Air Force Obstetrics career

[L&D-RN]

I am a L&D RN with 1 year experiance. I am working on my BSN now and considering joining the AF when I graduate. Are there any AF nurses that have chosen the Obstetrics path or any specific path that can tell me how that works? I really would like to stay in the OB/GYN area. L&D is my heart. Can you have that put in your contract (the obstetrics part, as I do see specific careers on their website)? How often as an L&D nurse have you had to deploy? I have heard that it takes longer from CPT to Major, is that true as an AF nurse? Also, do they use your work experience time to give you time towards your 1st LT? Have not had much luck lately with speaking directly with a nurse recruiter. Any information, comments or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[PURNAF]

The Air Force is always looking for nurses, especially OB and OR nurses. I'm currently an L&D/post-partum nurse at Travis AFB, CA. I started out on med-surg then asked to go to the AF OB short course which teaches you the basics of OB nursing. I am currently a captain and I have worked with nurses who have entered from civilian nursing with experience in OB. Your rank will all depend on how many years of nursing you have along with the educational level. Some OB nurses have come is as 1LTs and others as Capts you will have to iron that out with a recruiter. Be forewarned that even though you have OB experience you may be chosen initially to do OB, but once you attain experience in the AF you will more than likely have to become nursing management or acquire an advanced degree to stay in the provider role. Currently I am attempting to get my FNP, I want to get out of OB. As an OB nurse I've been deployed, other nurses I work with have also been deployed, areas for deployment range from Germany to Iraq. There is also a rumor out there that OB services in the AF are going to become obsolete in the near future. These services will be contracted out to the local community. I hope this answers some of your questions. If you have anymore feel free to ask.

Capt G

[L&D-RN]

Thank you so much Capt G for all the information. It helped a lot. The recruiter I spoke with was saying 2nd Lt, but I will have to see what I can work out if I do join.

Thanks again.