How much weight does AF Chief Nurse's recommendation have?

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So, for the first time in my life I may know someone that knows someone, ha ha. I worked at the base hospital here as a LPN a year ago and made some really good friends who I hang out with on a monthly basis. One of my friends is a civilian RN (retired Navy) who works with and is one of the higher ups in the Medical squadron. She and I talked yesterday about my goals and she made it seem like she could help me out by talking to the Chief Nurse here. I don't want to get my hopes up, so I ask again...how much weight does their recommendation have?

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During the application process, you will interview with the CNO of the local AF base (if there isn't one close, I don't know if they do telephone interviews or not). In my interview, I had a fantastic time, was shown where I would fall on their professional chart, where my pay would be, and what different paths were available that came with different ranks. I was even told I was getting "the highest recommendation" and that I would do very well in the Air Force. I didn't get picked up.

But, I am stubborn, and listened to the recruiting office (they were all extremely ****** when I didn't get picked up) and I reapplied. Second time, I didn't need to interview, and I was picked up.

So, in short, it may be nice on a comfort level to know the CNO before going into the interview, but it's only a portion of your package. My recommendation: get good grades, log volunteer/preceptor hours and keep all certifications as current possible.

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Thank you very much! I figured they are only a portion of it because they need to look at the "whole picture". Although, after reading about so many different people's stories...it's like it's completely random. Some people with high GPA's, years of experience, and other great attributes are getting denied. I know we don't know the whole story, but my grades aren't stellar and by the time I apply I will only have 1 year of experience. This is why I was hoping my friend could "hook me up". I'm very realistic about it, trust me, this is why I'm skeptical. But again...every little bit hurts.

I'm sorry you didn't get picked the first time, especially after the CNO got your hopes up, but very happy that you got picked overall!

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