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. 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!
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.
2cross,
So you went to boards Nov 2010?? What region/state do u reside if u dont mind me asking, because when I originally started my paperwork July 2010, I was told by my recruiter boards were in October 2010 then moved up to September ( which my packet was not complete for) my recruiter did not mention a Nov board??? You are fully qualified right?
Im wondering if there are different boards for different areas of the US????
Limac, I live in Arkansas and my recruiter is in Oklahoma. The cut off date for the November board was in late September or early October. Your packet has to be QC'd prior to the actual board for discrepancies. I am trying for a fully qualified emergency department position. I have 12.5 years of experience. I think the selection boards and dates are nationwide and the same for everyone. My guess is that your recruiter did not think he could get your stuff (official application, chief nurse interview, letters of recommendation, MEPS, etc.) that quickly. Also, I think all the recruiters knew this past board was going to be crazy competitive and perhaps he was "banking" you for the next board (Fall 2011) where there are going to be actual positions available. Again, just my opinions and speculation!
Limac, I live in Arkansas and my recruiter is in Oklahoma. The cut off date for the November board was in late September or early October. Your packet has to be QC'd prior to the actual board for discrepancies. I am trying for a fully qualified emergency department position. I have 12.5 years of experience. I think the selection boards and dates are nationwide and the same for everyone. My guess is that your recruiter did not think he could get your stuff (official application, chief nurse interview, letters of recommendation, MEPS, etc.) that quickly. Also, I think all the recruiters knew this past board was going to be crazy competitive and perhaps he was "banking" you for the next board (Fall 2011) where there are going to be actual positions available. Again, just my opinions and speculation!
Thanks 2cross... Well Good Luck to you!!! I will b looking to hear when u get your COT date!:)
Just curious, how did you get a recruiter in Oklahoma???? You said you were in Arkansas right? Was it because you weren't happy with your recruiter there? I am having a difficult time just trying to get calls returned and such. I was thinking about contacting a recruiter out of state. I didn't even know there was a cut off for boards in september??? Go figure....I was told. I could have had my stuff in. Obviously I am not the only person who has this prob. Any advice anyone??? Thanks in advance.
Me again. So you have 12.5 years experience! Awesome! I have 14years and I'm like wow, i'm older but in great shape and can do this. Have always wanted to join but..oh well...Now i want too. Tell me how your experience has been so far. I have gotten told that they aren't taking many nurses. You came in as a captain? How was that determined ? Who decided? When and how did you find that out? I was told i would prob be brought in as a Lt. Go figure. He said i could prob be brought in as captain but...........any advice? thanks
I live in Missouri and there are no Missouri only healthcare recruiters here. The AF healthcare recruiters are based out of Oklahoma. They cover OK, MO, & AR.
MBRN74, Sorry it has taken me so long to post. I've been busy! COT is now officially finished and now I am getting settled at my new base. To answer your earlier question, my recruiter was from Oklahoma. He was the nearest healthcare recruiter to me. After hearing other recruits stories at COT, I was especially grateful for mine. I think the key to establishing contact with them is getting your "ducks in a row". If they ask for a resume, have it ready to email that day. As available positions decrease the competition increases and recruiters have to be sure that their applicants can make the cut. In the meantime do things that will increase your chances, get certified in your specialty, volunteer, teach CPR or ACLS, etc. So far the experience has been amazing! If you have the desire to serve, be persistent and patient. It took me about 18 months from initial phone call to the recruiter to COT.
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. 
limac
12 Posts
2cross,
So you went to boards Nov 2010?? What region/state do u reside if u dont mind me asking, because when I originally started my paperwork July 2010, I was told by my recruiter boards were in October 2010 then moved up to September ( which my packet was not complete for) my recruiter did not mention a Nov board??? You are fully qualified right?
Im wondering if there are different boards for different areas of the US????