Thinking of going into Air Force as a BSN

mcvaragon · Feb 25, 2009

I've been there, done that.. got the T-shirt (and the shoes).

I can say that I loved every minute of it. I flew Aeromedical Evacuation and worked in a large Air Force Medical Centers. There are only a few large hospitals left in the U.S and overseas. It depends on where you want to go. The benefits you can't beat, the pay is better than new grads and most is not taxed. You may end up going where they put you in the hospital.... however, they are just as concerned with nurse recruitment as they are in the civilian world so I wouldn't lose sleep.

Additionally, and you'll find this hard to believe; if they want you to do a job.... they actually "train you" and that includes leadership training if you go that route (which you will).

There aren't a lot of cons that I can think of... maybe where you get stationed. however, you have some wiggle room when you request an assignment.

Good Luck! :yeah:

jcoolcuda · Feb 25, 2009

I am not a new nurse, I have 11 years experience and plan on trying to get into anesthesia school before joining the AF. I'm not as interested in going to a big hospital as I am trying to stay localized. I already have three kids, so I concerned about the changes associated. I also really just wanted some real perspective instead of just a recruiter's song and dance. I find that when I talk to actual people who have been there versus a recruiter, I can get more accurate info. I wondered about being deployed. Some I have talked to said that nurses don't always get deployed, but others say "yeah right." Any perspective on this? You aren't a recruiter are you? :0)

Skeletor · Feb 25, 2009

The commitment: possibly your life.

The pros: service to your country.

The cons: none.

I did roughly 5 yrs and miss it greatly, that's why I plan on returning as soon as I can write R.N. at the end of my name....

go for it, you'll love it. :up: :up:

PRicanRN · Feb 28, 2009

I am not a new nurse, I have 11 years experience and plan on trying to get into anesthesia school before joining the AF. I'm not as interested in going to a big hospital as I am trying to stay localized. I already have three kids, so I concerned about the changes associated. I also really just wanted some real perspective instead of just a recruiter's song and dance. I find that when I talk to actual people who have been there versus a recruiter, I can get more accurate info. I wondered about being deployed. Some I have talked to said that nurses don't always get deployed, but others say "yeah right." Any perspective on this? You aren't a recruiter are you? :0)

If you are not wanting to move around then the military might not be for you. You will be moved, around every 4 years. Nurses do deploy, it all depends on what specialty. If you are planning anesthesia you will deploy more than most. Not trying to steer you away but just telling you the truth. It didn't bother me because I wanted to deploy and move around. Benefits are great and you definitely feel like a part of something bigger but there are sacrifices you must make.

gerrib83 · Jul 12, 2009

I too am thinking about joing though am 47 and would need a wavier. I have been a nurse for 12 years and presentlywork for the government. My husband is retired USN and both sons are active Air Force; the downside is I have a 18 yr old in college and 11 yr old in 6th grade. Thus I know the benefits but the unknown to where my duty station will be does cause so thought as if possible I would move my family with me. My husband works for the same branch of government as I do too, so he could transfer to a position (also get vet preferrence for job with SCD). So can anyone tell me about going in as a older nurse and the ability to know duty station prior to signing on.

Thanks

The Little Greek · Jul 13, 2009

So can anyone tell me about going in as a older nurse and the ability to know duty station prior to signing on.

At the time you are offered a commission to the AF the recruiter will also let you know what base you are being offered. At that point you have the option to accept the commission or decline it; you are not obligated to accept. If you do not like the base you are offered you can try to have it changed but it may not happen. I have known one person to decline their commission because they didn't like the base they were offered.

gerrib83 · Jul 13, 2009

WoW that was fast! Thank you so much this bit of info puts my mind at ease to know that I have the option of base acceptance. My husband was a USN recruiter for his last 4 yrs in ( only assignment he could get without moving; tough job) but the enlisted side is vastly different from the officer side, so he could not direct me in this question. How long does it take for processing; request info. send back, leave for base/OCS?

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Jul 14, 2009

WoW that was fast! Thank you so much this bit of info puts my mind at ease to know that I have the option of base acceptance. My husband was a USN recruiter for his last 4 yrs in ( only assignment he could get without moving; tough job) but the enlisted side is vastly different from the officer side, so he could not direct me in this question. How long does it take for processing; request info. send back, leave for base/OCS?

It took me almost exactly one year.

The Little Greek · Jul 14, 2009

How long does it take for processing; request info. send back, leave for base/OCS?

Started the process in late Sept, package went to the board in Dec, was accepted in Mar, commissioned in Apr, left for COT in Jun, reported to my base in Jul. I was very proactive during the process and did not require any waivers.

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Jul 17, 2009

As was I - but there's no accounting sometimes for recruiters not doing their job.

I'm prior service, so I know you have to be responsible for your own stuff - but really, me having to make the phone calls to track EPRs that my recruiter claimed the military did not have (after blowing me off for three weeks and not directly answering my questions, and forcing me to get the flight chief involved) - and then ME getting them from AFPC myself within three duty days. . .none of that was useful or stress-diminishing.

lpetiya · Aug 13, 2009

I am meeting with a recruiter on Monday of next week. I am looking for some concrete information about the nurse transition program.

Are there only certain bases where you can do this? If so...can my family come with me during that time? Is there a possibility of remaining there for my duty assignment?

If I am deployed...any idea how long deployment would be for? I have a small infant and am concerned about leaving my husband to care for him by himself if deployed....any advice?

Is it true that you are less likely to be moved from one coast to another coast if you have a family?

I am interested in specializing in NICU....I know there are only a few bases that have this and am aware of which bases those are...what is the liklihood of deployment? and what is the liklihood of relocation or going overseas?

I am a new grad and will have to go into the nurse transition program if I join. If I want to specialize in NICU which track would I take...med/surg or OB? How long before I could specialize? Could I be sent anywhere before this point or would I be likely to go to a base that has a NICU to make for a smooth transition when I can specialize?

Thanks in advance for the responses....I would appreciate any info I can get.