Posted on May 5, 2021
4
4
0
Interested in joining the Air Force as a nurse, how competitive is it to get in? Any advice?
I will be graduating in August and I would like to start the process ASAP if possible or at least know what I should do or have in hand in order to proceed.
I am prior service (as noted above).
Thank you for any advice you are able to provide.
I will be graduating in August and I would like to start the process ASAP if possible or at least know what I should do or have in hand in order to proceed.
I am prior service (as noted above).
Thank you for any advice you are able to provide.
Posted in these groups: 
Direct Commission
Direct Commission
Edited 3 y ago
Posted 3 y ago
Responses: 11
8
8
0
I loved the AF, but you should talk to nurse recruiters from Army, Navy, and Air Force. Look at active and reserve and Army and Air Guard. That’s about 8 different choices. TAke the best offer that meets your personal goals. Much of the AF aeromedical evacuation capability is in the Reserve and Guard. My daughter is a Navy Reserve Nurse. She loves it. Just promoted to CDR.
(8)
(0)
SPC Jamie S.
MAJ Byron Oyler to be honest, I’m not 100% certain of which area I’d like to pursue but I am leaning towards OR and maybe even ER.
(0)
(0)
SPC Jamie S.
SPC Jamie S. I’ve looked in into Public Health Corps but it does not peak my interest.
Would it be better to gain experience and then apply? I really miss being in the military so I’m wanting to join as soon as I can. But, I’m always up for gaining knowledge in the meantime. Unfortunately, all the VA hospitals around me are about 40+mins away.
Would it be better to gain experience and then apply? I really miss being in the military so I’m wanting to join as soon as I can. But, I’m always up for gaining knowledge in the meantime. Unfortunately, all the VA hospitals around me are about 40+mins away.
(0)
(0)
MAJ Byron Oyler
SPC Jamie S. - The Army has several courses for advanced nursing and is a great place to start for new nurses; after a year you can apply for one of the specialty fields that does include ER and OR.
(1)
(0)
SPC Jamie S.
MAJ Byron Oyler that’s great to hear! Thank you. I’ll defend keep all of this information on hand when inquiring. I appreciate all the help.
(0)
(0)
Suspended Profile
If you are prior service, you have a leg up from the standpoint that you know what you are getting into. That said, I would explore the Air Reserve and Air National Guard first. It will give you a taste of what to expect and allow you to pursue a civilian career in addition to a part-time military career. Not to mention, they have $$$ if you want to continue your studies. But, active duty isn't horrible. One of my great friends in life was an Air Force doctor and he LOVED it. He retired, but I know he relished his active duty time. You win no matter the component you join and you will always be employable because you entered nursing, as you likely know. Just make sure to check and ask about the incentives they are offering. Like I know the Army used to offer student loan repayment up to a certain amount, so be sure to ask about these kinds of things. Good luck.
Suspended Profile
The regs allow for it and I've known people who have done it, but like anything, it depends on who you are surrounded by. You can also do AGR which is active duty working for the reserve. These folks are fulltime personnel on active duty who work in reserve/Guard units for traditional reserve/guard units. AGR is pretty good, a bit more stable than traditional active duty, but there are draw backs to it like anything else. But to answer your question, yes, you can go from guard/reserve to A/D, but be sure to check your fine print because if you are getting incentives there will certainly be stipulations.
SPC Jamie S.
MAJ Steve Alvarez - That's actually not a bad option. IF I did have to wait to gain experience as a nurse, the AGR would be a good start and then "hopefully" go AD after that....depending if they take a newbie nurse or not. I'll definitely look into it. Thank you for that information. I always though of the Reserves as just a part time thing, I don't think I ever knew there was an Active part of it. (I thought they had to be mobilized to be active)
(0)
(0)
CPT James Ramsey
Normally, I would agree wholeheartedly with this, but the reserves are in a weird spot where they are over-strength on nurses. I would recommend applying, return everything requested timely and keep trying.
(0)
(0)
I would encourage you to check into Army Nursing as well. Lots of great options and specializations available.
(4)
(0)
2
2
0
Yes. I wanted Navy (known for best medical), but no slots, thought air Force (not known for best medical), so went Army. Even with Joint forces in vogue now, suggest Navy, then Army and last (sadly and sorry) Air Force. This is assuming you want to become the best nurse. Obviously just my opinion and mean no disrespect to any branch. Good luck!
(2)
(0)
(0)
(0)
MAJ Janice Campbell. BSN, RN, CNOR
Jamie, honorable, that's all. I am from a multi generation military family with friends in different branches. Being medical (all), just simple clinical comparisons. Bottom line tho, learn all you can, never stop improving your skill set, lead, mentor others, results are great career. Again, good luck!
(1)
(0)
Welcome to the United States Air Force. Learn about great opportunities for enlisted airmen, officers and health care professionals.
(2)
(0)
Maj Robert Thornton
SPC Jamie S. From what I can see on the recruiting site most recruiting seems to be virtual. I did notice inside the nursing site there is a chat option. I would give it a shot. I would also use the find a recruiter button as well.
I wish I could be more help, but I retired in 1996. I expect it is still competitive. Good luck.
I wish I could be more help, but I retired in 1996. I expect it is still competitive. Good luck.
