Nurse in the Air Force

jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA · May 6, 2015

ER really isn't going to help you at all for CRNA. I'm sure you'll have a lot better luck with the ICU after you make it to one year of experience. Most fully-qualified civilian nurse jobs I know of require 1-2 years.

Editorial Team / Moderator · May 6, 2015

ER really isn't going to help you at all for CRNA.

Not necessarily. In many areas the ER is often critical care. My last shift at the local trauma center included two ICU boarders in assignment, and this is the norm in that facility and many others. Even for USAGPAN, if an ER nurse can demonstrate ICU-level critical care experience in the ER, it counts.

Another thought: ER experience might help as a stepping stone to ICU. Good luck!

jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA · May 6, 2015

My point was what is your resume going to look like to an employer if you take an ICU job after 6 months in the ER. Now you have 3 different jobs in 18 months. I can't imagine that looks good to the military or any employer for that matter.

But sure, I've seen CRNA programs that take ER experience. However, those that do tend to stipulate what sort of experience you need from that (and it seems to involve level 1 trauma, drips, sedation, etc). Most military ERs are more like urgent cares. If you join the military as an ER nurse and don't get San Antonio (SAMMC), I'm not sure how you'd be able to demonstrate critical care experience. Likewise, I'm not sure you're average community ER is going to offer much critical care experience either. Just make sure you research CRNA programs and research the ER you plan to work at.

maria_k · May 7, 2015

Can you tell me more about your experience with med-surg? I am going to apply this year - which would put me in the nurse transition program. I understand that gaining experience as a civilian would mean bypassing a lot, but at the same time I am truly ready to begin my next chapter in life. However, if I do not get accepted in August I am fully prepared to work in ICU - Ive started applying. I know it is competitive and with only 6 months working as a RN I will not be surprised if I do not get accepted the first time, which after reading your comments that might be a good thing so I can build my resume with an ICU position.

jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA · May 8, 2015

I've done 2 years of inpatient med-surg on the civilian side and 1 year of it on the military side. I precept new nurses and students. I charge. I'm even board-certified in med-surg. I tried to embrace the whole thing, but I just can't.

I don't give two flips about CRNA, but I definitely need sicker patients in my life. The surgical patients often are healthy and are getting an elective procedure. The medical patients are often end of life care or waiting on nursing home placement. Too much of my day is passing out the same 40-50 meds I've given countless times. I chart 'WNL' on about 2/3 of the average shift assessment. There's just not much critical thinking 90% of the time.

Camo-angel · May 9, 2015

Are you applying NTP with 6 months experience? That's the cutoff, I'm barely making it, I'll have 6 months exp by the time results are out

am6459 · May 10, 2015

I am working as a contractor RN for the AF. I am lucky to have my hours set in my contract at 0730-1630. Active Duty nurses stay long hours and I know some that work on the weekends in the clinic here as well to catch up with work. We have multiple ADAF nurses come i at 0400 and leave around 1900-2000 every night. This would be too much and has honestly turned me off. You'll never know what you're going to get and the AF is quite full for nurses at the moment. I believe our Chief nurse said 95% right now...