Air Force Reserve questions

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I will be commisioning as a 1st Lt in the AFR in approximately 2 weeks. I am coming in as a Flight Nurse. I know I will start drill weekends after getting my base welcome info packet, but will I get guidance on purchasing/wearing uniforms, getting my military id, etc. since I won't be going to COT until the fall most likely (so I was told). I don't want to show up for drill without the correct stuff or be disrespectful by wearing it wrong. I don't know what to expect after sweatining in except the list of schools I will be sent to eventually. I am 32 and have no prior service. Any advice for a new officer or what to expect?

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hi! I will be new to the Air Force Reserve as well, ill have my first interview tomorrow. I guess when I learn more ill keep you updated. What base are you at?

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McGuire.... I have already interviewed, been accepted, and have a commission. I just need to swear in.

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

They should assign you a mentor to help you with that stuff. If they don't- ask for it. If that doesn't work, be forward on your first day about shaking hands and looking for someone to help you. Pick someone of your same rank and sex, that will just make it easier. As soon as you have access to the BX buy a booklet called Look Sharp where they sell uniforms. You can also google AFI 36-2903, it is the reg for how to dress, and all other appearance issues like which shoulder to carry your backpack on. Good luck! You can message me for more info.

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Thanks for the info. I think I am just being a little paranoid. I also bought the book "Air Force Officer's Guide" to help me out.

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Specializes in ninja nursing.

Congratulations on getting a commission in the AFR. Would you mind answering some questions for me? I am prior enlisted and am thinking about joining the AFR as a flight nurse. I spoke with a healthcare recruiter in my area and he told me to contact him approximately six months after being a nurse. I have one semester to go before getting my BSN. How long does the process take? I'm really interested in doing flight nursing. Do they guarantee the position you are wanting? What schools/training will they send you to? And my last question is how did your job respond when you told them about your decision to join the AFR? Were they supportive? Thanks for any help---much appreciated.

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Congratulations on getting a commission in the AFR. Would you mind answering some questions for me? I am prior enlisted and am thinking about joining the AFR as a flight nurse. I spoke with a healthcare recruiter in my area and he told me to contact him approximately six months after being a nurse. I have one semester to go before getting my BSN. How long does the process take? I'm really interested in doing flight nursing. Do they guarantee the position you are wanting? What schools/training will they send you to? And my last question is how did your job respond when you told them about your decision to join the AFR? Were they supportive? Thanks for any help---much appreciated.

To do flight nursing in the Reserves, they want someone with several years experience, preferably ED or Critical Care. From the time I started the process until the time I commissioned was approximately 10 months. Personally, I came in with good credentials: 10 years EMS, 7 years ED nursing, TNCC, ACLS, PALS, Healthcare leadership for MCI's (A CDP course offered by FEMA/Homeland Security in Alabama). Besides MEPS and completing my Flight Physical prior to commissioning, I had to inerview with the Chief Flight nurse and unit commander of the unit I was joining. I heard they had interviewed and rejected several other candidates before and after me. I start my weekends in a few weeks. I have to go to COT, Flight Nursing School, SERE, and water survival, but was told that I probably wouldn't go until the fall. My job was very supportive of it. I work at a small community hospital and my boss was supportive from the beginning. She knows I eventually want a civilian flight nursing job on a helicopter and understands wanting to advance my career while serving my country.

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Specializes in ninja nursing.

You mentioned above that you are 32 years old, which is the same age that I am. Nursing is my second career so I'm a little late to the game. I'm prior enlisted Army and have an IT background. I hope that they take all of that into consideration when I eventually submit my paperwork. I believe the age cutoff is 42 so I do have some time, although I don't want to wait that long. I'm very interested in getting certifications as a nurse but know that I have to have so many years and time in experience before doing those. Do you know of any classes (I was thinking ACLS) that I could take soon after graduating before applying that would make me stand out? Thanks for all of your input and answering so quickly. I'm really excited to go to SERE. I think that would be fun to do. I think only an Army guy would think that-lol.

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You can take ACLS and PALS right away. If you work in an ED for 6 months or have prior EMS experience, TNCC would be doable.

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Specializes in ninja nursing.

Thanks for the information Lobsterdmb. My goal is to apply to the ED or ICU when I graduate and then I will definitely take those courses as soon as I'm able to.

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