What are the eyesight requirements for Flight Nursing?

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I wear glasses and I have astigmatism's, does this disqualify me from ever potentially becoming a military flight nurse? Are the physical requirements of a military and civilian flight nurse different?

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The only thing I do know about this is it depends on what your numbers are - and unfortunately I don't know what the limits are. But a recruiter could find out for you very easily.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
I wear glasses and I have astigmatism's, does this disqualify me from ever potentially becoming a military flight nurse? Are the physical requirements of a military and civilian flight nurse different?

As long as your vision is correctable to 20/20 I don't think there will be any issue with the military as far as your vision is concerned. You will still have pass a an AF flight physical to qualify.

There is a big difference between military flight nursing and civilian flight nursing. Military flight nursing is mostly on fixed wing aircraft in the AF, and it is more like med-surg in the sky. Critical care patients in the military are taken care of by special medical teams in the AF critical care patients are taken care of by CCAT teams. CCAT is not a full time duty though. On the civilian side most medical air transport is done on helicopters and is critical care in nature, and only involves relatively short trips.

Something that your recruiter probably won't tell you upfront is that active duty AF nurses cannot go directly into flight nursing. You have to serve 2-3 yrs in another AF nursing position (usually med-surg/ICU/or ER) before you can apply to become a flight nurse. Reserves and I believe NG can go directly into flight nursing.

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Specializes in all.

What is the difference between a MEPS vs Flight physical?

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
What is the difference between a MEPS vs Flight physical?

Mainly it is just a review of medical record and short physical to get your Flight physical. Air Force Flying Physical Examination Standards

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Your vision must be correctable to 20/40 with glasses regardless of your astigmatism (I have an astigmatism and passed my physical with no prob). You are allowed to wear contact lenses during flights, but you must have it approved through the AF's contact lense program. Its a huge long process and you must wear the AF specific brand of contact lenses so I just wear my beautiful AF issued glasses. I've been an AF flight nurse for 3 years now, so if you have more questions feel free to ask! Hope this helped!

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I had a few quick questions about flight nursing. I am still far out from it but have been very interested in knowing a little more about it. Do you enjoy it in general? How much time on average do you spend away from home. Also, is it a short duty assignment? In other words, do you do it for a few years and then go back to your original specialty? Thanks very much!

(Previous screen name: Hungry4success)

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