Life of an air force nurse

[Chadmasters, BSN]

So, my wife and I have both decided that we want to become Active Duty Air Force nurses by 2020 (we're doing our prerequisites now and plan on starting Nursing School in 2016). We have so many questions to ask, unfortunately, we are unable to locate and active duty recruiter that actually is in their office when you show up.

Our biggest questions is, how is AF nursing life on the Active Duty Side? We have one child on the way and we're worried that we will have problems taking care of our kid (or kids by 2020) if we're both active duty. Secondly, how does one progress in their nursing careers on active duty? What I mean is, how will I be able to get to MSN or Nurse Practioner? My wife either wants to do Family Practice or pediatrics and I want to do Family Practice if that helps. Does the AF have a training program? Also, how is the initial training to become an officer in the Nurse Corps? Is it like basic training? Lastly, how often does the Active Duty deploy? We're both guard so we're not worried about deploying just how often.

Also, we are happy to take any advice about nursing school and nursing in general also. Some background about us. We're both National Guard and we both are going to go to our local community college to get our ADN before getting our BSN. We plan on getting our BSN online and work in a Birmingham, AL area hospital (I want UAB and she isn't super picky). Thank you guys so much for any helpful answers.

[windsurfer8, BSN, RN]

One thing you do know that all branches require a BSN correct?

What I would say is put all the military on the back burner for now. Focus on getting excellent grades on pre reqs and then getting accepted to nursing school. GPAs matter in military nursing.

Right now there are very few slots available from what I know. I have met ROTC students who are not even getting AD and are being forced into reserves. So don't put all your eggs in one basket. This is not to discourage, but just be realistic. It is not 2006 anymore. I am a big believer in not putting the cart before the horse. Just take it week by week...day by day...and you tend to get to where you want to be.

Best of luck in school and good luck!

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

Did you change your mind about your state job and retirement?

[dingus]

Will you guys be hiring nannies, sending the kids to live with relatives, or boarding schools? Not sure how accommodating your future work schedules will be if you are both active duty. Since it sounds like you guys are planning a big family parenting responsibilities is another thing you'll want to factor in.

[Chadmasters, BSN]

Yes, I did. I'm tired of being miserable for a retirement. I'm in my late twenties and I don't want to want to miserable until I'm 48! Plus, I realized I can go Active Military now and then come back and work until I'm 60 (State o Alabama lets you retire with full benefits if you do at least 10 years and work until your 60).

[Chadmasters, BSN]

Nannies are a possibility. I'm thinking we may be able to hire her mom as a nanny. I never thought of a boarding school though I think my wife would be dead set against that. Another possibility is send the kids off the live with relatives if we deploy.

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

Another possibility is send the kids off the live with relatives if we deploy.

Regardless of who you choose, you will likely be required to have a family care plan in place — someone who can care for your child/children at a moment's notice.

Applying for the programs that lead to advanced degrees (think DNP, no longer really MSN) is just as competitive as getting in! You'll have to put in some time before you could even apply - pretty sure it's 2-3 years. Look for "AFIT" via Google for info.

[Chadmasters, BSN]

Yes, I know you need a BSN. Is it possible to get a commission in the Guard and continue to try for Active Duty? Or are you done if you accept a commission in the Guard?