STICU-ARNP

This sucks. I'm sorry for everyone not selected.... I'm still waiting to hear myself and considering the odds, I'm more than likely a non select myself. I know I'm probably going to have to wait and see but I'm psyching myself for some bad news. Rnpic, I hope I didn't come off the wrong way and I sincerely am hoping this profession starts to show some light your direction. Stupid question, but, prior to submitting your packets did you all sign something with an idea of where your going, your salary, rank etc... It's been so long now, all the forms I submitted/ resubmitted I don't remember what's been signed. I think everyone on this thread would make one hell of a COT class in my opinion!! Good luck to all of us on our future endeavors!

Rnpic, Im sure there are quite a few of us that are just as frustrated as you. We all have our loops we had to jump through to get to this point. The fact is, regardless of how we got here, we're all at the same point. It seems as much as you don't think experience doesn't carry much weight, the reality is, all your potential employers do and the air force may very well think so too. This is all a sign of the times, where the nursing shortage is gone and the employers have the luxury to pick and choose. All us "experienced" nurses found it frustrating not so long ago to have new grads enter a specialty (ICU, ER, OR) when we were required to have a year or 2 of med surg experience prior to even being allowed to apply in a specialty. Then to start at a new grad salary at that. All this, because of the nursing shortage and the employers needed bodies to staff. Our frustrations continue to the present for us "experienced" nurses that made this our career because the newer nurses stay long enough to fill a resume and apply to CRNA, ARNP school. Do I blame them? No, but would you want them really putting you or your loved one to sleep over an experienced critical care nurse that eventually became a CRNA? Either way, this is just where our profession lies right now. This nation hasn't been this well "nursed" for awhile. The frustration is all relative to your personal situation. But if you really want something there is going to be sacrifices like accepting a different role until one opens, moving, etc., Im not trying to act like im aware of your personal and professional situation, I'm just saying generally. I really hope you get in....I hope we all do and many of us are relating to your frustrations.

I have to agree with you, cross2blue. Were the same age and as much as l want to fulfill a lifelong dream, I can't imagine putting my family through this again. Procrastination is a hard lesson to learn when you're dreams are almost out of reach as a result of. What happens, is gonna happen at this point. If we get bumped to next review and I'm offered, I have to say I'm going to think a little more with my mind this time around....

I'm sorry rn1972, other than the limited slots, did he have any reason why you weren't selected? Can you apply again in the future? I truly believe things happen for a reason... Not that the timing would make it any easier to handle but I thought they would not start releasing the results until after thanksgiving... Good luck and God Bless.

What a coincidence....I think there are 16 of us that are writing on this thread....perfect!!!!

Great news!! Thanks for the update!! I'm definitely getting anxious to hear the results, good or bad! Good luck to all of us, definitely lots of praying gonna be going on these next few weeks!!

@dangerous...lol, You crack me up. Youre definitely living up to your name. As much as I want to do the same and tell some select peeps to f-off and burn bridges I don't want to cross back on, I was particularly careful not to do so for this reason. But, that's me. There's nothing wrong with freaking out, but dude you were confident enough to do that...don't lose your head now. A few more weeks we'll find out and you can sit back and laugh about it. Either way, you still have your license and things can always be far worse, at least your still being considered and got this far. We are all really feeling your chest pain right now, your just adding the impending doom part on your own. Its all a big question mark for all of us and It's never too late for a plan B... Hopefully we'll all be in the same COT class so we can call each other out! and laugh about this. Being on these boards is definitely a sign of our shared anxiety....

There's definitely nothing wrong with a plan B. Although i cant imagine myself in any other branch other than the AF for some reason. So im prepping my psych for anything to happen! But i guess better a pleasant surprise than bitter disappointment, IMO. Thanksgiving seems so far after all this wait and preparation. Should we not be selected can we resubmit for the next review? The selection seems to be getting more competitive with less slots available. I'm hoping for May 11 myself. Good Luck to all!!

"Her original post never said she was living outside the united states, it said she was Filipino. Also, her last post just said she's in Philadelphia." Phil. can be an abbreviation for many things like Philadelphia, Philippines, Philanthropy, Philosophy, etc. In her case being "Filipino" probably means it is abbreviated for Philippines. Also, there is a University of La Salle is in the Philippines. But i wouldnt expect you to know that one. I also feel Its probably safe to assume "While I'm there" is her referring to not being here also. That's a gimme. :confused: But, good looking out. By the way, Congrats whatchasay on passing your exam!!

I guess, in your case one major thing you'd have to be in order to join is, in the United States. I also don't believe there is a NLN accredited nursing program in the Philippines, you would have to get accepted into a MS program here accepting your BSN. Good Luck.

I would think you'd have to had graduated from an accredited nursing program approved by the NLN, A US citizen, speak fluent English and meet the health/physical requirements required to serve in the US Navy or any branch. Right now, not to shoot your dreams down, I think there are plenty of US trained and educated RN's that are more than willing to join at this time. Unless, you have a skill or qualification that may place you above the rest of the competition, you will need to have plenty of patience and persevere. If you truly want this and know what you're getting in to, it'll happen. As you read on many of the other threads, there are many of us just waiting and having a hard time keeping the paperwork up to date just so we remain qualified. My honest advice to you is get experience as a RN in an area of need ( ICU, Psych, etc.), have your transcripts evaluated by an approved accreditation program, hopefully by the time you acquire enough experience you can apply for US citizenship.... Then apply to the military. I feel you need to increase or at least be able to equate yourself to a US trained and educated RN that already meets the minimum requirements to be in the US military. Do plenty of research into the branches of the military. Last i checked, gender or race has never been an issue. So that should be the last of your concerns right now. It's all about qualifications. Good luck!!

I think the best thing we can do for ourselves is to stretch and work on conditioning to avoid injury. As we prep for the PT, our conditioning should be up to par but unless you work out regularly prior to ever thinking of joining the military, we can never be to safe. I truly feel we'll all be alright when it comes to the PT. Like my recruiter told me.. " the air force needs us more for our skills and knowledge not so much for our brawn". That's not stopping me from exercising regularly and I'm using this as a good excuse to develop a great habit/ routine even after COT.

@Tina.... The last thing you want to do is look back and wonder "what if"!! I'm on the same boat, but 35... I've always wanted to join but life changes and procrastination always got in the way. I'm committed to the decision to join along with my family and more than likely will be in lackland according to the recruiter. I'm also waiting for end of november board. I'm hopeful and excited!!! Don't listen to those "haters".... Theyre more than likely envious of the fact you still are continuing to follow your dream and are in a place to actually pursue them!

Thanks, rnpic! Is there an average wait? How far advance can we expect to have before being assigned a COT date? With a home, kids and family to think of, it's nerve racking trying to prepare for an unknown date. rnpic, I think I read in your prior posts you were liking lackland afb. That was my first choice assignment because it's a bigger hospital, do you still like it? If you don't mind I'd like to pick your brain about the area and such.

What is the expected date to report to COT if you are selected in the November review? I know some drop out prior and one can report earlier than expected. But can the November selectees expect to have all reported by a certain time frame? I'm hopeful also....