WOC nurses in Airforce

Specialties Government

Published

Hello,

I was wondering what background of nursing does the Airforce consider the most. I have a BSN and I have been an RN for 5 years. I am currently a certified wound care nurse and most of my exp has been in wound care, home health, and dialysis. I have always wanted to join the military and was just wondering if anyone with similair experience or less was accepted.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Moved to the Government/Military discussion forum

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Specializes in Adult Critical Care.

The Air Force likes acute care nursing experience best, especially in the hospital setting. Non ICU, ER, or OR nurses in the AF are expected to be competent in med-surg for deployment purposes. If you wouldn't be able to work med-surg on day 1 if needed, then it will be harder for you to join.

The minimum is 1 year of full time acute care RN experience (such as med-surg, PACU, step-down) for fully-qualified candidates. If you don't have that, then you may be forced to do a new-grad program (called NTP). Or, you may be non-selected until you have the right experience.

I can't say for certain if they would take you or not. My opinion is probably not, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

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Thank you. Your response was very informative!!!

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Specializes in Army Nurse, CEN.

Hi Trina!

I am a CWOCN and was just selected for the Army Reserves! I have about 5 years of experience as an BSN, RN as well. 2 of those years was med-surg before I began working in a wound care/hyperbaric unit. The process was very long, as I'm sure you have read on some of these boards. I began the whole process back in May. Went to MEPS in August. Packet went to the board on 30 Oct and I was notified of selection on 9 Nov. I know this is Army but I hope in knowing that a fellow wound care nurse was selected for the military that you might be more confident in pursuing your goal!

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Wow!!! That's awesome! Thank you so much that gives me some encouragement.

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Specializes in Adult Critical Care.

I suspect your 2 years of med-surg experience was crucial in getting accepted. My understanding was that trina didn't have acute care experience, such as inpatient med-surg.

I don't want to dissuade anyone from applying; you absolutely should if that's your goal. However, I do want to try to set realistic expectations.

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Specializes in Army Nurse, CEN.

Good point, I must have overlooked exactly what she said for experience. It would certainly be helpful. They also like to see leadership qualities. There is no harm in trying. Good luck, Trina!

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