FNP student contemplating joining the Air Force

Dranger · Jul 16, 2014

Eh I would really clarify about those bonuses, the military is cutting hard and most branches are pretty full up on med providers. I would focus on just trying to get in....

Gentleman_nurse, MSN · Jul 20, 2014

Consider the Reserves too. I serve in the Air National Guard as an enlisted troop. Not a bad gig. The one thing that I find uncomfortable is your first allegiance is to the Air Force not the patient. See a recruiter and ask to meet a few nurses on their drill weekend.

Riburn3, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP · Jul 20, 2014

As an NP student, I have clinicals on a military installation and work with NP's that are both civilian and active duty. What I can tell you is right of the bat, the civilians make more money, work fewer hours, and have fewer obligations.

When I first finished nursing school, I applied to the Air Force, was accepted, and the final thing my recruiter wanted me to do was call 3 active Air Force nurses (he chose them) and ask them about what it's like. 2 of the 3 pretty much hated it and couldn't wait to get out, and the last one was more in the middle. All of them explained how unlike in the civilian world where hours are pretty rigid, if there is a need for RN's in the military, you can work 5 or 6 days per week. In the military whether you 30 hours or 70 hours in that week, your pay is the same. Based on that I got cold feet and didn't do it. I understand it wouldn't be perfect, but when hearing it from the horses mouth to run and hide, I listened.

Now, I'm sure being an NP is different, and most the active duty ones I have encountered in my clinicals have be pleasant and seem to enjoy their job. You just have to ask yourself if you're willing to make less than those around you for the same work, have other obligations in addition to your role as a provider, and not have much control over where you go and what you do. For some people it's perfect for them, other's not so much. One of my classmates I'm graduating this december with is active Air Force, and he loves it, so to each their own.

bryango · Jul 24, 2014

Thanks for the replies. I guess the way I look at it is two fold. One, I have always wanted to serve my country and this is a great way to do it. Two, if i can pay off $40,000 of student loans with a three year commitment, I'm in. I know health care providers in the military do make less than us in the civilian world, but I look at my major expenses every month and its housing and health insurance. That would be covered by the Air Force, and I won't have any student loans!! Also, if it turns out not to be my cup of tee, I am done after 3 years. I don't think thats all that bad but I am on the other side of the fence.

Riburn3, is there anyway you can PM a name or two and emails of NP's in the military that I could contact if they are agreeable? Thanks!

bryango · Jun 24, 2015

I just got off the phone with the recruiter. According to him, the Air Force is only taking DNP FNP's. Does anyone have any more info on this? He is a new health care recruiter and didn't seem to know a lot.

nneokill175 · Feb 16, 2017

I just got off the phone with the recruiter. According to him, the Air Force is only taking DNP FNP's. Does anyone have any more info on this? He is a new health care recruiter and didn't seem to know a lot.

how did it go? were you able to join as a new NP? ill be graduating this fall with my masters in FNP as well and i am interested