RNs Processing to Air Force 2011

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Hello to all my fellow RNs looking to go up for boards in the Air Force for this upcoming 2011/2012. I need to vent for

a moment. I just spoke with my recruiter who I have been working with on my package since July 2010, I was originally hoping for October 2010 boards but was told boards moved up to September 2010. I then was told by my recruiter I will have plenty of time to process for January 2011 board but was just informed that I needed a waiver ( that was not mentioned before) and now I have to wait until June 2011 boards. This means if accepted I will not go to COT until 2012. This ENTIRE process has been so grueling.:eek: Can anyone else out there relate??? I don't understand why the recruiters don't have a simple check list that tells you EVERYTHING you need ahead of time or inform you what indicators in your package will require a waiver.

I apologize in advance for the long spill, but is anyone else out there in the same boat or on the same timeline. It has

been quite helpful to hear everyone's story. It has helped me have some hope and made me realize I'm not the only one! :uhoh3:

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Specializes in ER, ICU, Med/Surg.

Limac, several of us on here can definitely relate! There are several threads on here with timelines. I think one is titled "waiting... Air Force". It is a long and frustrating process but hopefully, once in, it will be worth it. Best wishes for 2011!

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Specializes in ED. ICU, PICU, infection prevention, aeromedical e.

You are not alone.

And to be honest, the getting in process is just the beginning of life in the AF. There are always check lists and computer tests and something else to do. Paperwork is a major time waster. And it just part of life.

On a positive, I went through all that you are going through. I felt like my whole life was on hold (as well as my family's lives). I kept getting pushed back. But it all went through and I'm in and I got my 2nd choice duty station - which I love and am so glad I got!

Just keep plugging away at whatever they ask you for. Keep busy, get a job and be ready for when they call!

Good luck.

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You are not alone.

And to be honest, the getting in process is just the beginning of life in the AF. There are always check lists and computer tests and something else to do. Paperwork is a major time waster. And it just part of life.

On a positive, I went through all that you are going through. I felt like my whole life was on hold (as well as my family's lives). I kept getting pushed back. But it all went through and I'm in and I got my 2nd choice duty station - which I love and am so glad I got!

Just keep plugging away at whatever they ask you for. Keep busy, get a job and be ready for when they call!

Good luck.

Midinphx,

Thanks! I see you have 14 yrs exp did you come in as a Captain?? Is AF Nursing like civi nursing 12 hr shifts, can you choose days or nights? Do you perform other AF duties or are you primarily an ICU nurse? Sorry for million ??? Just curious!

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Limac, several of us on here can definitely relate! There are several threads on here with timelines. I think one is titled "waiting... Air Force". It is a long and frustrating process but hopefully, once in, it will be worth it. Best wishes for 2011!

Thanks 2cross,

I viewed the thread on timelines it's keeping me hopeful.

Are you in yet?

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Specializes in ED. ICU, PICU, infection prevention, aeromedical e.

I came in as a captain (mixed blessing) and with an ICU identifier. I do work ICU. Different units and clinics have different types of shifts. Everywhere can be different. I work 12 hour shifts, 3 shifts one week/4 shifts the next. We rotate every 3 months from nights to days. I think some people pair up with another nurse so they don't switch. I prefer nights, but am on days right now.

As for duties, everyone has extra duties. Some people are on the morale committee (kinda frou frou, but important. lol), to some people have paperwork type duties. There are lots of things to do that have nothing to do with nursing that are part of your work. We are airman first, nurses second. I don't mind it, it's a nice mix. I get to go to the range and fire the M9 this week. I'm doing that instead of a shift at work. Besides COT, I've also gone to an extra 7 week class back at Maxwell for being a new officer. I've been more mobile than most people in their first year though. It's been great, but I've had to change everything in my life. I've learned to be more flexible and less of a planner.

But when I'm a nurse, I'm a nurse. That part isn't any different than being a civilian. :)

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That's sounds so cool, wr r you stationed if you don't mind me asking and you mentioned that you are more mobile than most is this by choice? Is there a list of classes that you can sign up for and they just let you go??? Going to range sounds cool also, are you assigned a weapon to keep??

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Specializes in ED. ICU, PICU, infection prevention, aeromedical e.

I'm in San Antonio at Lackland AFB.

I have just had a lot of different opportunities. We all start with the 5 weeks at COT in Maxwell. I was sent back there for another 7 weeks for Air and Space Basic Coorifice (with a 2 day notification! lol). I get to go to Baltimore for a medical class for 3 weeks in January. Then I get Deployed in February.

Most new officers really don't travel this much, honestly! I requested the deployment, or I would not be going so soon. I did not ask for the extra class back at Maxwell, I was told to go. I am really glad I got to go though. There are some classes you can ask to go to, just depends what your unit supports.

I don't get to keep my weapon, except for during the deployment.

And basically, everything is as good as you make it. I haven't always been able to keep a positive attitude, sometimes I have to fight to make myself positive! lol

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Specializes in ER, ICU, Med/Surg.

Limac, I am not in yet. I made it through the selection board in November and was told "yes, you are selected, but, no we don't have a position or COT date for you". I was told I was alternate number 2 for ER nurse positions. I was more recently told that I am now alternate number 1. I am hopeful for August or October COT 2011.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, APU/PACU, Peds, Flight.

mid, did you like ASBC?

anything like cot or different? ha.

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Specializes in ED. ICU, PICU, infection prevention, aeromedical e.

ASBC is not at all like COT. You learn alot about AF Doctrine and some of the basics that just didn't get covered in COT due to time constraints. It is mostly young people straight from the Academy or ROTC , they've been hearing the same stuff during their training and think it's all repeat and easy stuff. I found most of it to be new. Also, there were only about 4 nurses with 290ish people. You get to see what/how the rest of the AF is, totally cool.

I liked it. I got sick for a couple weeks which dragged me down though.

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I'm in San Antonio at Lackland AFB.

I have just had a lot of different opportunities. We all start with the 5 weeks at COT in Maxwell. I was sent back there for another 7 weeks for Air and Space Basic Coorifice (with a 2 day notification! lol). I get to go to Baltimore for a medical class for 3 weeks in January. Then I get Deployed in February.

Most new officers really don't travel this much, honestly! I requested the deployment, or I would not be going so soon. I did not ask for the extra class back at Maxwell, I was told to go. I am really glad I got to go though. There are some classes you can ask to go to, just depends what your unit supports.

I don't get to keep my weapon, except for during the deployment.

And basically, everything is as good as you make it. I haven't always been able to keep a positive attitude, sometimes I have to fight to make myself positive! lol

Your first year sounds really exciting, How long is your deployment and are you going to Afghanistan? I hope you are able to keep posting I would like to read more about your journey. Thanks Mid for all the info.

Cant wait to be part of "The Blue"!!!

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