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Discussion

Trying to join Air Force Active Duty RN

Hi everyone, I'm very new to this site, but hoping to get some help. I'm an RN with 2 years med surg experience and my BSN. After making the decision with my family that the Air Force was what we wanted I tried contacting a recruiter this week, which has seemed like a much more difficult process than it should be. The nearest health recruiter to me is in Orlando, FL. I tried calling about 5 days ago as well as emailed them, and received an email back almost instantly asking about my BSN. After that, nothing. Today I tried calling again with no answer, emailed them again and got a reply right away that said they aren't accepting ER nurses at this time (I told them I had 3 months ER experience with 2 years of med surg experience) All I got back was that they don't have any openings, then no reply again to my questions. Getting them to return a phone call seems impossible and only reply to emails selectively. I guess my question is are there really no openings for med surg nurses at this time? Also, from what I've read in these forums the process can be lengthy, is this not a process that can be started while waiting for an opening?

Thanks in advance.

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    • Expert

    I know things are slowing down recruiting-wise, but the Air Force generally always takes some number of experienced nurses (at least 1 year of full-time experience). It may be that you hit the bad part a recruiting cycle, and he/she had all the candidates they needed for that time period. Just be persistent and at least try again after the holidays. You might try another recruiting location to verify the info you're getting by putting a fake zip code in that 'find a recruiter tool.'

    FYI you are not considered an ER nurse in the eyes of the Air Force until you have 1 year of full-time ER experience. You qualify an experienced un-specialized 'clinical nurse' with your 2 years of Med-Surg.

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    • Author

    Thanks, I put ER experience is only 3 months, just to include all of my experience, and told them I would go just clinical nurse in the first place but he instead replied about an ER position and a NICU spot? Do you know if the delayed enlistment program can go for my situation? Get all my stuff in order and wait for a spot to open?

    My husband was enlisted for 7 years, I already know all about the benefits, and have a pretty good idea of "military life" from that perspective, all I need from the recruiter is to get me through the actual enlistment program, and unfortunately I still can't get ahold of them and their office is the only health professions recruiter in the state of Florida í ½í¸©

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    • Expert

    Don't enlist. You need to be patient and wait to commission as a nurse. A 4N (the most common enlisted medical position) is pretty much a CNA II or EMT-B; you'll be frustrated that you'll be practicing way below your scope.

    I meant put in a zip code for say Georgia or Alabama and ask that recruiter. You can do pretty much do everything with a recruiter over the phone or email.

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    • Author

    Sorry, I didn't mean enlist. I meant is there a program like that for nurses to commission. Get all the paperwork done and wait for a spot

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    • Expert

    For your situation, as an experienced nurse, your only option is direct accession (also called direct commissioning). It's essentially a long, protracted job application for the military. When I direct commissioned 3 years ago, they took applications twice per year. My guess is that they'll start looking at the next recruiting cycle next month.

    In the mean time, find a recruiter who will answer your general questions and provide you the forms you need to apply.

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