Chief Nurse

[Mommy of 2]

I read in many posts people talking about meeting with the chief nurse. When do you meet with the chief nurse? I was curious the order that things happen. For example, you meet with healthcare recruiter, do you then fill out application; then what? Sorry this is so broad. I am very interested in going into AF. Starting from square one.....

[drums326]

Meeting with the "Chief Nurse" is more of an internal issue that you wouldn't deal with until you are already working at a military facility. Their involvement with your day to day work life would vary depending on where you work, but if it's a large hospital you would rarely interact with someone of this rank. I only ever saw mine during orientation, when I wanted a signature for a specialty course, and at various events/ceremonies....which is appropriate.

[Mommy of 2]

thanks for the info!

[w2cross2blue]

HI Mommy of 2! Welcome to the LONG process of applying to the Air Force. I think what you may be asking about is the chief nurse interview. This happens after your first meeting with the Healthcare Recruiter and MEPS. I am not sure how much you know already, but MEPS is the physical that you will do. The chief nurse interview is one of the last things you do before your application goes before the selection board. My recruiter has told me that there will be a selection board this November. I think applications are due by the second week of October. If you are serious about joining I would pursue meeting with a healthcare recruiter sooner than later. The whole process is taking most people approx. a year. The next selection board after November is tentatively scheduled for January I believe but he told me they may not have one if they select enough nurses in the November board. Best wishes with your application process!

[Mommy of 2]

Thanks for the info. I just talked with the healthcare recruiter today. She first said that the application was due on Sept 28 and said board was in January but later in the conversation she said hopefully she could get my application in by november and boards in april. I was really confused and asked her "i thought you said application was due in september" and she said no its novemeber. She took all my info over the phone and said she would mail me some papers and send an email with info. Haven't received the email- wasn't sure how quickly I would get it. She said we would meet in two weeks and when I tried to set up appointment right then she said that she would call me later to set up appointment because she just got into her office and wasnt sure what day we could meet since I live in SC and her office is in NC (she planned on going to Charlotte which is closer for me). I have heard such horrible things about recruiters so I guess I am nervous I will never hear from her again. Some support anyone?

[Mommy of 2]

Also, should I talk with my recruiter that I heard from others that there IS a board in November or will I be stepping on toes? Don't want her to think I am rude or pushy. I am just very excited to join AF!

[fitRNpic]

If you are an experienced nurse trying to get into a specialty, the application packet needs to be completed and turned in for board review by Sept 28th for Oct/Nov board review. As for those that don't have experience, I am not sure when the board meets for inexperienced and new grad nurses. If you want things to get done and are serious about joining the AF you need to be pushy to get things done. I have been trying to do this for the last 2 years and have had some not so great recruiters who have done nothing for me and didn't get anything done. So I have had to be pushy in order to get things done. Good luck to you.