New Air Force nurse,Lackland AFB info, DDA

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Hello all,

Soon, I will be going to Direct Duty Assignment for the OR at Lackland AFB, since my scroll wasn't approved in time for the August 2017 COT. They were saying that they are pushing for it to get approved before October 1st, since that's the beginning of their next fiscal year. But they don't have control over when the scroll will be approved.

Questions:

1) Any one have any advice or info for the housing area, the Hospital or Operating room itself, Direct Duty Assignment, etc. ?

2) I have to finance a car when I get out there, is Navy Federal the best place to get an auto loan?

3) I have the 36th edition Air Force Officer's Guide by Col. Stephen E. Wright. For at least the beginning of my Commisioning/DDA, is there anything specific I should focus on? or certain chapters? Id eventually read the whole thing, but I don't have a lot of time before I start. What are the MOST important parts/or most difficult so that I may focus on it now before I get uprooted and throw myself into a whole new life?

4) When the scroll is approved and they want me to sign commission, they'll give me time to give notice to my job, right? They say it's probably going to be end of September, but this is not a definite. So what if the scroll isn't approved by this time? Does it get even more delayed because I have to wait till the next COT?

I just hate being in Limbo, Im an adult with an apartment and responsibilities at work, I need to train someone to replace me etc.. Anyone have any similar experiences?

Thank you all, Im so glad this site is here for support!

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I can't answer most of these, but I did just find out I will be getting sent to the OR at SAMMC! So - for number 4- I just found out this past week that I was selected, that my scroll was approved and that I am supposedly going to COT on October 2. I definitely wish that I had mentioned something to my managers sooner. You may just want to mention to them that you are waiting on orders but expect to be going soon. This way it gives them a heads up. Having given practically no notice, the next two weeks are going to be quite awkward at work for me.

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tRNL4,

Oh that's great!

Yeah, I could imagine, I really did it want any fellow staff knowing, you know how it is, they might resent you leaving, I've you bad assignments etc. but yeah my managers know, but still! I need to know what's up.

When was your boards? My application went for the April Boards.

When do you technically sign Commision? I'm assuming it will be a date before October 1st.

Would be good to swap emails. If you can PM me , I don't even know how to do That on this site, I think I have to upgrade or something.

Also, if you're going to be looking for an apt, I have a realtor friend in neighborhood.

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I am going to try to PM you now. Let me know if you don't see it- I know this site has like weird rules for how much you need to post to PM!

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Correction: I am assigned to Fort SAMMC.

(I'm I assumed it was Lackland AFB hospital, because on assignment choices that was the only one named for San Antonio Location.

I'm bummed it's not actually AT the AFB.)

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Well we will be working together then! I was actually a little bummed too, especially since I am going down there alone and I feel like the AFB is more of a community but SAMMC is an awesome hospital. I am actually doing the NTP program for the OR - I have a years experience in rehab and a neuro/telemetry floor but no OR experience yet.

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Congratulations!! In reference to the auto loan, you will now be eligblie for a USAA account! They are a phenomenal bank, and usually have great rates on new auto loans. We've always compared auto loan rate quotes and approval limits prior to arriving to the dealership. We usually show up to the dealership, with the car in mind to test drive, financing pre-approved, and price limit set. Of course, variables like credit score, and new or used auto loans will play a factor in your rate options, but it never hurts to get quotes to know what your options are. We quote through USAA and Keesler Federal Savings Bank. I don't recall USAA being a "hard ding" on your credit, but you can always ask the loan officer before proceeding. USAA loan applications can all be done online, but we've called or walked in for Keesler.

Good luck on car buying! I hate it, so my husband does all the wheeling and dealing. These are some og the tricks I've picked up from him, but he always reminds me that the ball's in your court. They can't make you buy a car, so don't let them push you around. They want your money, so walk away or ask for another salesman if the chemistry's weird/bad. Don't forget to ask about new car rebate option, as 2018s there and they want to push that 2017 inventory out. Sometimes you get a better deal buying new, and if it's the car you plan on driving for a while.

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Hi-

Just came across this post and just wondering how you were liking Air Force Nursing?? I am currently applying for an OR slot but I will not have to do the NTP program since I am an experienced nurse. I am just curious how life is on base and in your nursing job as opposed to civilian nursing jobs. Also, do you have a family? If so, hows that working with military life? I have 2 kids and a husband so I'm a little nervous about the change but I think overall it will be great for my family to take this opportunity if I'm selected. Thanks for any input!!

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Hi-

Just came across this post and just wondering how you were liking Air Force Nursing?? I am currently applying for an OR slot but I will not have to do the NTP program since I am an experienced nurse. I am just curious how life is on base and in your nursing job as opposed to civilian nursing jobs. Also, do you have a family? If so, hows that working with military life? I have 2 kids and a husband so I'm a little nervous about the change but I think overall it will be great for my family to take this opportunity if I'm selected. Thanks for any input!!

Hi kpnurse2017!

Were you selected for 46S3?!

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Hi kpnurse2017!

Were you selected for 46S3?!

Hi I haven't went before the board yet. Looks like I will go to the April boards. Are you applying or have you been selected?

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Hi I haven't went before the board yet. Looks like I will go to the April boards. Are you applying or have you been selected?

I applied to the Nov board and was accepted so I'm waiting on my scroll, commission date, and report date to first duty station.

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I applied to the Nov board and was accepted so I'm waiting on my scroll, commission date, and report date to first duty station.

Oh congrats!!! Did you get an OR slot? If so what's your experience and how long have you been a nurse and what was your first choice??

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