focker2009

Hello everyone, here is a little background on myself so you understand my delima and question. I am 36 years old and finishing nursing school in May of 2009. Yea! (I am living proof you are never too old to go back) I was an active duty Medical Specialist in the Air Force and served 4 years before being Honorably Discharged. My over all goal is to commit 20 years time for a solid retirement option. Now for my question(s)....I know that working for the government has it's pluses and minuses, but I know very little about VA hospitals as a whole. 1. Does anyone know if I work at the VA for a couple years and then rejoin the AF if I will get any credit for my VA experience/time? 2. What is the VA retirement policy like? 3. How does it work in regards to pay rate and promotions? I would apply immediately for OTS, but my wife has 2 more years of school and she too will graduate with her RN, and since we have children I know it would be best if I waited to support her and my family, because as we all know nursing school is no joke, and the last thing she needs it the thought of me being deployed right in the middle of it LOL! Thanks for taking the time to check out my post, I really look forward to everyones input :nuke:

I graduate in may from nursing school and plan to apply for OTS. I have about $30,000 in loans so I want to definitely take advantage of the loan repayment program. Do you know, would I be able to take advantage of the loan repayment and the bonus? Or is it a choice of one or the other? Either way looking forward to going back in, was an AF medical specialist prior to going back to college :nuke:

Zozzy777 - Thanks a lot for taking the time to answer my post, it is encouraging to see someone in my area with the same ideas as myself and experiencing success. I knew the commute would not be a lot of fun, but didn't think it would be unbearable either. I still have a long way to go, but thanks again for the information, and best of luck in the program!!!

I have been looking for a student of CWRU in Cleveland. My wife and I are both RN students here in Sandusky a little ove an hour away. My ultimate goal is to obtain my CRNA licensure one day, and in between now and my RN exam and achieving my BSN (along with a years acute care on the job) I was wondering what might help in boosting ones chances in regards to attending Case Western. Any suggestions you might have would be appreciated, as with a family of 5 that is my most resonable chance of getting into school down the line without having to move everyone. Do you know how many slots are available each year vs. how many applicants? Thanks for your time. Bri