Certifications

No, they are not worth the investment at this time.

I don't think they would push your packet over the edge but I do think having those certifications are worth the money now to add to your packet/resume as a whole. It shows that you are driven to get certified on your own, with your own money. Also, you have the time to do it now. If you wait until after you have a job/commission, you may have to take off days from work to do it. Plus, sitting through those classes is like an extra few lectures to help you study for NCLEX and exit exams. They review some important information.

Thank you both for your responses. I think I will try to get those certifications if I have time, it couldn't hurt to have them.....

for which kind of nursing job are you applying? if it's an entry level bedside nurse for ntp - you don't need anything except bls. if you are coming in as a fully qualified critical care nurse - you need all of the appropriate credentials for that role. i walked off of the street into a usaf er job, but i had a cc background and all of the certs to go with it. for entry level, take a breath - they are going to teach you what you need to know and all of the extra acls, pals, encp, nrp will be free!!

I'm going to be applying as a new graduate with absolutely no experience. I know that it isn't required to have any of those extra certifications, but I thought it might help to have at least one or two of them to add a little bit to my packet. I don't have much in the way of leadership experience yet so I feel like I need all the help I can get when it comes to being selected by the Air Force.