Nurses looking into AF Nursing..

[kkcrank]

I was getting commissioned at Wright-Patt yesterday, and the Healthcare Recruiter told me that for the next FY (2010 --starting in Oct) they only have 180 nursing positions that need to be filled. They've already gotten over 500 applicants... before the FY has even started. It's only July!

So if anyone is looking to get in for next year, I suggest getting your packet started... yesterday.

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

Also, I'm talking about the NTP program for those with no experience, not experienced nurses.

By qualified I meant just for the USAF itself, not with RN quals.

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

LOL. Wow. It wasn't meant to disappoint anyone. It was meant to encourage those who were thinking about applying to the NTP program to do it sooner rather than later. I know nurses who didn't get picked up their first time. It wasn't the end of the world. Your application can be resubmitted.

I would think this quote

"And then there's the kicker - "qualified". Just because a package is submitted doesn't mean the board will ever even see it - the packages are screened and weeded through before they ever even hit the board. Having worked for a major university and seen how many college apps get trashed before even hitting the reviewing table, I can imagine there's an awful lot of chaff that gets dumped down at Montgomery before it even reaches the committee. It's not out of possibility that only a hundred of the first five hundred apps would ever even SEE a board according to everything I've ever been told."

would be more discouraging. I'm sure if you are qualified, you will be selected. Your "odds of getting in" aren't dependent on how many people apply, rather on how qualified you are to do the job. Good luck.

And what I meant here is there's always applications that aren't correct from the get-go, not the individual. Recruiters screw up, AFPC screws up, waivers get lost - stuff gets dumped before it even hits a board. Mine got bounced back twice because my recruiter screwed up and it required my own involvement to fix the situation.

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

I take it that once I get a waiver, my file will go before the Board........then MEPS, then the interviews...........?

Thanks for replying......I really do appreciate it.

Not sure - I think what happens is you get your age waiver, and then you go for your physical. Once you're medically cleared for the USAF, then your recruiter sets up your interview (I think I have this right, this happened about nine months ago for me so someone jump in and correct me if I'm wrong).

Your best bet is to ask your recruiter.

[USAFhopeful]

Hi,

The following quote,

"I think what happens is you get your age waiver, and then you go for your physical. Once you're medically cleared for the USAF, then your recruiter sets up your interview (I think I have this right, this happened about nine months ago for me so someone jump in and correct me if I'm wrong)"

Is correct. I just recently went through the application process. MEPS is the first step (aside from the waiver). If you qualify you'll get your application. You will need professional references and there is a specific form your recruiter will give you for them to fill out. You may also need your college transcripts sent to your recruiter however, I'm not sure if this is for new grads only (?). I also had to complete an "applicant questionairre" which consisted of 9 short essay questions. Signing your application (there are multiple forms) and interviewing are the last steps. I was so worried about the interview however there is nothing to be nervous about... I had a great experience and I am a total worry wort! Sorry to go on and on... I hope I don't sound like I am trying to be a know-it-all... it's not my intention! Good luck!!

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

Thanks for listing all that; it's been so long since I started the process I'd forgotten what came when!

I think everyone has to submit the transcript to ensure you have a BSN, even though they can get that information from your state board. I wasn't a new grad and had to submit it (twice, even - it was one of the things that kept disappearing for some reason...).