Changing Jobs to Air force Nursing, need your guidance.

[StaceRacer1]

I have been a RN for 5 years. I have been working as an Organ Procurement Coordinator for the past 1 1/2 years. I live by a pager 6 days on call then off for 3 days, and then back on call 6 days then off 3 days, etc. Yeah, at times it's hard, but it is pretty rewarding to help families experience a miracle out of something so devastating such as brain death. It's also rewarding to meet special people like the families that say YES to donation. The families that say yes are able to think about others at one of their worst times in their lives. Talk about unselfish. Anyway, why I am posting is to get some feelings from some of you out there in the military.

After 9/11, I wanted so badly to join the Air force. However, I only had my RN from a diploma school, which meant that I needed to finish my BSN program (which I was already in) before entering the Air Force. I have had my BSN now for the past 2 years. I started working as an Organ Procurement Coordinator and loved it. But 2 weeks ago or so, the feelings after 9/11 came rushing back to me after seeing that Bin Laden tape. :angryfire

All those emotions came rushing back to me. I have not forgotten 9/11, but I did forget about how strongly I felt about joining the Air Force after starting my job as an OPC. I like what I do, but I am starting to get a little burned out. (This is normal after working for 1 1/2 years.) My goal was to stay for 3 years, but I do not see myself staying another 1 1/2 years. I started having the burn-out feeling syndrome before even seeing the bin Laden tape. So then I asked myself, is joining the Air force a way out of leaving my job? No was my answer, however I did want to start looking for something new.

For the past 8 months I have been a Bush Teamleader. I have been a strong part of the Grassroots campaign here in Pgh, PA. I can proudly admit that I love my President. And I would even be more proud to say that I served my country under his watch. (By the way, all Kerry supporters and People Against Bush go ahead post your comments about the POTUS. I am used to your ridiculous comments. Just remember what this post is really about.) Before the election, I told my husband that I would only join the Air Force if President George W Bush was re-elected, because I refused to work for Senator Kerry. I proudly support the President in the War on Terror and I believe that this is the best way that I can support our troops and help our country.

I am only 28 years old, married, no children unless you count the two cats and dog. My husband and I both do not wish to be parents anytime soon and if at all. My husband has finally found something that he likes doing for a career and now I start bringing up the Air Force. He would not be able to do the same work if we were to move overseas, if overseas is indeed where we would go. We have talked it over many times and he says we need to get more info from the recruiter before he can decide.

I will be sitting down with a Recruiter to get more info soon, BUT I just would like as much advice before I talk to a recruiter. From reading the many posts in the Military Nursing Forum, I have learned that I should get everything in writing, but I guess I need to know what I can expect to get from the recruiter. I have already checked out the Air Force website.

I would love to hear from you about this topic and get your unbiased opinion. :) Please post any tips you might have about joining the Air Force.

Thanks ahead of time for all the great tips and thoughts.

[zman]

Staceracer1,

As an Air Force nurse and Captain with 8 years of active Air Force service, prior Army deployed experience, and a very fulfilling experience treating initial casualties from Operation Enduring Freedom, here are some thoughts...

"Before the election, I told my husband that I would only join the Air Force if President George W Bush was re-elected, because I refused to work for Senator Kerry." If you sign on the dotted line, you will be pledging to "support and defend the constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic, and that I will bear true faith and allegience to the same." You also pledge to obey the lawful orders of the President of the United States. Consider this: your initial Military Service Obligation is for 8 years (usually 3 or 4 years of active service, then 4 years inactive reserves but available for call-up if they need your speciality). Thus you will be obligated to serve under the next president, Republican or Democrat or Other, and will be expected to do so just as cheerfully. The same goes for the officers appointed over you; you don't obey orders based on who you like or dislike.

"For the past 8 months I have been a Bush Teamleader." DOD regulations and Air Force Instructions specifically prohibit active campaigning on the behalf of a partisan candidate or party. You will, however, be permitted to volunteer time in non-partisan GOTV or issue-specific campaigns in your off-duty time.

Our military is designed to be apolitical for some very important reasons. The American people select their choice for leading the country (and the military) and we in the profession of arms accept the leadership and follow their guidance. I first entered the military in 1991 and served under GHW Bush, then Clinton, then Bush, and even with this second term I will (Lord willing) serve under at least one more president before I am eligible for retirement.

So here is the question: Are you joining the Air Force to serve just President Bush, or are you joining the Air Force to serve the Constitution?

[USAFRN 13]

adding on to what the zman said, realize that the 4 years inactive reserve is a very real deal. i have friends in the army nurse corps who thought they were "out" being called up from IRR right now to go to Iraq. You sound very passionate which is commendable, but the military is a big commitment and you need to look at more than just who is president before signing up.

on the good foot, it is doubtful that the military budget is going to be cut anymore in the foreseeable future. recent developments show that maybe folks are realizing we can't do more with less anymore.