Navy vs Air Force: Does the navy have a NTP?

[jkaylene21]

I have been reading the forums and feel like I have a good grasp on Air Force reserves. First COT then NTP for less than a yr experience. Looks like Navy goes to OIT, then what? Is there something you have to do if you have less than a yr of nursing experience?

Also- In the Air Force: I ultimately want operating room, or some kind of trauma. Looks like NTP is med surg or OB. Of the two, I prefer OB. How hard is it as a reservist to get to the operating room. I have called the recruiter and they are out of town for the next week. Any insight would be appreciated.

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

If you want OR, stay away from OB. Go med surg. Once you're OB I've been told it's very hard to get out of it.

There's always a chance you'll end up on a surgical floor if you're med surg. Anyway, you have to apply for the OR course here at Lackland anyway - I'd stick with med surg.

[shapely]

I noticed you mentioned air force reserves. I was under the impression that reservists had to have experience. I would double check with recruiter because reservists typically work part time and ntp is a full time program. Good luck!

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

Ah - missed that part. I think Shapely's correct.

It would make sense that Reservists have to be fully qualified as RNs (in other words, more than a certain amount of experience) since they're not working full time. It costs a chunk of change to send someone to COT and then through NTP, and while I know Reservist officers go TDY to tech schools and other officer training, being an RN's a bit different.

[jkaylene21]

Alright, Thanks guys.

I am having a difficult time finding a job as a nurse... Mainly because I already have a full time job that I am not leaving (Fire Department). I was hoping to get the experience/ career from the Air Force. Looks like it will have to wait until I get some freaking experience.

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

No, if you go Active Duty you'll be sent to NTP and can get that experience up front.

With any employer, not working full time as an RN is going to make it extremely difficult to "get experience". You can't really get valuable RN experience by working part time straight out of school anyway.