interviewing with NP and Chief Nurse (air force)

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I'm in the process of applying for the Air Force as a new BSN/RN grad, and I'm anxious about the interviews (as well as MEPS and COT). From what I have read and heard, the NP is a phone interview and the chief nurse is in-person. How are the interviews like? What kind of questions do they ask? Are they the same kind of questions that are asked at civilian hospitals? Is it more or less intense? Please tell me any pointers as to what kind of questions I should focus on thinking about so that I don't fumble during the interview. Any pointers will be great!

I thank you all in advance. I love allnurses.com. It helps relieve at least half of my anxiety that's been fast approaching as I try to find my place in the nursing field.

:redbeathe soL

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I am also in the Jan boards, but I was informed that the earliest COT is May or possibly Aug.

This is to anyone waiting to go to COT from the Feb - March 2010 boards.... I just found out from my recruiter that the August COT spots are all full so they are pushing back all the clinical nurses (not specialty) to start COT in October, January, or March of FY 2011. The only way that all the selects from the most recent board can go in August is if they would like to go to a hard to fill slot (like in nebraska, or North Dakota). Otherwise, there are still no assignments posted from the boards as of Friday April 16th. I know and continue be confirmed that I am a select....So I should expect an assignment soon....I am slowly but steadily running out of patience and don't know how much longer I can put life on hold for the United States Government.

Maverickemt

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Specializes in 2.
This is to anyone waiting to go to COT from the Feb - March 2010 boards.... I just found out from my recruiter that the August COT spots are all full so they are pushing back all the clinical nurses (not specialty) to start COT in October, January, or March of FY 2011. The only way that all the selects from the most recent board can go in August is if they would like to go to a hard to fill slot (like in nebraska, or North Dakota). Otherwise, there are still no assignments posted from the boards as of Friday April 16th. I know and continue be confirmed that I am a select....So I should expect an assignment soon....I am slowly but steadily running out of patience and don't know how much longer I can put life on hold for the United States Government.

Maverickemt

The Air Force had an extremely good year for nurse recruitment because they are shutting down boards after May. The only nurses in May are the ones that are in a specialty area (ICU, peds, OB, OR, ER,etc).....

Maverick

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Specializes in 2.
Hi! I just signed my acceptance letter last week to the AF Nurse Corps.

Like any other interview, I would go in KNOWING something about the AF. I'm prior service, so I knew stuff like the core values and the mission statement already - but if I hadn't known it, I would have certainly looked it up. You can get a lot of info just off the website (http://www.af.mil).

And they're right - the interview w/the Chief Nurse counts a lot, from everything I was told. Don't be afraid to say you need a minute to think about the question, and NEVER be afraid to say, "I'd consult a colleague" or "I'd need to ask for some help" - the AF is a team, and you are a part of that team (you're not an individual in the military in that respect).

I have to say that this website and this thread has given me information weeks ahead before my recruiting office finds out. It is a VERY LONG, sometimes FRUSTRATING wait. THIS REQUIRES PATIENCE...

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Specializes in FNP cardiology, ER.
I have to say that this website and this thread has given me information weeks ahead before my recruiting office finds out. It is a VERY LONG, sometimes FRUSTRATING wait. THIS REQUIRES PATIENCE...

MaverickEMT,

I hear you on the frustration and patience. I think I'm at the end of my rope though. I started this long, painstaking process last June and am finally at the point of waiting for selection. I don't think I will hear anything for several more months as to when and where. The good thing is I have a job and making good money, so I don't really need to go into the service. I was looking to further my career in the military but am not willing to wait forever. In reading all these posts it sounds like any of us selected from here on out would most likely be going to COT in 2011....I have no desire to be pushed that far off. As for now, I'm keeping my package in as I know they still need NPs but probably will decline unless something changes drastically.

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To anyone waiting to sign selection papers and get assignments and COT dates - Hang on! I got mine on Thursday when I was not expecting it. They still have COT dates for October...I know its frustrating and long but a little while longer should not hurt anymore or any less.....I leave in October and am assigned to Lackland.

Maverickemt

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Specializes in ED. ICU, PICU, infection prevention, aeromedical e.

Congrats Maverick! That feels good doesn't it!!

There are more frustrations in your future if it is anything like mine. lol. I go to COT in 3 weeks and have no orders. I'm floating in the wind here. But I know it's all going to come together in the end. Just want to warn you about more and more paperwork! :)

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Specializes in MED/SURG.

I got the call last night for selection but do not leave till 10 Jan and then to Andrew's. Thrilled at it finally happening but sad as it is so far off into the future. I did get the base I wanted (#2) and will be near friends and family.

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I was trying to start a new thread on this website...I just wanted to know of anyone else from San Antonio that got selected for the Nurse Corps for the USAF because I would just like to say hello and not be so alone when I go to Alabama. I personally can't wait to start with the USAF. Nursing in the NON-military world has not been very nice to me....

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When are you going to COT?

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Specializes in MED/SURG.

I think it would be great for nurses and other healthcare professionals to have some friendships forged before COT. I go in Jan but "my resruiter says" he can try for Oct. Now that I know when and where I am going I feel settled. Oh going to Andrews.

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When are you going to COT?

I leave in October. I will be stationed at Lackland. What about you?

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I got the call last night for selection but do not leave till 10 Jan and then to Andrew's. Thrilled at it finally happening but sad as it is so far off into the future. I did get the base I wanted (#2) and will be near friends and family.

Its good to know....Andrews is supposed to be the base with the most technology. I wonder if you get a free tour of Air Force One. Say hello to the commander in chief for me...

Maverickemt

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