Time to Sign

NursePamela · Apr 23, 2009

Good Question. Sorry no answers.

CISCOPATRICK06 · Apr 23, 2009

Hello,

I will try to answer your question from my viewpoint. I just commissioned in Feb and completed COT this month. However, I graduated last May. Now if you consider signing prior to graduation, you could potentially go to COT shortly after you take NCLEX which is good as far income. If you wait until after you graduate, you have to worry about an income, starting a new job and quitting shortly after to go to COT. In my opinion, I think it is better to do it prior to graduation. Just be sure that this is what you want to do. Good luck with school and your career..

luvbug080688 · Apr 23, 2009

thanks! i am doing some serious talking to recruiters this summer and will most likely sign before graduating.

jollydogg_RN, ADN, BSN · Apr 23, 2009

could you explain a little more about signing before you graduate?

and for example, would this apply if i did a one year RN-BSN program? Still in the "last year of school before my BSN" timeframe.

thanks for your time

jeckrn, BSN, RN · Apr 23, 2009

could you explain a little more about signing before you graduate?
and for example, would this apply if i did a one year RN-BSN program? Still in the "last year of school before my BSN" timeframe.
thanks for your time

Can not speak for the AF but yes for the Army since I am just completing my RN-BSN.

Earlier post has many good points about doing everything before you graduate. Have read other post and some people are in dilemas about what they are going to do. Also if the quota is made you would have to wait until the next Fiscal Year or Nov 1.

I know that you are thinking AF but before you sign speak with the Navy & Army so you know that you choose the right service for you. There would be nothing worse then in 2-3 years thinking maybe I should have also talked with the other services.

Good Luck.

jollydogg_RN, ADN, BSN · Apr 23, 2009

yes i already am aware of the army side of the coin.

ive talked with a recruiter from there, was wondering the AF and Naval side. i know a potential deployment is always on the table, but ive heard AF and navy has shorter ones. plus id be interested on seeing another branch.

im not ruling anything out at this point, but was gaining more info. i thought you had to have a bsn for the AF... and when someone mentioned about the "signing on the last year of your BSN schooling" it sparked interest, because i plan on getting into an RN-BSN program by the end of the year.

NursePamela · Apr 23, 2009

I think they mean "signing on" not "going in" ?? Sign on your last year go in when you are done with BSN and passed NCLEX and all the other hoopla. :-)

luvbug080688 · Apr 24, 2009

Yes I plan on talking with the Navy as well, but I am definetly leaning more towards the Air Force.

And signing up I mean going through all the paperwork, doing the MEPS and then passing the NCLEX. Once that is all done I will go to OTS.

: )

jeckrn, BSN, RN · Apr 24, 2009

From what I understand the AF has the shortest deployments of 3-4 months. The Navy is generally around 6 months. Recently the Army has changed nurse deployments to 6 months unless your are assigned to certian types of units, then it could be longer.

NursePamela · Apr 25, 2009

Don't bet on deployment lengths, I know plenty of Air Force who have been deployed 9 months and longer. You will know how long deployment lengths are when you get back and add up the days. :-)