Is it impossible to get in to the USAF as a nurse?

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I really would appreciate some honesty, even if it's cruel. My recruiter is not able to answer my questions so maybe a few of you will be able to give me some much needed guidance.

Here it is...

I have been an RN, BSN 2 years+ and I am an ER nurse. I have always worked Trauma ER. I attempted to join the USAF nurse corps twice last year. Each time I was not selected, even as an alternate. My mentor (a USAF captain), my recruiter, and many other respected individuals who have served told me I was a perfect candidate and I was "sure to get in". The Lt. Col. who interviewed me said she would be honored to serve with me and gave me an extensive tour of the entire base. The board had glowing remarks noted all over my resume and my application packet. So by the second rejection I got really confused. I still have a deep desire to join but I don't know if a third or even a fourth try would render different results.

Since my last attempt I have gained more experience; I am currently bridging RN to EMT-P and I will have my SANE certification by next summer. My question is, is this enough? Will I be turned down again and again? My recruiter tells me my packet is perfect and he makes no further recommendations to improving it.

Are they just looking strictly at number of years of experience? Is there something they're not telling me?

Can someone out there give the truth about why I have not been selected?

Thank you.

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

No one can predict if you'll be selected, just as no one can tell you why you weren't selected already. I think it's probably a numbers thing - so many applicants, so few spots. You are trying to join when all branches are at their most competitive. Things like GPA that never mattered might take someone out of the running, for example. Kudos to you for the additional certs in progress! Maybe it'll be one of those "third time's a charm" things. :-)

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So you are trying to join one of the smallest military branches that has always been competitive during a time of extreme downsizing? Am I surprised you were rejected? Lol no.

What I am surprised about is you haven't mentioned Army or Navy. While both are still very competitive nursing is nursing and they are a larger nurse corps.

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Since I entered the AF things have changed and it was not that long ago. The entire military is downsizing and many nurses look to the military as a better option than what is available on the civilian side. I can't tell you why you were turned down twice other than they just are not accepting people in and fewer are choosing to get out. I recently saw early retirement and NC was indicated and no one can ever remember NC being included in the early retirement packages.

Bottom line is if you want to serve keep it up and apply every time. It may take getting turned down several more times, but if it is what you want keep trying. Also just as important is keep improving your skills while you wait to get in and maybe even consider the guard or another branch.

Just my 2 cents. Good luck!

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Specializes in ED. ICU, PICU, infection prevention, aeromedical e.

I would suggest getting your CEN to make you look more competitive. The military values certifications.

Kudos to you for your persistence!!! Good luck.

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Have you tought about possibly joining an Air Force Reserve Unit first? Getting you commission, and then going active duty? You would have the chance to, "prove", youself, and you would already have a commission.

Look at Reserve units in your state. You may have to travel, but many reservists travel great distances to be able to participate and drill, with their reserve units. Many at their own expense.

That being said, the Air Force does accomadate reservists that live a distance. When I lived in California, we had a group that came from Arizona, on an Shuttle flight provided by the Air Force.

The same here in Washington. We had a UTA shuttle from McChord to Salt Lake City, to Spokane, to Mcchord on Friday night, and on Sunday night, the reverse. McChord, to Spokane, to Salt Lake City, and back to McChord.

I don't know if these shuttles exist on the East Coast, or in other area, like the South or Midwest.

Just don't dismiss reserve units that are not in you backyard. And I have no idea what the Army or Navy have to accomodate reservists. Call around and ask, and try to get in the Reserves, and then go Active Duty.

Lindarn, RN, BSN, CCRN

Somewhere in the PACNW

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