in the process of becoming an air force nurse!

The Little Greek · Sep 7, 2009

COT really isn't that bad...promise. I too was worried about the physical aspect of training because I hadn't been physically active in years. I started running (more like fast walking) before I even found out I was selected. I couldn't even run two minutes without stopping! Now I can run about four miles and I'm still working on running longer and faster. We didn't PT nearly as much as I thought we would at COT. We did lots of physical activities, but it wasn't all PT. I would say get started on working out now. You want to be in decent shape when you get there. People who couldn't run when they arrived had a really hard time while we were there.

As you mentioned, the worst part of COT was the lack of sleep. It's supposed to be lights out at midnight, but there were several nights that I didn't get to sleep until 0200 and had to get up at 0430. It totally sucked! I don't function well without sleep either, but I managed. The whole experience is a mind game. Knowing that is half the battle.

As for your RN experience, they look at how long you have worked as a nurse, not how long you have had your license. For instance, I was a TA and RA at the university I attended while I was working on my MSN. Because I wasn't working as a clinical nurse at the time, they didn't count that work experience toward my rank. I did get some credit for my RN clinical work though so I came in as a 1LT and will make Capt in a few months.

I understand your concern about signing a contract. You should make sure you read everything and ask questions about things you don't understand. When I was submitting my packet to the board my recruiter listed me as commissioning as a 2LT and not a 1LT. I told her that I knew I had enough education (my MSN which automatically gets you 1LT in the AF) and experience to come in as a 1LT. She made a few calls and what do you know, I was right! That could have made a huge difference in my pay and responsibility. Bottom line, be thorough, be inquisitive, and be polite.

mobro · Sep 7, 2009

thanks! that is very helpful. it seems like one minute i'm sooo excited and the next i'm scared to go through with it! so you've had a great experience? is there anything you don't like about it? i'm pretty sure the pros out weigh the cons but i'd still like to know the cons.

rghbsn, BSN, RN · Sep 8, 2009

I would like to reiterate what The Little Greek has stated about the physical aspect...start walking/jogging/running NOW! Look online and find a couch to run training plan. If you can do the run/push ups/crunches before you get there, you are a step ahead. It will be one less thing to worry about.

The lack of sleep...can't get away with that. It's going to be there. You'll just have to deal with that part.

She already hit on the work time::rank ratio and as you can see, you don't get credit until you actually start working. There are very real, legitimate reasons for it. Rank is more than pay in the military, it comes with responsibility and expectations.

As far as your contract, the day you commission should be the date that your contract starts. Once you become commissioned, you are in the AF.

JayBSN · Sep 16, 2009

Here's an odd sort of question, rumor has it PT is before breakfast? No big deal for some but how do you run without energy? At least a granola bar or something....gatorade even?? In Alabama heat, do they want me to die? : P

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Sep 16, 2009

When I was in basic training, we always did PT before breakfast and I don't ever remember having a problem. And by the time you get to COT, the heat won't be that bad.

You haven't lived until you've run three, four miles in SAN ANTONIO heat at six a.m. in AUGUST, which is what I did when I was at the Security Police Academy at Lackland. And I was in BMT in May and June - trust me, Montgomery in April and May's got nothing on Texas.

USAFhopeful · Sep 18, 2009

I passed my Air Force physical this week (MEPS was...an experience) and am just waiting for my references to get to my recruiter so I can have my interview scheduled. After the physical I think it hit me that this is happening! I was super excited before and now I'm just getting nervous- signing a contract with the military is intimidating! But I've heard over and over again what a great experience it is so mostly I'm worried about COT (I can't run a mile and a half to save my life!) and moving to a state where I don't know anyone! Does anyone else share these concerns? I really think those are my two reservations to joining- I'm really looking forward to the team atmosphere of the military! Has anyone just gone to COT that wants to fill me in? I've heard the worst part is how tired you are all the time, which does not sound good because I simply cannot function with no sleep! So, long story short I just want to hear how other new Air Force nurses are feeling and if they're getting nervous now that it's really happening??
Also, I was asking my recruiter about promotion to 1st lieutenant and he told me that since I would go in with about 6 months of nursing experience then that would give me half credit and take three months off my time until promotion- so it would be a year and nine months. Does my "nursing experience" time start from when I actually started working as a nurse of from when my license posted to the state board?
And one final question- does your commitment start from the day you commission or the day you go to COT? I know you don't get paid until you go to COT but when does your contract start?
Thanks in advance! I know I sound like a worrier but that's because I am! It would be much better if I could go to COT tomorrow instead of being able to think about it for six months!

Lol I am in the same boat and won't find out until November if I have been accepted. It's an intense wait... :no: lol. Hang in there and good luck!

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Sep 18, 2009

I wonder if you get credit for the time you spend under the Reserves (which would be from commissioning to COT) like you do when you're enlisted. I spent two weeks in DEP and got two weeks off of my inactive reserve commitment; I spent four years as inactive reserve and got two years added to my time in service (just shy of two years - something like one year eleven months and eighteen days - some ridiculous number), which of course will eventually add a bit to my pay.

Of course, as an officer, things are different - I don't care, I'm just curious.

rghbsn, BSN, RN · Sep 19, 2009

IRR time does not count towards years of service for pay nor retirement. DEP time counts towards time in service.

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Sep 21, 2009

Hate to be argumentative, but it does in the Air Force.

I am being paid as a second lieutenant with five years, eleven months, and twenty-eight days TIS - and I ONLY have four years active time. I'm not even an O1E - I'm an O1 with greater than four years but less than six. That time came from somewhere.

This is separate from RN experience according to AFPC - and for that I've gotten nine months TIG.

rghbsn, BSN, RN · Sep 22, 2009

That's cool, then. Never saw that happen in the Marine Corps. It's also nice because once you serve the IRR time, you don't have to do it again.

Passing on new knowledge isn't argumentative...glad to have it.

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Sep 23, 2009

Thanks for not taking me wrong. :0)

Maybe it has something to do with the nursing career field? I don't know - I was surprised at it myself when I got the paperwork back from Randolph. I thought I was reading something wrong or someone had made a mistake, so I checked.