WOC nurses in Airforce

[trina4362]

Hello,

I was wondering what background of nursing does the Airforce consider the most. I have a BSN and I have been an RN for 5 years. I am currently a certified wound care nurse and most of my exp has been in wound care, home health, and dialysis. I have always wanted to join the military and was just wondering if anyone with similair experience or less was accepted.

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

Moved to the Government/Military discussion forum

[jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA]

The Air Force likes acute care nursing experience best, especially in the hospital setting. Non ICU, ER, or OR nurses in the AF are expected to be competent in med-surg for deployment purposes. If you wouldn't be able to work med-surg on day 1 if needed, then it will be harder for you to join.

The minimum is 1 year of full time acute care RN experience (such as med-surg, PACU, step-down) for fully-qualified candidates. If you don't have that, then you may be forced to do a new-grad program (called NTP). Or, you may be non-selected until you have the right experience.

I can't say for certain if they would take you or not. My opinion is probably not, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

[trina4362]

Thank you. Your response was very informative!!!

[michksmith14, MSN, RN]

Hi Trina!

I am a CWOCN and was just selected for the Army Reserves! I have about 5 years of experience as an BSN, RN as well. 2 of those years was med-surg before I began working in a wound care/hyperbaric unit. The process was very long, as I'm sure you have read on some of these boards. I began the whole process back in May. Went to MEPS in August. Packet went to the board on 30 Oct and I was notified of selection on 9 Nov. I know this is Army but I hope in knowing that a fellow wound care nurse was selected for the military that you might be more confident in pursuing your goal!

[trina4362]

Wow!!! That's awesome! Thank you so much that gives me some encouragement.

[jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA]

I suspect your 2 years of med-surg experience was crucial in getting accepted. My understanding was that trina didn't have acute care experience, such as inpatient med-surg.

I don't want to dissuade anyone from applying; you absolutely should if that's your goal. However, I do want to try to set realistic expectations.

[michksmith14, MSN, RN]

Good point, I must have overlooked exactly what she said for experience. It would certainly be helpful. They also like to see leadership qualities. There is no harm in trying. Good luck, Trina!