NTP - is it ONY for new nurses?

[NursePamela]

I have read lots of posts about NTP, but I thought it was only for new nurses, is that true? For example, let's say you are experienced nurse but are changing specialties, do you go through an NTP program?

Thanks,

Pam

[NursePamela]

I keep searching and the only thing I find is that it is designed for new grads.

If you have experience you can go on Active Duty; but do they only let you go into the specialty that you have experience in???

If you don't have experience do you get to go into any specialty?

The reason that I am asking is that I have lots of experience in a lot of different areas but since I am not "labeled" a certain kind of nurse I am being told that the only thing I can do is come in Med-Surg. (not there is anything wrong with that). For example I currently work out-pt surgery with occasionally PACU but since it is not the OR I am med-surg.

Has anyone heard anything different?

Thanks,

Pam

[wtbcrna, MSN, DNP, CRNA]

I keep searching and the only thing I find is that it is designed for new grads.

If you have experience you can go on Active Duty; but do they only let you go into the specialty that you have experience in???

If you don't have experience do you get to go into any specialty?

The reason that I am asking is that I have lots of experience in a lot of different areas but since I am not "labeled" a certain kind of nurse I am being told that the only thing I can do is come in Med-Surg. (not there is anything wrong with that). For example I currently work out-pt surgery with occasionally PACU but since it is not the OR I am med-surg.

Has anyone heard anything different?

Thanks,

Pam

NTP is only for new nurses. In general unless you have at least one year experience in a "speciality area" then you will come in as a 46N3/ med-surg/general nurse. The chief nurse will actually decide where you work once you get to your base, and after you have been on base for a couple of years you can apply for additional training programs to change your speciality. At some AF bases you can get OJT and change your speciality that way.

Hope that helps...

[NursePamela]

Thanks, that helps bunches. It is obvious that the recruiters are not nurses and their interpretation of the rules is a little vague at times. Thanks again.

Pam