Air Force Versus Civilian CRNA route

[Bran808]

Hi my name is Brandon and I'm a senior in nursing school (BSN). I really want to become a CRNA but I'm not sure which route is best for me. I talked to the Air Force recruiter and she said that I have to do med-surg for about 2 years and about 1 or 2 year of critical care before I can apply for CRNA school. She also said that school is free and I could also earn income while study on top of other benefits such as BAH. Is this a good deal or fluff? How fast can I get into CRNA school?

[nurseman07]

Depends if you wouldn't mind the being in the military. Don' do it if you truly do not want to join. Technically, you can apply after 1 year of CC experience. Most suggest 3 or more years of experience to get you feet wet and comfortable in crisis situations.

[wiscrna]

Interesting. Having 1) Been in the Air Force, and 2) Become a CRNA, I can tell you unequivocally: Unless you like MREs; and can stand being removed from your family, job, and home; and could stand being shot at; and don't mind showering for 2 weeks at a time; and like being bored and terrified all at the same time; and are okay with 2 hours of sleep at a time for months on end; and are okay with shooting at other people; and can stand bureaucracy like no one's business....the Air Force is probably not for you. I should point out in all fairness that I wasn't a CRNA in the Air Force, I was a Navigator.

REMFs can have a....substantially....easier time, even if we do go to war.

Stay out of the military, unless you're really into, well, being in the military. It isn't for everyone. If I had to poll all the people I know, I would say that the majority of them would conclude that they would have rather paid for their education out of their own pocket.

This isn't intended to be a crack on anyone who IS in the military. Been there. Done that. Hooah. Much love and respect to my brothers and sisters in arms.

Even if they are REMFs. ;)

[FORANE]

Hi my name is Brandon and I'm a senior in nursing school (BSN). I really want to become a CRNA but I'm not sure which route is best for me. I talked to the Air Force recruiter and she said that I have to do med-surg for about 2 years and about 1 or 2 year of critical care before I can apply for CRNA school. She also said that school is free and I could also earn income while study on top of other benefits such as BAH. Is this a good deal or fluff? How fast can I get into CRNA school?

I am not military and have never been military.
With that said, consider the following:
1) Note the threads regarding the shrinking job market at a time of increasing numbers of graduates.
2) Military trained CRNA's are the best trained CRNA's I have seen by far as a group.

[BigMAC - Army]

I would get advice from someone who has actually been a CRNA in the military and specifically a CRNA in the Air Force (not a recruiter). Coming from the military myself (the Army) I can tell you that the Army medical field is a whole different world compared to the majority of the Army (more lax in a way). And the Air Force is even more lax than the Army's approach. My AF buddies in CRNA class let us know that quite often.

The Army medical field compares mainly in uniform and rank (to the other parts of the Army) but that's about it overall, vastly different in approaches in how one is treated, what type of environment you would work at in peace or war settings, and what you would do for a living within (especially as a CRNA). That being said, any military job can be dangerous and would probably require time away from home in any branch during these times. While you will not be busting down doors, shooting at people, there's a chance of a bomb or an artillery shell going off and hitting you around the hospital compound (rare to kill medical personnel but happens) or someone shooting a missle at your airborne transport.

The military is a rewarding field, especially as a medical provider, but it is not without its inherit risks in today's environment. But if you check out the casualties from the current operations, I do not think you would find many if any Air Force CRNA's on it. It would be a good choice in my opinion as long as you understand the committment.