aceswild21

So, I am in the air force and have been in for 14 months, and i am applying for a nicu position. To answer some of your questions. As far as being deployed your eligible every 18 months, and will be deployed for up to 6 months. And because nicu is such a specialty, you most likely wont get deployed as a NICU nurse but as a ICU nurse, and thats if you get deployed. As far as commision officer training, that is 5 weeks and its basically a vacation. As compaired to boot camp, you have people that clean your room everyday, and by the 3-4 week your allowed off base and you can have some adult beverages and have a good time. As for app process, i am unsure for you because i am already in and it is a little easier for me, but the requirements for me are at least 1 year experience as a nurse, and basically recommendations from my leadership. For me it is a 3.5 month fellowship, i.e. didactic and some orientation on the floor, then you get sent to one of those bases and you orient to that floor ect. You really need to seek out a really knowledgeable recruiter who has been a recruiter for awhile, some are not smart! When you do find the right one, have him work the angle for you to be a nicu nurse, and make sure your application states thats what you want. You will most likely come in as a 1st lieutenant because every 2 years of experience gives you 1 year in air force. And with 6 years you would be a 1st LT and probably be a captain in a year. Again make sure all that is included in your application, before you sign anything!!!!!!!!! So Air force is great and the benefits are great, insurance for all your family!!, tax free housing, gi bill, ect, sign on bonus. There are some drwbacks, deployment, air force needs come first, sometimes you are volunTOLD things to do and be in charge of, extra duties. But i am glad i am in because everything is paid for such as training acls, pals, nrp, tncc, ect, military discounts at a lot of places, and you will serve your country, not many people can say that. So main point is to find a good recruiter, and dont stpo if they tell you no, go to another one! any questions, let me know! anthony

What is the additional service requirement time after completing the program? Thanks