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.
Everyone seems to have such positive interview stories. Mine felt like a grilling. The interviewer went through my resume bit by bit and my education and gpa and in part of the interview I felt like I was being convinced not to join.
I felt exhausted once it was over. I think I went in thinking the interview was just a formality and it would be all fluff and when I got there the CN felt like asking tons of questions.
They do interview from a basic question form with about 8-10 questions. They cover fitness, the carrying a gun in deployment, the fact thay you will deploy, why you want to join the airforce and to explain the mission of the AF.
The basics are nothing to sweat....
I've heard of others getting a similar interview. It might just have to do with the CN. One CN I heard about likes to pick on brand new nurses. In the end as long as the write up is positive then it doesn't matter, but I'm sure you were counting down the minutes.
So I had my interview with Lt. Col. Peters who is in charge of the entire Kelly Field Family Clinic. It was a very easy interview. Part of my interview was getting a tour of Kelly Family Clinic and talking to one other Major who was also a nurse. At the end of the interview, she told me that if I am ever at Lackland, to shoot her an email. My recruiter was right by my side and heard that. He said that bascially means that you are a select for the nurse corps. At the very beginning of the interview, Lt. Col. Peters said that I sound like I know a lot about the air force and that she does not have any questions about my resume. I did not bad mouth any of my previous nursing jobs and I did not bad mouth the place where I am working right now. So now I hope Col. Moore selects me....I can't wait till March 5th. Any suggestions...I am really anxious. I am trying not to think about it, but I can't help it. Three recruiters at the recruiting office in San Antonio have told me that they have never had anyone not getting selected for the nurse corps. I hope I don't ruin their statistics.
Thanks - Maverickemt
This is going to sound like a smart answer, and it's not meant to be - the board does what it wants how it wants to do it. And I don't think anyone but them knows for sure. What I do know is all results are released at the same time on the same day - HOW they reach their conclusions is a mystery.
Specializes in ED. ICU, PICU, infection prevention, aeromedical e.
Maverick,
Relax and have patience. Really. I interviewed and turned in all my paperwork on October 28th. I still have no answer. Your magic date of March 5th will drive you crazy. I've had many Magic Dates come and go. I thought I was headed for COT in January when I started this process in June last year. I have no questionables in my history to slow me down.
Put the calendar away and go to work, go to the gym, go have fun.
(FYI: I spoke to my recruiter on Friday. He said my ap was in review at some colonel desk and he should call me this week or next. I laughed and said that I didn't believe him! lol)
Right now I'm in my first semester of nursing school BSN, I graduate May 2012, and I've known for awhile that I want to get back into the military (prior service, active duty army for 6 years) and I can't decide which service, I'm stuck between Navy, Army and Airforce, at this point I really don't have a preference I just want to be back in the military, one thing that appeals to me with Navy and Army is they offer incentive programs while still a student, and obviously Air Force appeals to me because they treat their people the best but their incentives are lower, can someone please tell me their reasons on joining the air force over the other services? Also my long term goal is to become either a NP or a CRNA, does the Air Force offer these opportunies, and at what point should I contact an Air Force recruiter, since the process takes so long, thanks in advance....
question: your first orders. Are they for 2 or 3 years? or do they cover the entire length of your initial contract? I have not asked my recruiter....plus I remain in MEPS physician limbo for 6 months and counting....
Your initial orders cover the length of your contract - whether it's three, four, or six years, your initial active duty orders cover the time period. Your assignment length varies by station but is generally three years per assignment.
For example, I have a six year commitment, which is signified on my orders. My assignment is to Lackland AFB. I'll be here at Lackland at least three years. I'll still owe the AF three more years (and they're actually stuck with me until retirement - the only way I'm resigning my commission is under duress!!), but they'll cut a second set of assignment orders and ship me out of here - with still three years on my commitment.
The length of time on your actual contract has nothing to do with how long your initial assignment is. Did that make sense? :) LOL
Yep, know the core values and mission statement for sure. I was asked about what I do for fun, how often I go to the gym/work out (physical condition), why I was a leader. Know the deployment policy (like how often/for how long). Where do you see yourself in the future? How can the Air Force help you to that goal?
Anyone know their assignments for the Air Force from the Jan 26th boards yet (the nurse corp selections).
I'm a cop when it comes to this - it's a pet peeve of mine, please don't take offense - it's "corps" with a silent "s" on the end, like Marine Corps...
does anyone know how much weight the recommendation of the nurse consultant has on your placement? My interview the consultant told me she thinks I would be best at the one place I did not want to go. My recruiter says it plays a role, but it was not listed on my selection. I know they can place me anywhere, but I have all this spare time to wonder??
I'm a cop when it comes to this - it's a pet peeve of mine, please don't take offense - it's "corps" with a silent "s" on the end, like Marine Corps...
Hi Carolinapooh - I just wanted to ask you a question. I have been selected for the air force but I don't know my assignment yet! The assignments should come on April 13th. However, I was told that I was selected sometime in late March. I have been calling my recruiter once a week just to make sure I was selected. My recruiter's boss (E-8, I think) told me that I was selected twice. My recruiter told me that I would definitely have a job and that I was definitely selected. The assignment folks over at Randolph took 2 weeks off, so the process was put on hold for at least two weeks. Randolph also knows that I am willing to early to OTS, should someone give up their spot. My recruiter said that he should probably know something on the 13th. My question to you is should I expect a phone call on the 13th?
It is a little frustrating waiting for Randolph to make up their minds but I am patiently waiting. I guess I am going to have to get used to hurrying up and waiting a long time. I already have my resignation letter drafted for the hospital that I work for right now.
Any advice will be really helpful right now. Thank you so much for all your advice.
does anyone know how much weight the recommendation of the nurse consultant has on your placement? My interview the consultant told me she thinks I would be best at the one place I did not want to go. My recruiter says it plays a role, but it was not listed on my selection. I know they can place me anywhere, but I have all this spare time to wonder??
The Lt. Col. told me and my recruiter in Texas that when I get to Lackland or Kelly AFB, to send her an email. According to my recruiter, that means welcome to the military! But I know that they can place me anywhere. I just have to be patient and wait. My recruiter tells me that all the time.
Carolina Pooh-Please disregard my previous post about the Navy and help with the motivational statement, Even though the Navy will give me a stipend and help financially during school I feel like the air force will be the better way to go, so my question now, is I will have my BSN is approximately in 2 years and I know the process should be started a year out so I was wondering what type of things should I be preparing or activities in school or community should I be getting involved in? Also does it matter that I'll be a new graduate with no nursing experience other than my clinicals during school, and do you know of any medical Air Force recruiters in the Wichita Falls, TX area....thanks for any insight..
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kato10
51 Posts
I've heard of others getting a similar interview. It might just have to do with the CN. One CN I heard about likes to pick on brand new nurses. In the end as long as the write up is positive then it doesn't matter, but I'm sure you were counting down the minutes.