FNP as an Air Force ER nurse?

[gatordale]

I am currently a FNP working in the emergency room fast track. I recently applied for a FNP position with the Air Force. My packet went in front of the board and they said they did not have any open FNP positions. They offered me a RN ER position. I am being told that when a open position for FNP comes available I can request to fill it. I was enlisted for four years in the Air Force in the early 90's and really enjoyed it. Before FNP school I worked five years as a ER nurse and enjoyed it also. Does anyone have any advice about going back in the Air Force? Would this be a bad move to be an FNP and go back to ER nursing?

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Oooh - I don't know why you would want to sacrifice the autonomy of an FNP and return to staff nursing...just my opinion of course. I love ER nursing and currently am a case manager. When I get my MSN next year - I will probably change jobs. Does any other branch of the service use FNPs? I was enlisted in the USN many, many years ago and hubby is retired Air Force - am familiar with the use of mid-level practitioners in the Air Force - sounds like a great job.

[RNPATL, DNP, RN]

Oooh - I don't know why you would want to sacrifice the autonomy of an FNP and return to staff nursing...just my opinion of course. I love ER nursing and currently am a case manager. When I get my MSN next year - I will probably change jobs. Does any other branch of the service use FNPs? I was enlisted in the USN many, many years ago and hubby is retired Air Force - am familiar with the use of mid-level practitioners in the Air Force - sounds like a great job.

I know that the VA uses a lot of FNP's and PA's. These folks have a great deal of autonomy and are the "go to" people for the nurses. I had developed a wonderful relationship with the FNP's and they were wonderful to work with. All the FNP's that I worked with said they really enjoyed working with the VA.