ksantos

Air force nursing has many opportunities just like any other kind of nursing. Retirement benefits are a plus if you are of a fairly young age to start. Also, they are currently expanding bedside opportunities for higher ranking nurses. Pay wise, it is pretty much a set pay based on rank and time in service. Nurses with previous experience do get that taken into consideration when coming in. Nurses with no experience have great opportunities to get education within the airforce. I had six months of experience, but decided to come in as a "new grad" so I could get a better orientation to nursing and for a career field in OB. Med/Surg and OB nursing (as a new grad) gets 5 weeks at COT and 11 weeks at NTP (Nurse Tranisition Program). OB nurses get an additional 2-6weeks at PNC (Perinatal Course). My best advice is that if the thought of a deployment and being away from family is to much to bear, then don't join. If you are a go with the flow kind of person and can consider being away from family and deploying a matter of when and not IF, then the Air Force might be for you. There is no type of nursing that is at greater risk of deploying more than others because it all depends on the needs of the military. Even OB nurses deploy to Iraq/Kuwait/Afghanistan/etc as Med/Surg nurses when needed. As with anything, it is what you make it. There are many jaded Air Force nurses still in the system that may try to discourage you, but your attitude is what makes all the difference in your Air Force career.