UpNAboutRN

The experience as an AF Active Duty nurse can depend on where you work. Our core value of "Service Before Self" can be overused at times. You don't get differential pay for working nights and no OT pay. My hours are normally 40 hours a week in a outpatient setting. In an inpatient setting you can work 12 hours shifts, but some wards have you work 3 or 4 days. This does NOT include mandatory meetings, commander's call, or training. There is a possibility you will have to go to those on your day off IN UNIFORM. If you have less than 3 years of RN experience, they may put you in an inpatient setting first (med-surg). To be transferred to a different specialty such as ICU, they require 2 years time on station. They normally will not give you ICU/ER as a first assignment if you do not have any experience in the civilian world. The AF does offer a Critical Care/Trauma/ER fellowship, but training is in TX and there is a high possibility you will deploy after graduating. Deployments are 6 months. As a nurse in a military treatment facility, patients range from dependents, retirees, and active duty personnel. The majority of patients are retirees and dependents. I may be biased towards AF, but I also hear from friends that AF is the best choice. Do a lot of research. What are your future aspirations? I joined the AF because I eventually want to do flight nursing and the AF is the best place for that. Hope that helps.

I'm aiming to go to COT end of June. Does anybody have any tips for COT such as, optional things to bring, what to look out for, etc???

I have 2 years experience on a telemetry floor and I have a BSN. I am thinking about joining the military, but am indecisive between the Navy or Air Force. I am also indecisive with whether I should join active or reserves. I am single, no kids or husband/boyfriend. I feel like this is a great point in my life to join. I am talking to a recruiter for both sides next week, but wanted to get some input before I walk through the door. Any advice?