I haven't posted much but I'm currently in the process of applying for the new graduate nursing boards for the Air Force. I graduate with my bachelors of nursing in May!! I thought it would be nice to connect and see if anyone else is applying for the new graduate board selection. My recruiter told me they meet and make decisions in July. If I get it, I'll be heading to COT in October!
Currently, the recruiter has me picking out bases that I would like to be selected at for NTP. I'm also awaiting a medical exam date. If anyone has any input on great places to start out my nursing career, let me know!
I was just informed, COT Jan 11 as well!! We will get to meet everyone!! Also, did anyone else hear they changed the sign on bonus?? Now NTP doesn't get a sign on bonus according to my recruiter. You can get loan repayment but not a bonus...kinda stinka but I'm still just thankful for being selected!
For those who made it, when do you find out if you got the station of your choice? I'm wondering what the chances are for getting what you want because that will play a lot into me wanting to apply when the time comes.
You find out what your base is when you are accepted (for the most part). Rarely, people do have to wait a few extra weeks or so once they are accepted.
I have to tell you that the military probably isn't a good career for you if where you live is that important to you. Some people get their top choice, but others get their 5th choice or something not on their list at all. Say you get your first choice. What are you going to do in 2-4 years when it's time to move again and they want to send you to Minot AFB (North Dakota)? You should know going in that your choices are only considered if they happen to match the needs of the Air Force at the time you have to be assigned to a base.
I spent 5 years enlisted in the USMC so I totally get that everything is based on the needs of the military. But if your are getting any input then it's better than what I had to deal with there. Mostly what I'm looking for is finding out what the odds are of getting my request for my first station. From there I don't really care. Also I'm not sure about the Air force but I know when I left the Marine Corps 2 years ago they were starting reduce the number of PCS to save money.
Okay, good. Then yes, you have a reasonable shot a getting something on your list. They are cutting back on PCS's and increasing extension requests, but you can reasonably expect to move every 4 years if you are in the AF Nurse Corps at a CONUS base.
Well I've had nothing but positive experiences with my recruiter, he has done everything possible to help me both last year and this year. I really don't see him lying to me about a bonus...anyone else here sign for a bonus yet? I had paperwork filled out for the application, it is only just now that he informed me there is no bonus for NTP. And truly, him lying would be a terrible idea, as I would find out at NTP that other people got bonuses, then inform higher ups that he lied straight to my face about the bonus. Fudging the truth or giving opinions is one thing, saying a straight lie from a direct question is a pretty big mistake...
Actually, the bonus is a hindrance if you plan on taking the ISP (board certification pay). It can be 20K per year for a 4 year commitment (80K total). You can apply for it as soon you get specialized (CCRN, CEN, CNOR, etc) as long as your aren't committed already by loan repayment or a sign-on bonus.
Hey y'all - I'm going January 2016 as well. Can't wait to meet you all. I just signed my LOA and $30k bonus agreement. Hubby and I can't wait to buy a new car and travel together!!! So excited. My hubby is an AF surgeon so I'll go where he goes.
My recruiter never told me the specific day. He just told me that they will conven in "Mid-July."
Oh well good luck to us applicants for the nurse transition program.
I did hear some "good news" from my AF health recruiter, earlier this week.
He told me that there were less applicants who applied this year, than in previous years, so that gives us a better chance of getting admitted to the 2016 AF RN residency program!
Camo-angel
176 Posts
I was just informed, COT Jan 11 as well!! We will get to meet everyone!! Also, did anyone else hear they changed the sign on bonus?? Now NTP doesn't get a sign on bonus according to my recruiter. You can get loan repayment but not a bonus...kinda stinka but I'm still just thankful for being selected!