Published Jan 7, 2014
sunnylvthn
9 Posts
Hi,
New BSN grad here. I'm debating on whether to stay in Dallas or Join the Air force as an officer to do Air force nursing. I just wanted to know your opinions or if anyone had any experience in the Air force.
Thanks!
mursec
22 Posts
Definitely looking for information on this topic. I looked at the Airforce website and it sounds good, but I need real life experience from someone!
txtri02
66 Posts
I've also looked into Military/Govt Nursing. I really have not had any luck getting a direct answer. It seems like everything is tied to federal budget and could change year to year.
I'm also in Dallas. I hope to start BSN in August ( 2 year, 2nd degree program ).
windsurfer8, BSN, RN
1,368 Posts
I am military nurse. You don't just "join" and be an officer. You APPLY and it is highly selective. Especially in this day and age. If you want to do it then apply, but have alternatives ready to go. I know current ROTC 3.8 GPA nurses who are only allowed to join reserves. It is that tight. I am not saying not to apply, but I would advise against putting all your eggs in one basket. Getting experience in the civilian world would come in handy. Stay out of trouble with the law. Stay healthy.
mrnightinggale
112 Posts
I just retired as an Air Force officer (aviation) and my wife was and Air Force nurse for 6 years. She enjoyed her time but found it was very difficult to compete for promotion as there are not many nurses that make Lieutenant Colonel or Colonel after 16-20 years. The Air Force has really changed over the last two decades and has outsourced much care to the civilian sector. They closed many inpatient facilities so there are less nurses than there used to be. Benefits are great (start out with decent pay and 30 days vacation a year). Plus, as of right now, you can earn a pension after 20 years of service. Should you get selected, you will go to places you might not want to go to, in hazardous conditions, but you will get experience you won't anywhere else. Good luck!