when should i start the paperwork?

allnurses Guide · Jun 8, 2007

so, I start my RN-BSN program June 28th. I am thinking next summer I will have my BSN, and can go back in the AF. when do you guys think i should get back in touch with the recruiter and get my paperwork started?
i talked to the healthcare recruiter in march, got the info that i wanted and questions answered that i had. so, he basically said to get back in touch with him when i was closer to graduating.
when do i get back in touch with him? december? later than that? i have the wonderful chore of getting some waivers done (i think), so i dont want to wait too long...

Your last/senior year of nursing school you can apply.

http://www.airforce.com/careers/subcatg.php?catg_id=3&sub_catg_id=2

I would contact the recruiter atleast 6mo prior to graduation. The paperwork can take a long time. Try October it will start the new fiscal year for the recruiters and he/she will be much more likely to get your paperwork done at that time.

Duncan3178 · Jun 8, 2007

good point about the fiscal year thing. i forgot about that..

i start my job in the SICU next week. do i need to work in the ICU atleast a year to go in with an ICU identifier? i know that i will be working atleast a year there, because i do NOT want to do NTP!!

i dont know why i am stressing about not getting back in. the AF Times was just saying how the AF had tons of nursing slots that arent getting filled...

allnurses Guide · Jun 9, 2007

good point about the fiscal year thing. i forgot about that..
i start my job in the SICU next week. do i need to work in the ICU atleast a year to go in with an ICU identifier? i know that i will be working atleast a year there, because i do NOT want to do NTP!!
i dont know why i am stressing about not getting back in. the AF Times was just saying how the AF had tons of nursing slots that arent getting filled...

Are you an RN already?

You need one year of ICU experience as an RN to come in with your ICU identifier (E).

Also, you need one year of RN experience (doesn't matter where) to get out of NTP.

Check out some of my old posts on AF nursing.

I am an AD AF Capt going to school for my CRNA right now, so if you are interested in that route I can probably answer some of those questions also.

Good Luck!

What did you use to do in the AF?

Duncan3178 · Jun 9, 2007

I was enlisted for 4 years at Wilford Hall in the PACU as a tech (officially 4N051). I just graduated from nursing school with my ADN, and want to finish my BSN next year so that I can go back in..

My first "real" job will be in the SICU, so I will have the 1 year experience to avoid NTP, and also get the identifier.

When I worked in the PACU, I for sure wanted to be a CRNA, but now I just dont know. I think that there are so many other things to hurdle before that, it is hard to see that as a goal!! So, I guess that I will hurdle one thing at a time here!!!

allnurses Guide · Jun 9, 2007

I was enlisted for 4 years at Wilford Hall in the PACU as a tech (officially 4N051). I just graduated from nursing school with my ADN, and want to finish my BSN next year so that I can go back in..
My first "real" job will be in the SICU, so I will have the 1 year experience to avoid NTP, and also get the identifier.
When I worked in the PACU, I for sure wanted to be a CRNA, but now I just dont know. I think that there are so many other things to hurdle before that, it is hard to see that as a goal!! So, I guess that I will hurdle one thing at a time here!!!

Great attitude!

I like it when 4Ns get their nursing degrees, and come back in as officers.

You will do great!!!!! Let me know if you need me to dig up any information for you.

Duncan3178 · Jun 9, 2007

My nursing degree=GI Bill put to good use!!!

My nurses in the AF were the 1st ones that I was really exposed to. Those guys made such an impact on my life!!

Thanks for all your help and input!!!