Please Help! New RN BSN Student wanting to join USAF after graduation!

rndiver82 · May 14, 2012

In my experience, it is never too early to talk with a recruiter. I started talking to mine when I started my online program and he mapped out which route I would be taking. Because I've been a practicing RN for 7 years, I would be going for a direct commission versus what you may go through, called the Nurse Transition Program. This program is for the new nurse with no clinical experience. My recruiter kept in contact with me just to see how school was going and to make sure I was still interested, and we began my paperwork when I was approximately 1 year from graduating.

Now, it is getting very competitive to get these commissions. I am reapplying because I was a non-select with zero reason given. Another candidate who was not chosen is a captain in the Air National Guard for the past 10 years as a flight nurse, got recommendations from colonels he had served under in Africa. He would not have even gone to COT, just directly into active service, but he was not selected. This isn't to discourage you, just showing how picky it is getting.

I would say go talk with the recruiter now do you can at least be advised as to what you can do while in school to better your chances, and what program you may qualify for.

Good luck!

nick7331 · May 14, 2012

First off, congrats on getting into nursing school. It's a busy but exciting/interesting experience! Put your best foot forward and take it one day at a time, and before you know it, you'll be at graduation.

A little about me so that you know for reference. I'm 24 and just graduated from a BSN program and have applied to the AF Nursing Corps. I am submitting an application for their NTP (Nurse Transition Program) board this summer. With the NTP, it is for new nurses as you would be in two years, and we spend ~10-11 weeks at a Level 1 Hospital with preceptors as well as additional didactic time. From there, we would get sent on our first assignment.

In response to your questions:

When do I need to start talking to a USAF health professions recruiter? Since I haven't even started the program yet (this fall) I did not want to talk to them and make it seem like I am wasting their time when I am 2-3 years away.

- I echo the comment of rndiver 82. It is never too early to talk to a recruiter. In the AF, they won't start your application until you are within one year of graduating but I think it is good to show you are interested early. As you mentioned, make sure it is a Health Professions Recruiter and not just a general recruiter.

Now that it is 2012 and it seems like a lot more nurses / cutting of jobs from the USAF, how hard is it to get accepted to the USAF fresh out of college? I honestly do not want to work a civilian job after I graduate, I want to go straight to the service!

- From what I've heard, for this NTP board, they are taking 20-25 new grad BSN's. We are not for sure on the numbers but the general consensus, is that all of us applying wish there were more positions. It sounds like there is still a high need for AF Nurses but the finances aren't quite there to support the need. It is competitive but they will take some. Everybody says things are competitive in whatever it may be (i.e.- nursing school, jobs, anything in life) and decide why bother. It's competitive but if you really want it, go for it and keep trying regardless of what happens the first round. If I don't get in this round, I will keep applying and figure a year or two of getting experience in the civilian world is worth it for what for me would be an awesome career in the Air Force.

- Other Things to Consider- I'm obviously set on the Air Force now as my #1 but don't forget the other branches of the military. We all have our reasons for trying to get into whichever service but from what I've heard, there is more overlap in the medical professions in the military than other positions typically. Don't get me wrong, the Air Force is the best and the coolest of them all.

The Navy has a Nurse Candidate Program that if I could do it over again, would do. You can start applying to this program now and if accepted, they pay for school and give a stipend. They guarantee a commission after graduation and you'll know that you have a job waiting for you. I'm pretty sure it is still a 4 year sign on agreement once you graduate which is the same as it is in the AF, but the navy would pay for all your school. One individual in my nursing cohort did this program as well as another the year behind us. They participate some level with ROTC. Considering this would pay for your school, any time spent with ROTC, is viewed as your job while in school. Just wanted to pass this along to make sure you are aware. I'm not trying to talk you out of the Air Force though by any means.

The Army as of now is just taking RN's with 2 years or more of experience so for new grads, it is the AF or Navy.

My timeline with this process is I graduated this May, application will be submitted in June, board meets in July, and then we find out if accepted in August. From there, we most likely won't commission (Go to Commissioned Officer Training- this happens prior to the NTP segment) until January. It is impossible for us to know or even guess at a possible COT date. In the downtime, I'm trying to find a job to make some money and get some experience. If you were to do for example the navy program, there would be less down time for one and you would know after you apply while still in nursing school, if you're accepted. Most of us are just biding our time post-graduation to even just hear if we're accepted.

Essentially, what should I be prepared to do and when should I do it? I don't want to go to the recruiter to early so they think I am not as serious and far away, that's why I am asking here!

- I think going to a recruiter now would show them how serious you are at this stage. Finding out information from them and developing a relationship with them, could only I think benefit you more in the long run. You won't be able to start the application until 1 year within graduation but you can keep that in the back of your mind.

- Focus on doing as well as you can academically first and foremost. Then if you do work as an CNA/tech, try to get some experience while in school to add to the resume. In addition, you'll need references from nurses at the time when you apply so start trying to establish yourself with nurse managers, instructors, clinical preceptors etc. This way, when it is time for you to apply, they can write the strongest recommendation possible. You'll be busy in school but try to be involved in a nursing school committee or student group if possible. Leadership is always a bonus as well as any volunteer work. You'll have to set priorities with what is feasible with your situation, but try to develop as balanced and strong resume as you can.

Best of luck and enjoy your first semester this fall. The Air Force provides a great opportunity to grow professionally as well as personally. I hope that both of us get in when the time comes. My biggest piece of advice from my experience and from what I've see from others, stay patient with the process. It is a long and slow process. Keep thinking about that eventual end point and remember why you're applying. Stay the course, continue the journey, and your goals are within reach.