USAF nurse

[AndYouKnowIt31]

I am a new nurse who just graduated in august with my BSN and got my license just seven days ago and need advice like no other. I currently work for the department of veterans' affairs doing medical surgical floors. I was a student nurse tech in the surgical intensive care unit for a year and did my clinical at a local trauma hospital with my preceptorship in their ICU. I am not nervous about my skills or my knowledge base. I am nervous about not knowing what to do about my future!

I am greatly considering the Air Force for my career path. I would go in as a 2nd lt making the same as I currently make on day shift at my hospital. I think it would be a wonderful future and gain experience if I get a good base of course. The people I work with at the VA hospital think I am making a wonderful decision. My friends who work in the private sector believe I am making a massive mistake because I could make so much more money in the private field.

I would love to hear feedback on those who are currently in the armed forces, former armed forces, those who know other nurses who were once in the armed forces, those who are nurses, and those who just want to leave feedback.

Thank you very much!

[wtbcrna, MSN, DNP, CRNA]

I was a crewchief on the MH53 Helicopter & they are phasing them out as we speak. The AF is replacing them with CV-22 Tilt Rotors (half helicopter, half plane-GOOGLE IT!). Most importantly, the CV's cost 80 million per plane! The AF is changing & dont take the 20 year retirement for granted! We all know why everyone stays in, for the retirement of course!

Most military nurses join for three-four reasons.

1. To do something different; a lot of military nurses are looking for something more than what civilian nursing offers.

2. Educational opportunities....ie. chance to go to graduate school on active duty.

3. Money, benefits, retirement etc.

4. Sense of patriotism

I realize that you know a great deal about the line side of the AF, but the medical side is totally different.

Not everyone is looking just for a 20 year retirement. I know a lot of nurses that came in their mid 40's and had to sign away their retirement benefits, because of the maximum retirement age.

[Itshamrtym]

I have a question... What do you mean sign away your retirement... What if you are 42, couldn't you just retire at 62? I know they make you sign a waiver.. Not sure how this works. Thanks!!!

[wtbcrna, MSN, DNP, CRNA]

I have a question... What do you mean sign away your retirement... What if you are 42, couldn't you just retire at 62? I know they make you sign a waiver.. Not sure how this works. Thanks!!!

Unless it has changed recently basically the maximum age for military service is 62 (64 for general officers), so if you won't be able to get 20 years of active duty time in by the you are 62 then you have to sign waiver/memorandum stating that "I know I am ineligible for retirement etc".

So if you were 42 at the time of entry then you would be able to retire at 62.

Hope that clarifies it a little...

[Itshamrtym]

Thank you for the repy. I appreciate it. Take care

[NursePamela]

There is a nice article in the Air Force Times right now about what to do with the medical side of the house. Unfortunately is does not state anything definate. It seems the only constant thing is change.