Air Force Nursing 2013

[JillyRN]

Hi everyone,

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??

Thanks!!

[midinphx, BSN]

I went in May 2010. It was hot and humid. I get sick and have allergy issues everytime I go to Alabama. Your COT class will be bigger during the summer months - med students on HSPS scholarships go through during summer class breaks. Travis was on my list - and still on my list. Congrats!

[wvu1224]

Truly appreciate it!!! Honestly can't wait to make it out to Travis!!!!

[wvu1224]

Truly appreciate it!!! I honestly can't wait to make it out to Travis!!!!

[taytay3287]

Im getting frustrated with this process I am having a difficult time communicating with my recruiter and feel like I am hassling him constantly to get things done. My husband says i'm overreacting and they get busy... I may be to pushy but this stuff is due January and I don't even have a CN interview scheduled yet. Anyone else have this issue I feel bad about it a little.

[kdazzle]

hey taytay,

I am waiting for my recruiter to get back with me about when my CN interview will be too. I am going to email them soon i guess. I also feel like you have to keep on their butts in order to get things done. LOL.

[Dreaming1007]

Hey taytay, I am getting my package together now for the NTP boards in July and with 6 years of military experience it is always going to be hurry up and wait even when you become a commissioned officer. I love the military, especially the Air Force, and everything it represents so I wish you and everyone else luck.

[JillyRN]

Hey Kdazzle,

Thanks for the well wishes. My recruiter said he was waiting for my LORs to all come in before he could schedule me. I've heard the chief nurse here is very laid back and accomodating, so I wonder if that is why I got scheduled so quick. He sent me the prep questions and some recommendations. I'm very nervous since I was told this interview weighs heavily in my packet. I'll be going out this weekend to find something to wear. I'm not sure I've ever seen women's suits for sale on this island...

Hope you get rescheduled soon! Good luck!

[wvu1224]

Im getting frustrated with this process I am having a difficult time communicating with my recruiter and feel like I am hassling him constantly to get things done. My husband says i'm overreacting and they get busy... I may be to pushy but this stuff is due January and I don't even have a CN interview scheduled yet. Anyone else have this issue I feel bad about it a little.

This process for me was super long and very tedious! If you have any waivers, prior service, or anything that may hold up process in any fashion--stay on top of him/her. You must remember its your future they are holding!! Granted, I wasn't calling or texting multiple times a day, but as due dates came closer, we were on phone daily. There were times we had to get extensions for things--as well as overnight records out to Texas!!! The recruiters are super busy--but remember, this is such a long long process and its easy to forget certain things need to be done!!! I wish you the absolute best, and if I can help please let me know!!!!

[kdazzle]

hey everyone,

this question is to anyone that may know the answer. One thing that just crossed my mind and I never thought about it until now is this. once you are in the air force nurse corp and finish your first term/contract, and its time to renew or resign up-do you automatically get to renew your contract and stay in or do you have to get reselected each time for a new 3year, 4 yr etc? I never thought to ask my recruiter this and didnt know.

[JillyRN]

Completed the CN interview yesterday... Eek. I was more nervous than I've ever been for any sort of interview. She was extremely kind and laid back though. Even having all the questions beforehand, I felt I stumbled over answers. She provided a lot more information than I was expecting and actually answered most of my questions before I could ask them, which left me even more at a loss for words. Needless to say, I walked away feeling less than confident. I should be signing my application next week, then it's a solid 3 months of waiting... I'm 99% sure I'll drive myself insane.

[JillyRN]

From what I learned yesterday, there is not any sort of reselection process per se, after you complete your contract. The CN said that when it comes towards the end of your contract, your career may be reviewed and depending on your performance they will either encourage or prevent you from extending your contract. She was highlighting the fact that if you are in a highly needed field, there may be ISP bonus for them to keep you. She disclosed that the most recent numbers were $10K per year for specialties such as CC and ER.

[kdazzle]

hey jillyRN,

I bet you are glad that the CN interview is over though. it's easy to second guess yourself and the answers you give someone in a situation like that because its sooooo nerve wracking. I am still waiting on my recruiter to tell me when mine is scheduled. don't beat yourself up though. at least you can relax now. Yes, the wait will suck big time. Hang in there girl:) Talk to you soon.