civilian RN interested in Air Force nursing

[bkg98]

Hi Everyone!

I have 10 years civilian nursing experience (everything from med-surg, home care, OR, even case management). I am very interested in Air Force nursing mostly because of retirement benefits and advancement opportunities, team work, respectful treatment of peers and management (I would think it's better in the military). I spoke to a recruiter and he said that I would be able to go in as a Capt because of the experience. How is the pay rate? How are the benefits? What does a Capt's rank entail as far as nursing responsibilities? What about promoting to Lt. Col and Col? Is it difficult? Do you have to test each time you want a promotion? Sign on bonus?

I would probably enter in my main specialty, OR nursing (is that in demand in the AF?). I am currently a Case Manager and would rather do that or discharge planning. The recruiter didn't seem to know what I was talking about.

I would appreciate any information...I need the good, the bad and the ugly. I'm just afraid the recruiter might paint a prettier picture just to get me to sign up. I would love to ask him to set me up with an RN so that I can talk to them, but I'm afraid he will set me up with someone who won't be completely honest either.

What is the Commissioned Officer's Training like...what is their PT like? What's the likelihood to get deployed to a combat zone or a danger zone? How long are deployments? What about TDY and "Remotes"? I have two very young children and would hate to be away from them for a very long time.

How is the housing for Capts? What about civilian husbands? Are there many since nursing is more of a female dominant job? How long are the typical tour of duties? What's the liklihood of getting the place that you want to go? What's the liklihood of retiring in 20 years as a Col or above?

Any information will be GREATLY appreciated!!! Thanks!

[bethin]

Thanks, you've given me some hope. I've always wanted to be in the military. I go to my specialist once a year. I've never had any real problems with my heart. Sometimes I forget I even have mitral valve prolapse.

Do you think you could be deployed with minimal medical care with these problems? The reason I ask is basically that is what the Air Force will consider when looking over your package. You would have to get a waiver for these problems. If these are ongoing problems I don't think you would want to be an active duty nurse. On the other hand if these health problems don't cause you any problems at all and require minimal medical f/u you should look into it. Hope that helps...

[bkg98]

Thanks again everyone for all of your input! I really appreciate it a lot. I didn't want to rely on just a recruiter because I have heard some nightmare stories about them. This is why I am doing my own research and trying to get as much real information as possible. The recruiter that I spoke to was NOT a nurse and he basically had no clue. He was able to provide simple basic info but not much help as far as nursing goes. He did say that there was somewhat of a possibilty to talk to a nurse, but I wasn't sure that I wanted the recruiter to set that up. If I talked to someone, I wanted someone neutral, who would give me an honest picture of what's it's really like...nursing and lifestyle. I think he was a bit surprised by me asking all the questions I asked...and I basically told him I wanted straight forward answers, I didn't want him to glamourize anything for me.

As for my husband, he works in a very corrupt, very stressful, very dangerous city. The only reason he stays is because he's been there for so long and the benefits are decent. His retirement is fairly good but the medical benefits are excellent! I cannot complain one bit about that. But the stress is taking a toll and that's one of the reasons why he does photography on the side...to be able to fall back on it.

As far as deployment, I understand thoroughly that once you sign the papers, the military basically "owns" you. This is why I am thinking long and hard about it and why I am asking so m any questions before jumping into a decision. I don't think I would mind the occassional short TDYs, or even being stationed overseas a few times...we both wouldn't mind that, so long as the family is together. But being deployed for a long period of time is what I think I would have the most trouble with. My understanding is, if you volunteer for TDYs, deployment and remotes...even take an assignment for a year overseas, it looks good on your record and counts for something toward your promotions and choice of next duty station. I think someone told my husband that sometimes you can take your family on remotes or those 1 year overseas assignments.

My other question is, if I should join the AF and decide to leave before retirement (lets say I leave in 10 years) and then work for the VA, would all the benefits be the same? Would my 10 years count toward retiring from the VA? Let's say I'm in the AF for 10 years, leave, work for the VA for 10 years, would that be considered 20 years and then can I retire with a pension? Are the pension and other benefits the same as if I should retire from the AF?

Thanks again for all the info!!!! :)

[Tucwebb]

The Army has an option for older RNs 42-60. Does anyone know if the USAF has the same kind of program either AD or Reserve?