sea73

Thanks Sandman, I know it is a lot to think about. There are pros & cons on both sides. Thanks for your reply and info, it was helpful.

Hi, I am currently enrolled in a 4yr nursing program and have 1 more year before I start my nursing classes and would some information on what it is REALLY like as a navy nurse or an Air Firce nurse. I am married and have kids and was raised in a military family as was my husband, who also was in the service(all AF). I haven't found alot on AF, but this is what I got on Navy so far.I am interested in the NCP and I hope to keep my GPA up to hopefully be accepted. I have looked alot over the internet on different message boards and have heard both good & bad experiences of being a nurse. I want to know what it is really like as of today, not 10-15 years ago. I have spoken with a medical recruiter in Houston Texas and this is what he told me: If accepted in NCP, will get $1000 month for 2 years, $10,000 sign on bonus ( in 2 payments),give 5 years, after school go to Newport RI for OIS for 5 weeks, then go to either Bethesda, Norfolk or San Diego for 2-3 years, then to another station. He even told me that I could request to stay state side since I have kids, is this true?? I don't mind going overseas or even on a boat for a short amount of time, but I don't want to be gone for 6 months or more. He told me tha the pay is comparable to civilan pay, less patient load. I heard also that the 30 days of vacation is hard to get because of staff shortage, and that you work longer hours. I have looked at the AF site and got minimal info, just the basic. I want to know what happens after OTS, which bases am i likely to go to for internship (if they have that in the AF). How does the promotion work, how long from one rank to the next. Will the AF pay me (stipen) during my nursing courses, what about the sign on,I keep hearing different things. Please give me a Honest account of what to expect, I know there are going to be some long hours or coming in on days off because sometimes things happen. I am not expecting an easy ride or anything, just want the honest truth. Also if you can give me some info on the different naval stations or AF bases( which were good/not good, good schools etc. Thank you, sorry this is long, I just want to get my info all down before I make a decision. WHich will be in early 2006. Sharon You can email me if you like [email protected]