FNP w/ ?s about Air Force for fy2014

[CarolinaFNP]

Graduate FNP trying to get a feel for the process of applying for COT and active duty Air Force. Any feedback for passing the selection board and transition is appreciated. I'm a practicing FNP with a years experience planning to get together a packet for the USAF. What makes a stronger packet to get through the selection board? Last year the recruiter kept telling me there was only one spot nationally. Is that true? I'm working on PFT stuff right now, I have a strong resume, and know a few officers for references. Any help would be appreciated, and I'm not intimidated by a little national competition.

[Dranger]

As a general rule (at least for the Army) in the military FNPs are not used as often as the civvy world so it wouldn't surprise me that there was only 1 spot or less with this recruiting atmosphere. PAs reign supreme in the military mid-level world with exception to the heavy use of CRNAs. In fact in my career so far I have only met 1 FNP and I have heard rumors that the others are almost often in outpatient clinics. The cool "high-speed" stuff with actual units is delegated to the PAs. Others here might have different experiences...

[MonTif]

Unless you have your heart set on USAF, you may want to consider the USPHS. A US uniformed service with the same benefits as the military, but with humanitarian mission goals with natural disasters and a mission to serve the under-privileged of this nation. I transferred from the USAF with 8 years of active duty enlisted and 4 years as a flight nurse officer in the Air Guard. You wear the same uniform as the Navy

[CarolinaFNP]

I'm cross trained ACNP because I worked in ICU for six years and did lung transplants/ vent weaning etc. I'm actually ok with working clinic, just wonder how they would work deployments if you're doing clinic work. Thanks for the responses. In USPHS , who are your patients and where are the jobs generally located?

[CaliNurse707]

Hi,

Best advice I can give is be patient and be persistent. The military can be really strange with their manning and change their mind/needs midstream. Last year they may have only had one slot and this year they could have three. Have you ever considered getting DNP? Active Duty Air Force has scholarships that help pay for education and give you a guaranteed slot/job after graduation. You could also try to reserve route if you wanted to join but not have the full time commitment.