Thinking about AF nursing & have ?'s

[bafelly]

Hey all,

I am an ER nurse with 5 years of ER nursing experience, 3 years in a level 1 trauma center. I have been thinking about a career/life change and joining the AF to continue ER nursing. I have been speaking with a healthcare recruiter but often feel that I am bothering him or asking too many questions. I am married and have a 4 year old so this will be a big decision.

I turn in all my papers (application and medical records) this week. What happens next? MEPS? I am a well 29 year old and just had a COMPLETE physical a few weeks ago and everything was normal, my PCP even wrote a letter stating she felt that I was in great shape to join the AF. If MEPS is next then what? Is there an interview? What does the interview consist of? Also I was given a list by the recruiter of possible locations to fill out a preference sheet. I do not even know where to begin with this since I know nothing about these hospitals. I know there are a lot of questions but I was hoping that someone would have gone through this already and may be able to help me out. Lastly, I was told there are 17 spots open for ER nurses, is this highly competitive?

Thanks for any and all help

[jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA]

Bafelly, in case you are looking at flight too, know that AF flight nursing is not the same thing as civilian flight nursing. The AF has different types of flight crews for different things, unlike the 1-size fits all civilian role.

AF flight nursing is really more focused on the plane and the safety of passengers and crew. Your patients are all stable and most are walkie talkies. The fact that it requires a few years of acute care experience is a bit misleading. Flight nursing is a full time specialty.

There are other teams, such as CCATT, that take the sicker, less stable patients. CCATT is typically a part time gig. You often do it for a few months and then go back to your ICU.

[Devo19, BSN, MSN, APRN]

The interview was very causal. Just nice slacks and flat shoes. We were able to launch a C-130 mission that day so your clothes will smell! That is mostly why

[frangel]

Hi guys!

I'm new in this site, I want to join AF Reserve as a Flight Nurse. I been a RN for 4 years, my exprecience is base mostly in telemetry and med/surg field, and the last year in Surgical ICU and step down. I have a BSN and I'm currently in army reserve as enlisted, ETS Jan 2018. You guys think I have a chance to get selected? Any suggestion or tips? How long is the process of get comission and start drilling? I already contact a recruter in the FL area. Thanks