Air Force Reserve college assistance

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Hi, everyone!! This is my first post here, so please bear with me!!

A little backround info on me before I get to the main question. I am a new ADN graduate (graduated in May) and have so far been unable to find a job locally. Moving isn't an option, because I have to help take care of my grandparents.

I also have a BS in Biology, along with a few other associate degrees.

Now for the last couple years I have wanted to join the Air Force Reserves and learn trauma/field nursing, as well as get a job in a local ER. The army was ready to take me with just an ADN, as long as I got my BSN within a certain amount of time. They had the STRAP program, and as great as it sounded, I REALLY wanted to join the Air Force.

After much bumping around, I finally managed to talk to an actual medical recruiter, and she said that as long as I have 6 months of nursing experience, I could get in the Air Force as a nurse, provided I get my BSN in a certain amount of time.

Wanting to get started as soon as possible on getting my BSN, I met with the ADN-BSN advisor at my school, and since I have all the pre-reqs, except Abnormal Psych which I will take over winter break, I can get into the June 2010 class!!

So while I have the process for earning my BSN started, I still have not yet found a job, despite applying to several hospitals several times a week. They are looking for experience and/or a BSN.

So without a job for at least 4 months, I can't get into the Air Force unless I have my BSN. And here's the kicker and why I need help and info from all of you wonderful people.

My recruiter said that the Air Force does not have anything like the STRAP program, and cannot help me pay for college. Without their help, I can't afford to go. Even if I found a job next week, I still wouldn't be really in the air force for 6 months, putting me right at June.

I have been in college for many years and have debt up to my eyeballs. I can't afford to get anymore, even if they would give it to me, which is doubtful.

Does anyone have any info or advice for me?? I'm getting older, broker, and more dispondent by the day!!

Help!!!

Kirstie

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Moving isn't an option, because I have to help take care of my grandparents.

^^^^

If you were accepted into the Air Force tomorrow wouldn't you still have this same problem?

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Why so set on the AF? Try to shadow an Army RN and see if you like it. You will still be a weekend warrior, you may get deployed (as with all branches), but you will not be on the front lines. It seems like the Army is offering you everything you want; just a different brand.

:twocents: in the bucket.

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I'm not sure about the AF but with the STRAP program, there is no deployment while in college. I want Air Force because my grandpa was in the AF and because I've heard much better things about it. Plus other personal reasons.

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You're right, non deployment while they pay for school is a given. They definitely don't want to interrupt what they are trying to put you through. I wouldn't rely on hearsay- because if that was the fact I could tell you loads of reasons why I honestly believe the Army is leaps and bounds above the AF in the field of nursing- but again, that is my opinion (and I was Navy). Like I said, set up a shadowing opportunity, there is no commitment there, and you will know for yourself vice what others feel. What's the most it could hurt?

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