Military CRNA

[cole1321]

I am trying to find out more information about the military CRNA's before talking to a recruiter. I understand that they are the ones that are supposed to give you the most up to date information, however, I wanted to do my homework so I know what to ask when I contact someone.

I am prior enlisted, 12 years in the navy as a nuclear electrician.

I am currently in a CRNA program, and WILL graduate December 2011

I am considering going back to Active duty as a CRNA, so I am not looking at ways to pay for my CRNA school. (that is what I notice form most of the posts here online when I search for information)

My information may be incorrect since i have been reading about both active duty and reserves previously. I am interested now in Active Duty.

I was in the military Active duty during the persion gulf war, and 9/11. I have completed deployments on the aircraft carriers during those times. (So hopefully I do not get preached to about serving my country, when I am asking about what I am going to get).

As a CRNA, what pay grade would I enter into the Air force or Army as Active duty? I know my prior enlistment time will benefit my pay in that pay grade, however will it allow me to enter at a higher pay grade?

I am assuming, and think I read somewhere you enter as O-2?? I also looked online at the Airforce paycharts, and notice the pay is low for CRNA, and also read the "2011 MEDICAL AND DENTAL SPECIAL PAY RATES" (link: http://www.airforcetimes.com/projects/money/pay_charts/2011/medical_dental/ )

There is a note at the bottom concerning CRNAs. A special incentive pay based on the term of contract. (I personally am looking at the $50,000 per year for four year commitment).

There is also a note about "Critical Skills Wartime Accession Bonus." Does this bonus apply to CRNAs. or only to medical doctors?

Can you also tell me other specialty pays you receive as an active duty CRNA. Is there an MSP and an ISP?

Is there anything I can do now while in school to get started and start my time in service.

Since I have 12 years as prior enlisted service, I only need 8 to get to 20 years for retirement. I think I read somewhere that I will need 10 years as an officer to retire?

Army CRNA vs Air Force CRNA, whats your opinion between the two?

Any additional info you think would be beneficial. I have no problem deploying, and fully understand that I will deploy. From my readings I am guessing that as a military CRNA starting out, if the specialty pays are what I think, I would make about $100,000 to maybe $110,000 in the army. I see starting pays in Florida, although saturated, is anywhere from $110,000 - $125,000. There is more vacation time as a civilian, 5-6 weeks compared to 30 days in the military. But, I am hoping to get the excellent experience the military has to offer, and perhaps a retirement in 8-10 years, by age 45...

I can see the benefits of being autonomous, and very employable s/p military duty as a CRNA, plus an extra few thousand every month added to a CRNA sallary would be nice too.

Thank You

Mark

[Anisettes, BSN, RN]

Hi - I noticed your post still has received no replies - I think you would have better luck re-posting to either the CRNA forum or to the Military Nursing forum - you'll get a lot more response there. Or perhaps request one of the moderators to move the post for you.

I'm a civilian at Landstuhl and we are staffed mainly by both military and civilian CRNA's - Army, AF, and Navy are here, with the civilians maintaining continuity as they military gets deployed. Don't forget you pay is also supplemented with BHA, prior enlisted money, post allowance (if you're OCONUS), etc... So try reposting in the above forums and you'll get better info. Good Luck!

[nurse2033, MSN, RN]

I'm in the ANG and too new to help you. I'm pretty sure in the AF you would enter as a captain (O3) based on a Masters degree. I would think you would be an top candidate so make sure you get all the perks you deserve. Good luck.

[manusko]

Masters degrees are usually a O2, with some credit for prior work experience. You can retire after 8 years but your ID card will read your enlisted rank. 10 years will get you your officer rank on your ID card. Otherwise you will get retirement pay the same way...last three yrs averaged out I believe is the way they are still doing it.