interviewing with NP and Chief Nurse (air force)

[mt_nurse]

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

[JDCitizen]

I didn't get that far but you are correct unless they have changed things in recent months. The NP is a phone interview and the Chief Nurse is a face-to-face.

I was told the NP exam was actually going to be by a contract NP. The Chief Nurse interview was to carry more weight.

Factual or not that was what I was told and I was told this by not only by my recruiter but a Chief Nurse.

Sorry can't help more.

Best wishes...

[SanDgroovy]

When I was in the process of going active duty for AF, I had a face to face interview with a chief nurse. She was very nice and asked great questions but she kept in mind I was a new grad so my experiences were different. I went in blind not knowing what she would ask. I suggest treating it like any other interview, put your best foot forward and practice interview questions and come prepared with any questions you would have.

I was told the interview had a LOT of weight. I have since decided to pursue AF reserves because I realllly wanted ER experience and a great opportunity opened up and I want to be an AF flight nurse and this was the best route for me.

Best of luck!! Let us know how it goes!

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

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).

[mt_nurse]

thank you so much for all that have replied so far. i appreciate it.

how was the phone interview? and what did they ask?

[NursePamela]

Mt. Nurse,

Do you know when you interview?

[Spencer2002]

During my interview with Chief of Nursing I was strongly encouraged to think about Peds. NP school and to get prepared to take my GRE......Is this typical of a Chief Nurse interview. I'm not even sure I'm in yet? It has been a week since my interview. I emailed my recruiter but not response yet?

[gerrib83]

Any examples of the questions asked during the interview process from the CON? and NP? I am thinking about going in as a older nurse and have not had any interviews in years; is it similar to a job interview? or questions pertaining to the military? Nursing experience? ty

[Spencer2002]

know the mission of the air force and core values. you will need to talk about examples of critical thinking in patient care, what your past nursing experiences was what what your doing now. show that you're in good physical condition and how/what you do. be ready and able to be deployed if called upon, be flexiable about base assignments and fhave uture goals within the air force. it is a long process to even get to the interview stages!

[kkcrank]

Yep, know the core values and mission statement for sure. I was asked about what I do for fun, how often I go to the gym/work out (physical condition), why I was a leader. Know the deployment policy (like how often/for how long). Where do you see yourself in the future? How can the Air Force help you to that goal?

[Spencer2002]

The AF Board is reviewing packets starting this week according to my recruiter. He told me that I will have an answer by Aug 7th and will go to COT in Oct. We are still hoping for Mt. Home AFB and going crazy thinking of the other possibilities. :rotfl::rotfl:

[Spencer2002]

I'm still waiting for the "phone call" from the recruiter. Has anyone else gotten any news yet?