OB nurse has questions about the Air Force

DrCOVID, DNP · Oct 8, 2009

If the air force were 100x faster in recruiting people, I might be able to answer these questions a little better, but... I am still waiting for the 'board' to choose me for commissioning.

I am interested in learning about OB nursing too, although I plan on going the general Med-Surg route for versatility.

I haven't heard much about the difference between OB nurse deployment and those in Med/Surg.

Being overweight might be an issue, but you might only find out after you go to MEPs.

You move as often as they need you to move; I know nurses go through COT, which is in Alabama only, and then NTP, both of which might not be at your 'home' base. You get assigned a 'home' base by the magical selection committee, so in the first year, you will probably be moving around at least 2-3 times, for short periods, as COT is only 4 weeks, and NTP is 12 weeks.

Deployments are anywhere from 4-6 weeks on average every 20-24 months (what I read) I know people that have been in for years and never been deployed though.

Don't know anything about bankruptcy, but I feel like I am bankrupt.

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Oct 8, 2009

You won't pass a MEPS physical if you're that overweight and you won't be able to proceed any further with your package until you do. The first thing - harsh, yes, but you have to get that weight off before you even think of going for a physical, because at that weight you won't pass a taping or a BMI either. The bankruptcy will be something you'll probably have to explain for your secret clearance because it makes you a security risk.

Deployments are six MONTHS, not six weeks.

Generally AF RNs seem to move every three to four years.

I'm off to COT in ten days and am prior enlisted Air Force.

DrCOVID, DNP · Oct 8, 2009

Whoops, 4-6 weeks was a typo :/

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Oct 9, 2009

I figured that, but with some of the information people are told you never know - hope I didn't offend you... :0)

To the OP - getting the weight off could be a great point for letters of recommendation, because the people you work with who have observed you working so hard to get into shape and to lose the weight can then speak to your dedication and your commitment.

I myself would write a strong rec for someone who worked so hard to lose forty pounds (that's a heck of an undertaking and I admire you for doing it) and who did it to serve our country.

The Little Greek · Oct 9, 2009

I am an OB nurse in the AF. If you do a search on this forum you'll find quite a few threads where I have answered questions specific to OB.

As for the weight, just as others have stated, it will have to come off first. When you go to MEPS they have a chart where compare your height to your body weight. If you fall outside the standards you can't proceed.

DrCOVID, DNP · Oct 10, 2009

can't flipping edit my posts... wth !!!!!!!! :crying2: