Air National Guard Clinical Nurse

[Kimfun]

Hello all,

I recently graduated (Aug 2017) with my BSN. I also have a BA in Psych. I am currently working as a cardiac nurse and I am considering joining the Wisconsin Air National Guard as a clinical nurse. I am wondering if anyone who is currently serving or recently served in a similar position could offer advice or answer some of the following questions:

1. Do/did you find it rewarding?
   
2. Were you able to find balance among your family, your service, and your career as a civilian nurse?
   
3. How long are/were you contracted to serve?
   
4. What is drill like? What did your duties consist of when deployed?
   
5. Deployments: How often did you deploy? Mandatory or volunteer deployments? How long was each deployment?
   
6. Benefits: Do/did they offer to pay what is left on your student loans? Do/did they pay for graduate education (MSN, DNP, etc) or certifications (CCRN, etc)?
   
7. What, if any, training/education did you receive that isn't offered in the civilian world?
   
8. Any general information regarding basic training, schooling, etc.
   

Thank you! I appreciate any input/advice!