HPSP and nursing school

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Specializes in CVICU.

Hello everyone-

I am currently taking my prereqs to get into nursing school and will be done by next year. I am interested in the HPSP scholarship program and wonder when I should apply to get the ball rolling. I plan on entering the Air force (hopefully) I have a half sleeve tatto but it does not cover all of my skin and it is made entirely of flowers.

I already have my Bachelors in Psychology and I am looking to receive my masters in nursing-ambulatory care. Do you think its better to apply for the air force after I have completed school or during for the scholarship? The program I'm doing will be intense and I cannot work.

Does anyone know if there is a sign on bonus as well if I get the scholarship?

I have more questions but can't quite remember them now. lol Your feedback is greatly appreciated!!

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

In the past applicants with a Bachelor's degree (in another discipline) were allowed to apply for the HPSP. However last year they changed the application process. Currently only BSN-RN are able to apply for the HPSP.

Hope that answered at least 1 of your questions!

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Specializes in CVICU.

So should I just go to nursing school then sign up for loan repayment? Can I get a sign-on bonus as well?

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A sign-on bonus for what?

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Specializes in CVICU.

To sign on with the air force

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I would contact a healthcare recruiter ASAP to get a clear picture of what you need to do, and the likelihood of being selected. It's not a sure thing to get into any branch of the service these days.

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Specializes in CVICU.

@LunahRN- I already had one recruiter for airforce totally shut me down. But another one is willing to speak with me. Thanks

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Shut you down based on what? And just curious -- will your program lead to NP, or to RN, MSN?

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Specializes in CVICU.

She told me they aren't accepting nurses right now. But I told her I didn't plan on entering for at least 3 yrs. She also told me no tattoos could be visible which is not what I was told by another recruiter. Ill be entering a non-BSN- MSN program

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

For the Air Force, your tattoos cannot cover more than 25% of an exposed body part, i.e., your forearm. I'm tattooed from shoulder to wrist on both sides, so the AF rejected me. :) There is at least one other person on this forum with a half-sleeve in the AF. How far down does yours extend? Past the elbow?

I understand it's a direct entry MSN, but does it result in NP or RN? There are both kinds of programs.

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Specializes in CVICU.

It extends a bit past my elbow but my arm is not completely covered. The program will allow me to get either an FNP or my RN in ambulatory care. I haven't decided yet. I sent pics of my tattoo to one recruiter he asked for them. But he's stationed in hawaii :( I live in southern california

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Sorry to say it, but if it's onto your forearm and covers more than 25%, it might well keep you out of the Air Force. Let us know what the other recruiter says. Good luck!

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