waiting, Air Force Nurse Corps

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Hello all, I am new to this forum, but have been reading from it for some time. I am curious. Who is still waiting for the fully qualified selection status from Jan boards? It seems that AFPC is busy with other matters for the immediate future. I am waiting patiently....well not so patiently!

Specializes in all.

I did find the MEPS employees tone changed once they found out I was a nurse. A few got downright chatty...

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I did find the MEPS employees tone changed once they found out I was a nurse. A few got downright chatty...

It's not the case everywhere, and my experience is no exception. I was prior enlisted and an officer candidate - and a few of the employees didn't seem to like that much once they saw my paperwork. And believe me, I said less than zero about it, except when I had to, since a commissioning physical is slightly different from an enlistment physical.

Essentially, I wouldn't go in looking for or expecting preferential treatment, because it varies across the board.

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Quick question-are new nurses eligible for special incentive pay instead of bonus. I thought the special incentive pay was a retention tool but now I'm not sure.

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You're right, and no. Special incentive pay is different from a signing bonus. All we get right now on this side is a signing bonus.

Once you're in, THEN you're eligible for incentive pay if it's offered.

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Specializes in all.

I was told I do get ISP for my CCRN, but this would be in lieu of the sign on bonus.....I think it works out better to receive the ISP and Tuition reimbursement than to go with the sign on bonus. The ISP comes out to 20K/year for 4 year contract and 15K/year for 3 year contract.

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Then they've completely changed that and I stand corrected.

I can say that for those already in, the ISP only adds time onto your existing contract even after you've received the bonus. If they're telling you that, Hnella, then by all means you should take that because it IS the better deal.

Sounds pretty awesome. I knew the structure had changed but I guess I missed the part about new accessions. Cool!

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Specializes in ED. ICU, PICU, infection prevention, aeromedical e.

I have my CCRN. This is the first I've heard of an ISP for it. I got the standard bonus in my contract.

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I'm not doubting what the poster was told, but my continued research is still telling me the ISP is for RNs currently serving. I have to work today so I'll see if I can find anything out.

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Specializes in all.

I will double check. The information was primarily provided by the recruiter, but I am reading that they can be off. However, the bonus was mentioned by the nurse manager where I interviewed and by the critical care consultant during that interview as well.

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Specializes in L&D, mother/baby, antepartum.
I'm not doubting what the poster was told, but my continued research is still telling me the ISP is for RNs currently serving. I have to work today so I'll see if I can find anything out.

You are correct, the ISP is for RNs that are currently serving. It's a retention bonus. If this had been in effect when I first commissioned I would have been better off taking only the $30K bonus, serving my three years, then getting the ISP for signing for an additional four years instead of taking the $38K loan repayment (if I had taken the ISP I would have gotten an extra $20K x four years=$80K). Unfortunately that's not the case and I have to wait until my initial commitment of six years is up before I can apply for the ISP.

There is a HUGE packet on the Knowledge Exchange that explains the ISP and what you need to do to get it. It sure is an awesome way to retain nurses, I can only hope that it's still being offered when I'm eligible!

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Thanks for the info everyone. I just want to make sure I'm maximizing benefits. I'll probably ask my recruiter as well because I hadn't heard about this before someone on the board told me about it which is requiring her to decline the $30,000. I'm wondering if recruiters are trying to make the package look better than it is. But I remember if it isn't written in the contract, it might not happen. I'll let you know if I find anything out. We should all be getting awesome bonuses and I sure hope this one is around when I re-up.

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LittleGreek-What is knowledge exchange?

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