January 2010 AF Boards

midinphx, BSN · Dec 16, 2009

I'm not quite in your exact shoes. I've been at this process for months. I was in the November board and I still don't have an acceptance or any word. The process has been slowed down related to a large number of new nurses who have to go through COT then the NTP before their 1st duty station. I was planning on January11th COT when we started the process in July.

It takes a while, but it will happen. Expect that you won't leave right away. Plan on a long frustrating wait. If it comes through faster, it'll be better that way. It's great you started so early! Good job. and good luck!

bsnkaty · Dec 16, 2009

I am in your shoes, we have the same plans!! I just had my Chief Nurse interview TODAY! :yeah: That was the last thing I needed for my application and now it's quickly being sent in to beat the deadline. Maybe we'll see each other in COT!

mobro · Dec 17, 2009

"long, frustrating wait" hits the nail right on the head. i'd go ahead and pick up a few hobbies if i were you to occupy your time and maintain your sanity. just a suggestion.

mt_nurse · Dec 17, 2009

i grad in this past may and started my process back in april. my app went into the november boards. so far, i've only heard that i've been selected, but i have no COT/station assignment yet. it's a good thing you started your app early. still, be prepared for what may be a long wait.

Bella86 · Dec 17, 2009

I am in your shoes, we have the same plans!! I just had my Chief Nurse interview TODAY! That was the last thing I needed for my application and now it's quickly being sent in to beat the deadline. Maybe we'll see each other in COT!

How exciting! Yes, I hope so too! It's nice to find someone who is going through the same thing as me :)

The waiting process is undeniably the worst part, so I'm crossing my fingers and praying for all of us to get through it. That's one of the reasons why I started so early - this forum has been such an awesome resource! Reading all of the different threads has been one of the things that has helped me get through MEPS, the Chief Nurse interview, and has reassured me that I'm not the only one who has been having certain issues with the process (thus giving me more patience, lol).

As far as hobbies go, I'll make sure to pick up a few It'll keep me sane as I prepare to study for the NCLEX!

DrCOVID, DNP · Dec 17, 2009

As far as hobbies go, I'll make sure to pick up a few It'll keep me sane as I prepare to study for the NCLEX!

If you are smart enough to join the military you will have no problem with the NCLEX... :twocents:

bsnkaty · Dec 23, 2009

Just wondering... What do AF nurses wear in the state side hospitals? ABU's? AF issued scrubs?

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Dec 24, 2009

At Wilford Hall - and I think this is fairly common - we go into work in our uniform of the day (Mondays it's AF policy to wear blues, every other day for us is ABUs) and change into hospital-owned scrubs. Then we change out of the scrubs to go home.

I actually kindof like it.

midinphx, BSN · Jan 2, 2010

Can we talk about shoes? lol. I am a big believer in comfort. The uniform shoes are are ugly. I'm ok with that, but I need comfort. I remember my shoes from prior service to be really uncomfortable. I want to buy shoes from a brand that I like, but meet the regs which I did read. so does anyone know if getting shoes from a non-AF store will be a problem?

And it is January. We may all start the wait again! Good luck and much patience to us all.

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Jan 3, 2010

At Wilford Hall - and again, since it's the AF teaching hospital I'm assuming it's a universal thing - we wear whatever shoes we want as long as they're conservative in color.

I have three pairs of Danskos from when I worked at Duke and I bought a pair of those new Sketchers - which I really like.

I don't think the uniform shoes are that bad - I have the Bates Corofram oxfords (I know they're no fashion statement, though!), and the new suede boots are actually very comfortable. If only they'd change the women's blues pants and ditch those 1980s pleats - THAT would make me so happy...

Bella86 · Jan 7, 2010

Hey guys,

I'm trying to stay optimistic and trying to maintain my patience, but I wish I knew whether or not I will be selected this January/February...!

With that said, does anyone know how competitive Air Force Nursing has become? What are my chances of not getting selected during the January boards? I was also wondering who the Air Force would prefer: a new grad or someone who has had their license for at least a year? Like I had mentioned in previous posts, I will be graduating this May and hope to start my career with this service.

I know that the USAF had cancelled their third boards in March, so I am under the impression that it has become really competitive.

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance!