Air Force

My husband's in the Air Force, but he's not a nurse - not in the medical field at all. But if there are any general Air Force questions you may have, I can try to find out some answers maybe.

Mary

I think you need to get some more information, such as how many nurses they fund per year for advanced schooling? Or how many are selected for advanced schooling vs. how many apply? Here is a place to look at, http://wpmc1.wpafb.af.mil/pages/anes/anes.htm .

And another, http://216.239.51.100/search?q=cache:1nebisuGD0MC:afas.afpc.randolph.af.mil/medical/Nurse_Corps/Carpathshrt.rtf+air+force+nurse+corps&hl=en .

What happens if you can't get into a CRNA course right away? I would be asking that question. And, do you have to serve any amount of time prior to appliying for the programs.

Just remember, the recruiters will not lie to you, they just might forget to mention a few of the less pleasent details.

And from another website:

Although some Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists are recruited from the civilian sector, the majority of military anesthetists receives their training and advanced education while in uniform. Each branch of service has their own training program in association with such prestigious institutions as Georgetown University, the University of Texas Health Science Center, and the Uniformed Service University of the Health Sciences. Only a small number of highly experienced nurses with critical care backgrounds are chosen to attend one of these programs to receive their graduate degrees and become CRNAs

So, tread very carefully, and be sure to read all the fine print. I wish you well in whatever field you decide to go into.

bob

USN (ret.)

There are many things to consider about a tour in the military. For me, everything the recruiter told me came true, but that is not always the case. From I read in your post, you are already in anesthesia school. That is the biggest hurdle in the military.

The practice is very autonomous in the military. Where I am stationed, we do not have any anesthesiologists(good and bad). You have the opportunity to become proficient in all types of regional anesthesia.

The down side is the pay. Depending where you would get stationed, even though you get paid "half-time", you only work half-time. They are talking about increasing the bonus from 15,000 to 30,000/yr-but I am not sure when and if that will happen. Right now, when you are paying back time, you get less than half of the 15,000 (I get 6,000/yr) so that bites! But will the military pay back your anesthesia loans?-that is something to consider.

Another downside to the military (esp if you have a family) are deployments. Recently, CRNAs are getting 6 month "vacations in remote locations." they are a drag, but your pay is tax-free and some student loans are paid back for that time.

I do not mean to scare you away, but these are some things to consider. Do not get me wrong. The AF has been very good to me and I am a better CRNA than if I was not in the AF. It also feels good to serve ones country, especially in times like this. If you have any other questions, I would be glad to visit with you on an individual basis.