You're welcome! I probably could have worded my question better. I have no military frame of reference other than uncles who served around the time of the Korean War, and things were certainly different for them! Everyone else I know is either Army Guard (enlisted) or active duty army (enlisted). With the couple of AF/ANG nurses I know I feel like I have already been such a time drain on them- and one of them is the Colonel and Commander of the unit that has a slot. She told me about it herself and is setting up a meet and greet with her CN for next week, so I'm trying to learn as much as I can about the process so I don't sound like a total idiot when we meet. :)
yeah im not getting my hopes up for early march either. I just had to go to my recruiters office this morning because my packet was already sent down to texas but they found some slip ups where forms said 2012 instead of 2013 so i had to come and resign them so it could be fixed before the board meets on the 19th. i know these are minor things to fix but its still nerve wracking though. I just want it to be march and find out my fate and hope I get picked this time and not be a non select again. im trying to stay positive but not get my hopes up too high that way I would rather be pleasantly surprised then have my hopes up so high that the let down hurts worse, ya know what i mean? its such an emotional roller coaster. LOL.
I can say that at the Army basic officer leadership course, we were given study guides and instruction. I'm sure all will be made clear. Best of luck!!
carlily0513
40 Posts
MBRN74,
You can go active duty from guard, it's a process, but it can be done. Switching from ANG to Active isn't easier. I am a critical care nurse in the Guard as well, so that had no bearing. Getting into the Guard can be harder than active in the sense that there are not a lot of slots available so you have to wait quite a bit sometimes. Both are extremely competetive programs to get into, it's just a matter of life style I guess.