renu47

Thanks so much for the advice. My worst fear is the difficulty I'm going to have changing. I work at a military facility so co-workers joke and salute me. When I look at my salute my wrist is bent, it looks girly I hope I can "snap and pop" correctly. I don't go until June but I will re-read your blog as frequently as a reality check.

I had an interview with the chief nurse who told me that my dreadlocks were okay as long as they were clean neat and natural color. I will attend COT in June and seriously need to know if I am able to keep my locks during COT and while working. As an African American woman hair is very delicate though it looks strong. We use many harsh chemicals to transform our hair from its natural state which weakens the hair more. This process must be done every 4-8 weeks and promotes hair loss and scalp burns hence the widespread use of wigs, weaves and braids, just to conform to the standard of straight hair of other cultures. Please let me know if cutting my hair is preventable. My hair is not a factor in serving my country or taking care of my patients. It is a shame that African American women are forced to conform to others standard of beauty.

I've been reading posts as if I'm watching the nightly news. I'm too very frustrated with this process of joining the air force. I started this process when I was 47 years of age. Just in time for the age limit. Due to my recruiter and his moving lips, I'm now 48, will be almost 49 if I'm selected and chosen to attend March COT date. These last few days I have been reconsidering joining at 49 years of age. Too late for retirement, and just dont know what it would be like for me physically and mentally at 49 years of age. Sometimes I cannot remember a thought from one room to the next LOL! I know age is nothing but a number, but really I'm really reconsidering especially when my tolerance for BS decreases the older i get. I have missed many board selections this year due to my recruiters lack of ability, and now with the heavy board applications and the inability to give assignments or selection notices really tries my patience.

Is constructive credit automatically applied or do you have to apply for it. I heard you are awared 1/2 year for each year of experience of work, 2 years of credit for nursing degree. but when is it actually applied.

I have my CN interview next week. I did not read that anyone had a telephonic interview with the NP. Can anyone tell me how they were assigned orders? Did you get your first choice? Were you able to negotiate your sign bonus? I'm also looking for a mission statement for the af nurse corps but can't seem to fine one. Hopefully I can go to COT in Jan.2010. Congrats to all who made it.

You are absolutely right there is nothing or no one more important than your family. As wife and mother if you are not happy they suffer also. Find a position that fits your lifestyle. Our work/careers can interuppt our lives. It is unfortunate in our field the wolves eat the young. As a new grad protect your heart. Some will take advantage of your lack of experience but keep your head up. You made it throught school and now your licensed which means you are competent. What is great about nursing it is very flexible. Choose, flex, part time, baylor night shift, 8 12 hour shifts. Sounds like you have a young family, my advice don't work nights for the first three years of your career. Days will give you a good foundation of how your institution operates. (Who's who) It will allow your husband to get to understand your career as you have your discussion in the evening. It will also allow you to think clearly while you learn and obtain your skills. Nights will allow you to become more independent. You will be up to this task after a couple of years of experience. Don't be to hard on yourself when you make and error, as long as it is not a fatal error there is a great lesson to be learned. The great lesson is that you will never make that error again. Dont faint, you will get a reward.

I have worked night for approx. 16 years, it all depends on your responsibility at home. I had a family, when I got off in the am, I would cook, clean, when the kids got out of school I would take them to afterschool activities. After dinner, and getting ready for bed, I was also tired because I had not slept that day. So it depends on your energy level and other responsibilities. Good luck

The end of your sentence was missing regarding not wanting to come in as... did you mean to say as Major. If so why is that, is it too demanding?

Now thanks to everyones great input, going AD for just the money is not a great idea. Serving the country is near the top, benefits, (healthcare, discounts at walgreen on Tues.(LOL) life insurance, education) experience and on the job training (admin) that may not be available in civ jobs.

I received a letter last June 47 years for BSN prepared RN. No I'm civ working in navy hospital, never AD

Regarding bonus I'm primary care so my bonus is significantly less than CRNA. I was told PNP only get 5K versus 25K CRNA

Thanks again. I was told for 2 years of civilian service equals 1 AD. That is why I might be eligible for a rank waiver. If 0-4 not in contract along wit duty station then I will not sign. The salary is comparable. The initial bonus is okay, as is the yearly bonus. BAH is VA which is significantly less than DC but able to cover my housing.

Thanks again. Once I swear and sign, I realize my needs and wants do not matter. That is why I will not sign unless a contract with the ADMIRAL signature is on the contract which states major and the specefic base that I want to work at for my first tour. I realize once I get in the base could change in a matter of days to months. But speaking to other medical providers that should not occur in less than a year.

This is my second post. I have been working with a recruiter since Dec. It is somewhat frightening because he has been very inconsistent with the paperwork. On several occasions he has forgotten to give me certain paperwork. I have been nursing for over 20 years, I'm 47 years old. I was told that I can pick my first duty station I may possibly get a rank waiver for major. Does anyone know if this is true. Also my present salary is 79,000. Could someone tell me what my take home pay would acutally be If I do get the waiver for major with no prior active duty experience.

just located website. I have taken steps to join the military as a PNP in the Air Force. My recruiter has lost several papers and does not have much experience processing my application. Anyway I was told with my years of nursing experience I would have 12 years equivalent to military. Is this true ? I have been an RN for 22 years an NP 16 years. I would also like to know about salary. Presently my salary is 78,000 in my locale. Will my military salary be comparable or significantly less? This is a major question for me. My recruiter said the tax break from the BAH I would need a civilian salary of 90,000 to be comparable to my active duty pay. Is this true?