Thinking about joining

[Anonymous]

I am a 30 year old soon-to-be BSN nurse contemplating the USAF.** I have an extensive background in ER nursing with some experience as a charge nurse.** Of course I have many concerns as this would be a major decision in my life.** As a single officer with two dogs, I would have to live off base (if I joined).**I am afraid I would be stationed somewhere that would place me in personal surroundings I wouldn't care for and that wouldn't be suitable for pets.** I am also concerned that as an officer I would be placed in more managerial positions and my pt care and nsg skills would not be utilized.** I'm also aware that not every military base has an ER...I would be concerned that I would be placed somewhere in a field of nursing I wouldn't care for.**** I am also interested in getting info on possible teaching opportunities in the airforce...I think I would love to do that.** Also any insights into the differences between civilian and military hospitals, doctor/nurse relationships, and patient status/clientelle would be wonderful !!** I am debating between trying a 4 year military (airforce) stint or going into travel nursing.** Each has its' benefits and drawbacks.****Any advice would be helpful in making this a little easier for me.** I am still currently working on my degree and won't be completed until approx this time next year (Oct 99") so I still have plenty of time to do my "homework" and to see what all this military downsizing is going to do to change things.** Please help!********



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thudson@innova.net

[Anonymous]

I can't help with the actual nursing questions, but can give you some insight to the military life.**Q. As a single officer with two dogs, I would have to live off base (if I joined).**I am afraid I would be stationed somewhere that would place me in personal surroundings I wouldn't care for and that wouldn't be suitable for pets.**A.**I am a single officer with two cats.**I've been stationed in the Philippines (when we had a base there) and brought my animals.**I hired a pet-caregiver who took care of my animals.**When in Germany, I had plenty of fellow friends and officers that would come in twice a day and feed my animals when I deployed.**During my remote, my parents were gracious enough to care for my animals.**Q.**I am also concerned that as an officer I would be placed in more managerial positions and my pt care and nsg skills would not be utilized.**A.**As a lieutenant and captain, your job is to learn your job - hands on.**As you rise in ranks, yes, you'll become a leader (we don't have managers).**As to the practical part, I'm not familiar with how the medical field handles this.**Q.**I'm also aware that not every military base has an ER...I would be concerned that I would be placed somewhere in a field of nursing I wouldn't care for.**A. You've done some homework--good on you.**As the military allows more &quot;privitization&quot;, we'll lose our non-overseas medical facilities. Perhaps someone in the medical field can address your specific question about other nursing fields.**Q.**I am also interested in getting info on possible teaching opportunities in the airforce...I think I would love to do that.**A.**Can't help you on this one.**Q. Also any insights into the differences between civilian and military hospitals, doctor/nurse relationships, and patient status/clientelle would be wonderful !!**A. Sorry-another one I can't help you with.**Q.**I am debating between trying a 4 year military (airforce) stint or going into travel nursing.** Each has its' benefits and drawbacks.****Any advice would be helpful in making this a little easier for me.**A.**You may be interested in joining the &quot;air evac&quot; squdarons--flight nurses.**Just remember, though, flying and having pets don't mix.**I've been flying for 15 years and my pets have suffered with my absences.**You need to make the choice.**Good luck.



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dimills@msn.com

[Anonymous]

I hope the info I give you will be of help.**As a single officer, state side, you would be living in the community.**Where you live is up to you.**Just be sure you get some feedback from your co-workers before you sign a lease.**As far as your nursing questions.**You would apply as a Critical Care nurse with a very specific Air Force Specialty Code,**The AF puts ICU,CCU and Level 1 ER trained nurses as**Air Force Specialty code 46N3E.**To come in as an ER nurse, your experience must be in a Level 1 ER.**In your application, you request where you want to go and when you want to leave.**The AF comes back with a job offer.**If it is what you want, you go, if it isn't, you don't go.**When you first come in, you will be doing nursing.**Your management responsibilities will be minimal at first, but will increase as your AF knowledge increases.**You are correct, not every AF hospital has an ER, especially Level 1, but in your application, you request which bases you want to go to.**Your recruiter will be able to help you learn about the different AF Bases. Also, the doctor nurse relationship is much better. You are all officers and you get the recognition and respect that comes with being an officer.**One thing you do need to know however, to come into the AF as a nurse, you must have a minimum of one year in hospital inpatient care experience.**Try calling 1-800-423-USAF.**You will be sent info about the nurse corps and a nurse recruiter will contact you.**Good luck and e-mail me if you have any questions.**



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hgodvin@aol.com