HOw long is the training?

allnurses Guide · Apr 19, 2008

Hey all,
I'm a new nurse with a BSN, I'm currently working at a "prestigious" hospital but I'm not happy because the training sucks and it's only 8 weeks. So I'm back to thinking about joining either the air force or the navy. My question is for you all who are actually in the AF or the navy, how long is the actual orientation/training before you are put on your own? Also, I'm looking to get as much experience as possible will I get that in the AF or navy?

I can only speak for the AF, if you have less than 1yr of RN expeirence when you join the AF you will go through the nurse transition program. In general for a new RN and a new AF nurse it works like this: 1month of Commissioned Officer Training http://www.afoats.af.mil/OTS/COT-RCOT/index.asp, then approximately 3months of nurse transition program, and then you will be stationed at your new base and depending where you work and how you do you will be on unit orientation for approximately another 2-3 months, but potentially longer if things aren't going well.

As far as experience: The AF is the smallest military branch. There are probably only two hospitals that you would be stationed at that would compare to a larger civilian hospital (Wilford Hall and Landstuhl which is a joint military base).

iToniai · Apr 19, 2008

Thank you for your input, it's really appreciated. Wow, it sounds like their is an extensive training program that is offered, which is what I'm looking for. As a new nurse with a BSN and no experience what rank/level would I start out at?

allnurses Guide · Apr 19, 2008

Thank you for your input, it's really appreciated. Wow, it sounds like their is an extensive training program that is offered, which is what I'm looking for. As a new nurse with a BSN and no experience what rank/level would I start out at?

You would start out as a 2Lt.

Here is the link military pay chart. http://www.dfas.mil/militarypay/militarypaytables/2008MilitaryPayCharts35.pdf This would be the only taxable part of your pay.

You would also get BAS of $202 a month, BAH/housing allowance if you live off-base depends on the zip code where you are stationed. http://perdiem.hqda.pentagon.mil/perdiem/bah.html Here is the link so you can look at housing allowances. Just put in O-1 for rank and the zip you want to look at. The pay is kinda low starting out but picks up quick w/in the 1st 4yrs and increases well ahead of the civilian sector.