Need advice,,, Quit my job and go for it? or go slow?

[NursePamela]

I am an ADN and I have been thinking about going Air Force for many years now. This time I think I am finally going to give it a try. I am taking on line classes for my BSN (mini-mesters) and only have 5 classes left. In January I started a new job and I like it, although I would prefer to go active duty. My problem is I am not super human, I can not work, go to school, and still have a family life. So I have 2 choices, slow down school and graduate in March and than try my hand at active duty. OR,,, quit my job and gamble. School full time, Gym full time (I need to be in better shape), and still keep my sanity with my family. I would graduate in October (beginning of fiscal year) I guess I am writing this b/c I need advice. Do I put all my eggs in one basket? Meaning if I quit my job I will be pulling a "Nadya" and live off my student loans until I can get lucky enough for Uncle Sam to pay them off for me. Plus saying good bye to a good nursing job. I know what I want, I am just scared and need advice or encouragement. I am relatively healthy except for GERD which according to the list might need a waiver (hopefully it will not be a problem) Of course if I put all the eggs in one basket and I don't get in I am left with a very expensive basket. The only reason at this time I am getting my BSN is for the military. Thanks in advance.

[jeckrn, BSN, RN]

This is one only you can answer. slow down take a deep breath, think of all the pros & cons of each option. Once you do this you will be able to make your decision. Have you spoke with a recruiter yet? That needs to be one of your 1st steps if you have not. The process on getting into the military is a slow process, so no matter which way you choice, you will need to start now.

[NursePamela]

I have spoken to a recruiter many times over the years. I think he just wants to know he can put it in writing.

[jeckrn, BSN, RN]

Have you thought of reserve so you can have the both of best worlds?

[NursePamela]

It is not that I want to keep my current job - it's just that I want to keep this job if I can not go active for some strange reason. I want to go all the way, not just reserves.

[jeckrn, BSN, RN]

With the time frame to get your commission I would stick it out and keep going the way you are. The reason is because just in case something happens unexpected along the way.

[olderthandirt2]

How many classes are you taking right now? 2? That should be do-able with full time work......I did it for years, not easy but do-able.

I like Jecks idea, (if I read it right).....keep working (prn, half time whatever), continue with school (a few classes a term). Turn in your military application.....it takes months to complete and go through boards. Can you be boarded before your BSN is complete?

Ask your recruiter about the timeline....incentives and student loan repayment options.

Has the Airforce filled their quota for FY2009?

Jobs are really tight right now....I would think twice before giving it up before I have confirmation of commissioning.....but thats me.

c.

[NursePamela]

So you are saying take part time classes instead of full time? If something happens along the way the thing I am afraid of is my back or other joints going out and than I am no longer qualified for sure. We all know with nursing if you stay with pt care long enough your joints take a toll.

[NursePamela]

I guess I finally feel like this is it - I am really going for it. And I want someone to tell me it is ok to quit my job and go for it. That it will all work out just the way I planned. :)

[just_cause, BSN, RN]

My advice.. is if you think the physical might be the area where you could be disqualified - or the area that would hold you back... backplan to see how long your classes would take to get bsn and compare with how long the physical is valid (ask recruiter.. for army its 12 months from physical to signing contract..) and then take your physical... at that point you can judge whether you might want to quit your job and attend school full time or not. If it works out then you can continue. If there are massive waiver requirements you can work through that (while still employed or attending school - your call). If you have problems that a waiver cannot resolve, well then you are still employed.

[NursePamela]

My advice.. is if you think the physical might be the area where you could be disqualified - or the area that would hold you back... backplan to see how long your classes would take to get bsn and compare with how long the physical is valid (ask recruiter.. for army its 12 months from physical to signing contract..) and then take your physical... at that point you can judge whether you might want to quit your job and attend school full time or not. If it works out then you can continue. If there are massive waiver requirements you can work through that (while still employed or attending school - your call). If you have problems that a waiver cannot resolve, well then you are still employed.

That sounds like a good idea. Thanks for all the advice. My boss called me into her office yesterday to find out my plans - I asked for a leave of absence (denied). I choked. I did not quit. My boss has no idea that my "dream" is to go active duty. I don't want to hear anything negative. Oh well, one day at a time.

[jeckrn, BSN, RN]

Your employer can not refuse your leave of absence. Military service is covered by USERRA (Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act) which basicly states that they have to hold a position for you for 5 years. During this time you are to recieve any pay increases & benefits that you would have gotten if you had worked. You will also can seniority while you are gone. Say by the time you leave you have 1 year seniority and do 3 years active duty. When you return you will have 4 years of seniority not 1 no matter what they say.