interviewing with NP and Chief Nurse (air force)

[mt_nurse]

I'm in the process of applying for the Air Force as a new BSN/RN grad, and I'm anxious about the interviews (as well as MEPS and COT). From what I have read and heard, the NP is a phone interview and the chief nurse is in-person. How are the interviews like? What kind of questions do they ask? Are they the same kind of questions that are asked at civilian hospitals? Is it more or less intense? Please tell me any pointers as to what kind of questions I should focus on thinking about so that I don't fumble during the interview. Any pointers will be great!

I thank you all in advance. I love allnurses.com. It helps relieve at least half of my anxiety that's been fast approaching as I try to find my place in the nursing field.

:redbeathe soL

[maverickemt]

Do not post anything on facebook Air Force profiles either....If you want to ask questions, ask your recruiter and not facebook. The person on facebook that answers questions is someone from Randolph AFPC public affairs...they forward questions to the assignment team, which includes the Colonel that selects...(Col Moore)....

[JayBSN]

August: Keesler. The August COT has a facebook group. Maybe you could start one for your COT. : )

[maverickemt]

I would be quite surprised if they waived COT for prior service, although I have to admit, I got very little from it as it is now. They need to chunk the entire thing and rebuild it from the top up - instill a bit more discipline into the program - that's what really annoyed me when I was there. It frustrated me (and I admit embarrassed me a little) that the program is so loosely structured and so NON military.

Sorry, ya'll, but that's my opinion. OTS on the regular line officer side is 13 weeks and grueling. Sure, maybe we should get a bit of a bye because of our education or degree, but I've met plenty of senior enlisteds with more education than I, and they're going through OTS to come out equal in rank to me.

There's something wrong with that, as far as I'm concerned.

I think the waiving COT rumor is just that - a rumor - sort of like the "we're the last BMT flight to do X".

Are you a Second Lt. right now? The reason I ask is because I just saw a 2nd Lt. at Starbucks on Medical Drive, and I projected myself being a 2nd Lt a few months from now....Thats all. She had a little trouble getting her flight cap on her head when she walked out but I guess it comes with practice.

Maverick

[maverickemt]

August: Keesler. The August COT has a facebook group. Maybe you could start one for your COT. : )

Where did you get all your uniforms from? What about the flight cap? How are you getting to Alabama? I am just curious because I will have to start doing everything sooner than later.

[JayBSN]

Don't have my uniforms yet. Not even sure we they come from. I'm getting measured on Thursday on base. As far as COT, I'm driving, with as much of my stuff as I can fit since I will be close to Keesler.

[gerrib83]

I'm getting all my uniforms before I go to COT, heard its the best way to go. I have a firend who's a Capt at a base near me and I plan to ask her to mentor me in uniform selection. Its about a $1500.00 investment, but what I spend on scrubs and shoes a yr is equals out.

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

Are you a Second Lt. right now? The reason I ask is because I just saw a 2nd Lt. at Starbucks on Medical Drive, and I projected myself being a 2nd Lt a few months from now....Thats all. She had a little trouble getting her flight cap on her head when she walked out but I guess it comes with practice.

Maverick

Odd - the other day I had my bun up too high for a flight cap (forgot it was blues Monday when I got up) and I was checking it every time I put it on.

(And I'm still used to a beret - I used to be a cop - and I actually hate this flight cap. I've thought about getting a service cap more than once!)

But I wasn't in Starbucks - you had me going for a minute because I was at Chipotle over off of 151, and there's a Starbuck's next door!

[worldatlas]

Hello all!

This may appear twice since it is my first time to EVER post in a blog anf not sure wher to gt things started.

I am prior active duty service (4 years Services, 6 years Loadmaster). Got out to get my nursing degree. I have my RN, have passed my NCLEX and will start a RN-BSN program in January (2011), to graduate that December. I am getting that I need to start my package probably in January (right?) and that it will most likely take a year before I get to my duty station. Here is my question: I really want to go to Andrews (because I want DC). How do I make myself look good so they will want me? Actually not really sure of the difference. I am from the flier side of things and have no idea how the medical side works. I am looking for jobs now and even though I am at the mercy of the “New Grad” luck (or non luck in this town), I can work harder towards different positions. I currently am looking for work in: L&D, Peds, ED. Really want Peds. Any suggestions or help would be awesome. Or where a new grad with about a year and a half left before I go in the AF should try to get experience in. Thank you!