Is there still a military nursing shortage?

[CABB]

Hi. I'm a USAF enlisted vet (active duty med admin) and would like to go back in, as reserve or guard. I would like to come back as a nurse. I have a couple potential hurdles. #1. I haven't started nursing school. I have a BSE, but need to investigate how much more education I need to a BSN. #2. I'm a year or so past the age cut off now. I've heard in the past that there was a nursing shortage in the military and they offered age waivers. Is this still the case? Is there anyone in the same situation who succeeded in getting in? Do you know of anyone who has done this? Any guidance anyone could offer will be greatly appreciated. :) Thank you.

[midinphx, BSN]

Look around this forum. There is no shortage of nurses. They are turning nurses away. Qualified nurses are working HARD to get in any service right now. It's really competitive. On the positive, your years in service raise your age limit. My age limit with no waiver for AF was 42. I served 3 years prior, so I could have waited until I was 45 with no waiver.

Make sure you go to an approved accredited school and get with a healthcare recruiter. Who knows what will happen unless you try.

[nurse2033, MSN, RN]

The current AF age limit is 47 for RNs and MDs. I dont' know anything about waivers. I'm supposedly days away from getting my papers (ANG). I applied 13 months ago. Good luck.

[just_cause, BSN, RN]

Your timeline from BSE to BSN will be extended to complete the necessary pre-reqs, await for next application period to school, +1-2 years depending on program (post bach accel vs standard 2 year bsn), + time to get a job and 6 mo experience which I believe AF nurse corp requires + time to process admission packet and wait until the next fiscal year for board.... this assumes the best case scenario. Yes - it is especially competitive, there is no shortage.

[CABB]

Thank you all. :)