Navy/Air Force Nursing Questions

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Specializes in Emergency Room.

Hey everyone!

I'm an RN considering joining one of the services as a nurse. I've heard different things as to the pros and cons of the Navy vs Air Force. Anyone have any reason that one is much better than another?

I have my BSN, have been a nurse for 3 yrs. I've spent all of that time in a Level 1 trauma center ER. Due to that, what would my likelihood of getting to work in an ER setting be? I have BLS, PALS, ACLS, TNCC, and am studying for my CEN.

I love to travel and don't mind the thought of getting deployed. I think I'd really like to eventually be a flight nurse, but then the idea of the Navy is interesting as well. I'm just wondering what people think are some of the best factors of each. (AirForce/Navy)

Thanks for any input!

~V

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

I think the Navy and the AF overall are pretty close to each other in terms of working environments & quality of life etc. I am AF, but currently assigned to a Navy hospital. The big differences is that Navy promotes faster to O-4 and has more bases to choose from( and in my opinion better bases if you like being on the water/near the coast). The Navy does deploy a little longer than the AF (6mo compared to 4mo).

I know for the AF as long as you come in with your speciality identifier for ER (which would be a "J"....46N3J) and you go to a base with an ER you are almost 100% assured of being assigned to ER. The biggest problem you will probably ever have is getting out of the ER, if you ever want to leave that area of nursing.

You would also get constructive credit/time towards rank joining the AF vs. joining the Navy (I don't think the Navy does constructive credit/time towards rank for civilian RN experience). For the 1st 6yrs of civilian RN experience you get 1/2 credit towards rank. In other words: You would 1.5 yrs towards 1Lt right now and would promote to 1Lt in 6mo vs the normal 2yrs.

Good Luck and I would encourage you to get your CEN before joining.

Hey everyone!

I'm an RN considering joining one of the services as a nurse. I've heard different things as to the pros and cons of the Navy vs Air Force. Anyone have any reason that one is much better than another?

I have my BSN, have been a nurse for 3 yrs. I've spent all of that time in a Level 1 trauma center ER. Due to that, what would my likelihood of getting to work in an ER setting be? I have BLS, PALS, ACLS, TNCC, and am studying for my CEN.

I love to travel and don't mind the thought of getting deployed. I think I'd really like to eventually be a flight nurse, but then the idea of the Navy is interesting as well. I'm just wondering what people think are some of the best factors of each. (AirForce/Navy)

Thanks for any input!

~V

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