Question for AF Reserve Nurses

[NV Nurse]

I have a question for the AF Reserve RN's. I was accepted into a Critical Care Position and took my oath in July. I am currently waiting to in-process into my unit. So, here is my question. I will be finishing my MSN in December and I am considering my career progression. A co-worker who is in the Navy told me that I have to have so many civilian critical care hours to maintain my position (which does make sense). Any insight into the "rules" would be appreciated.

I don't want to look into jobs that would make me loose eligibility for the Air Force Reserves.

Thanks,

Erin

[nurse2033, MSN, RN]

How much nursing experience do you have?

[nurse2033, MSN, RN]

For flight nursing you must work at the bedside 180 hours per year. I don't know about critical care hours but it might be similar. If you take a management position with no patient care, this could jeopardize your ability to perform patient care in the AF. But think about it, you need the bedside job to keep up your skills. A management position that allowed some bedside care, or a side job, would probably do the trick.

[NV Nurse]

I've been in critical care for almost 7 years and I love it. If I move away from the bedside, big if, I'd still want to work per diem in ICU to maintain my skills and CCRN. Thanks for your insight!