Why do you want to be a nurse in the Air Force?

SmilingBluEyes · Oct 6, 2005

I am not a nurse in the Air Force, but I am an AF veteran and now, wife----as well as current Labor/Delivery RN in the civilian community near an AF Base.

I can say the nursing corps in the USAF varies in age from young 20s to 40s and beyond, esp in the Reserves. They do all kinds of nursing work, from staff nursing in Med-surg, CCU/ICU, Labor/Delivery, Oncology, Surgical/OR nursing, and the rest of the busy units the base hospitals have. They also practice in in base clinics, and sometimes in field nursing on deployment, caring for injured military overseas/returning from the conflicts overseas.

Also, there are Nurse Practicioners who practice rather independently, giving basic family medical care to active, retired and dependent personnel, worldwide. Some also provide anesthesia care as CNRA (certified registered nurse anesthetists), as well. (these nurses, NP and CRNA, have post-baccalaureate education at the master's degree level and post-master's education/training as well---often which is paid for by the military)

There is always opportunity for growth and additional eduation in the military. The nurse corps is dynamic, ever-changing, fast-paced and you can learn so much! But the commitments are HUGE, too. You are subject to worldwide deployments for needs on short-notice as well as some long shifts at the clinics/hospitals. But the training/education you will receive is second to none and lasts a lifetime.

If there are USAF nurses who wish to weigh in, I welcome your responses here!

deb

Moderator, Military Nursing Forum

mel2 · Oct 7, 2005

Why did you want to be in the Air Force? What made you get into the Air Force?

Guest43184 · Oct 8, 2005

I have several questions.
1. Why do you want to be a nurse in the Air Force?
2. Are there more young nurses or older nurses in the Air Force?
3. If your of a young age, why did you become a nurse?
Thanks!

1. I am currently an Active Duty Air Force nurse. Nursing was a 2nd degree/career for me (1st was BSBA, worked as university fundraiser). Originally I thought I wanted to attend medical school but discovered the patient care (more hands-on, incredible variety in nursing, etc) I was interested in was better filled by a nursing degree. I always wanted to serve, give back, etc...joining the AF was a natural step for me.

2. Distribution of nurse age varies greatly. The hospital I work in does not really have an older vs younger distribution.

3. I'm relatively young (just turned 26) and I wanted to be a nurse because I love people, science, health, well-being, and I want to contribute and leave the world better than I found it :)