How hard is it for an RN to get commissioned as an officer in Air force? What are the requirements? ?

Question

I can always look up stuff on their recruiting website, but I want opinions from those with first hand experience. Is it competitive to get into AF (as an RN)....? I notice they don't have sign on bonuses like army (duh) or Navy. What other things do they look at when deciding who they select?

I am a 29 y/o F who's been working on a med-surg floor at a VA Hosp for a yr. I graduated May 2007 with BSN, and have no prior military experience.

Answer 1

The Air Force is downsizing, that is the reason for lack of bonuses.  A recruiter would be your best bet.  

USAF Veteran

Answer 2

You are going to get conflicting answers on downsizing and rightsizing as how this all affects the nursing career field in particular and it is also little tougher to predict.  The military in general with Tricare and contracting out much of its medical services to civilian facilities is cutting back a lot of the medical specialties and services and closing base hospitals.  The Air Force in particular has been doing this as many of their bases are located near large population centers with civilian hospitals.  However there are some aspects that they can't and Aeromedical is one of them.  Being a fight nurse may sound challenging and fun till you get deployed for the second or third time to the desert in six years.  The aeromed piece is one that they will not be able to contract out or civilianize so they will always need flight nurses.  Some do enjoy the other aspects of this like the flying and travel and take the frequent deployments in stride and this is one of the reasons why you don't see bonuses being offered by the Air Force but they are offered by the Army and Navy.  So yes the competition for getting into the Air Force is tougher even for a nurse and a four year degree is required.  I would recommend that you look at all the services, look at all the factors both short and long term before making any decision as to which one but bascially what I mention above has a lot of impact on this.    

Answer 3

boo is misinformed.  The AF was downsizing.  This year they are building back up.  RNs are somewhat competitive.  When the economy tanks, nurses, MDs, etc want to come in.  When the economy is good, we can't keep them.

Make sure you talk to a healthcare profession recruiter.  

Answer 4

There was recently a move to push more military medical jobs to civilians as opposed to active duty, but congress recently nixed it.  I would check with all the services, but with a BSN and a couple years under your belt a direct commission would be no problem.

Answer 5

You would have no problem in getting a Commission in the Air Force or any other branch of the service if you are RN. Good luck !!