(2)
(0)
1
1
0
Your post was in May and you were to graduate in August. Did you ever follow up on this by contacting a recruiter.
Regardless of which branch you select, you must talk to a nurse recruiter who will have the most up to date information, which can change from time to time based on messages from Recruiting Command. If you walk into your local recruiting station they should get your contact information and immediately refer you to a nurse recruiter.
I am retired Army Nurse Corps and did three years in Recruiting Command. So if you'd like to chat about it I'd be happy. I would also be the first to tell you to talk to a Nurse Recruiter for the most up to date information, regardless of branch.
An easy way to get in contact right now is to go to the website
https://www.goarmy.com/amedd/nurse.html?iom=ARRN-21-NMTF_N_PSEA_ [login to see] 8537636_ [login to see] 53587_ [login to see] 9483908_ [login to see] 2332416_%2Brecruitment+%2Barmy+%2Bnursing&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkIGKBhCxARIsAINMioLQKoMEkEG1XsUnoVT9yq_hHiey8m1XqpgiKEHmsgABy9Qxe4upblUaAjrgEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
Regardless of which branch you select, you must talk to a nurse recruiter who will have the most up to date information, which can change from time to time based on messages from Recruiting Command. If you walk into your local recruiting station they should get your contact information and immediately refer you to a nurse recruiter.
I am retired Army Nurse Corps and did three years in Recruiting Command. So if you'd like to chat about it I'd be happy. I would also be the first to tell you to talk to a Nurse Recruiter for the most up to date information, regardless of branch.
An easy way to get in contact right now is to go to the website
https://www.goarmy.com/amedd/nurse.html?iom=ARRN-21-NMTF_N_PSEA_ [login to see] 8537636_ [login to see] 53587_ [login to see] 9483908_ [login to see] 2332416_%2Brecruitment+%2Barmy+%2Bnursing&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkIGKBhCxARIsAINMioLQKoMEkEG1XsUnoVT9yq_hHiey8m1XqpgiKEHmsgABy9Qxe4upblUaAjrgEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
As a nurse in the Army, you help Soldiers with inpatient, outpatient and home care. Learn more about Army nursing requirements & careers.
(1)
(0)
SPC Jamie S.
Thank you for checking up on me. I graduated and I’m currently getting ready for the board exam.
I did reach out to the Air Force. I am also looking into reserves but just like before, it is hard to find someone to speak to. I was successful a few months ago with the chat option but not this month. I will contribute after my exam.
I did reach out to the Air Force. I am also looking into reserves but just like before, it is hard to find someone to speak to. I was successful a few months ago with the chat option but not this month. I will contribute after my exam.
(0)
(0)
MAJ (Join to see)
Shouldn't be hard to find someone to talk to re application once you are in contact with a nurse recruiter. One thing t consider is that you can start application for active duty before graduation and before taking boards. But for Reserve you must be already graduated and have a license. If you have talked to a nurse recruiter and told them you are interested in Reserve, they should explain this to you.
If you have not contacted an Air Force nurse recruiter search for the website and submit request. Or contact local recruiting station and specifically ask for the nurse recruiter. They will typically have a large geographic area to cover so may not be in your town. But the local recruiter should either have the contact information or submit your name to higher headquarters as a potential contact.
Good luck.
If you have not contacted an Air Force nurse recruiter search for the website and submit request. Or contact local recruiting station and specifically ask for the nurse recruiter. They will typically have a large geographic area to cover so may not be in your town. But the local recruiter should either have the contact information or submit your name to higher headquarters as a potential contact.
Good luck.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
Start with a AMEDD recruiter close to you. I recommend an AMEDD recruiter and not just a plain recruiter. As mentioned previously on this thread, reach out to all of the branches. Start collecting all of your documents ie; DD214, Degrees, certificates, diplomas etc. together. Work the process and be patient. Return any requested documents/items ASAP. I would start now as the boards meet based on needs for fiscal year. The next fiscal year starts October 1, I would recommend having everything ready to go to submit your packet then. Being prior service is helpful in the fact that you know what to expect, however it can be detrimental if you had previous flags, profiles etc so getting a jump on these things is crucial. If you ever did have a profile or injury you will need clearance and doctors records so getting these things will be important. It may mean making appointments to get clearance letters. This is a double edge sword because you will need clearance letters, but they will have to be done in a certain way. Additionally, If you don't maintain your physical fitness, I would recommend starting now as well. A good resource is http://www.armyprt.com/preparation_and_recovery/ . Feel free to reach out to me if you have additional questions, I just commissioned about 1 year ago after a 14 year break from enlisted service and 2 year journey of back and forth with AMEDD recruiter.
Army Physical Readiness Training (PRT) Information
We provide the easiest way to get all the information you need about the U.S. Army PRT Program.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
Not sure about the Airforce or their process but you need to see a recruiter. Go to https://www.airforce.com/careers/medical
Welcome to the United States Air Force. Learn about great opportunities for enlisted airmen, officers and health care professionals.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
Check all services in line to see what they offer. Then establish ‘chat’ with those you selected. Seek help from local Army Reserve Medical Units ~ Google to find or contact me at
[login to see]
I’m a retired senior HR officer with forty years experience.
[login to see]
I’m a retired senior HR officer with forty years experience.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
It’s the best thing that could’ve ever happened to you. You do not want to be out in a free market.
(1)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google