Air Force Nurse: Job Description & Salary

<p>Being a nurse in the Air Force is a way to fulfill nursing duties in a dynamic and interesting environment. You may work in a range of different settings and encounter new locations, not just in the U.S., but across the world. Take a look at the chart below for further information about this role. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Education Required</b> </td><td> Bachelor's degree, active RN license</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Education Field of Study</b> </td><td> Nursing</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Training Required</b> </td><td> Commissioned Officer Training; on-the-job training and courses</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Core Values</b> </td><td> Integrity, service, leadership, and personal excellence</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Monthly Salary (2022)</b> </td><td> $3,385.80 (<i>per month; base pay for an entry-level officer</i>)*</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Job Outlook (2020-2030)</b> </td><td> Growth between 19% to 26% (<i>for military nurses and nursing students</i>)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *Airforce.com</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatIsAnAirForceNurse">What Is An Air Force Nurse?</h3> <p>Air Force nurses provide the same level of care and perform most of the same duties as nurses in traditional medical settings. Different positions are available, such as acute care nurse practitioner, mental health nurse, medical surgical nurse, and flight nurse. </p> <p>The key difference is that, alongside your nursing role, you are also a commissioned officer in the military. This means that you will use your skills and medical knowledge to provide care to active-duty members within the Air Force. The role may require travel and provide unique opportunities to develop your skills in less conventional settings and countries. As a qualified nurse, you enter the Air Force in a leadership role, and this allows opportunities for advancement and personal development within the Air Force. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatWillIBeExpectedToDo">What Will I Be Expected To Do?</h3> <p>You will be expected to provide nursing care for serving members of the Air Force and their families. This may be on a medical base or in a military hospital depending on your assignment. Many daily duties within military healthcare are very similar to civilian healthcare, and you may find that you are also working in a similar environment. The key difference is that the U.S. Air Force prides itself on allowing their healthcare professionals to focus on the job at hand and develop their medical skills; they employ administrative staff to do paperwork which a civilian nurse would usually be expected to do. Specific duties vary depending on the category and specialization of nurse. Flight nurses, for example, work in aeromedical evacuation units. </p> <h3 id="section---HowMuchWillIEarn">How Much Will I Earn?</h3> <p>All Air Force staff are part of an incremental pay scale, which rises based on years served within the Air Force and your level of command. For an entry-level officer (second lieutenant), the base pay is recorded at $3,385.80 <i>(2022)</i> per month. This rises over a six-year period to $4,260.60 <i>(2022)</i> if you remain a second lieutenant. Additional education and experience can allow nurses to enter the Air Force with a higher rank. The entry-level base pay for captains, for example, is $4,514.70 <i>(2022)</i> rising over six years to $6,311.70 <i>(2022)</i> per month. There are a range of advancement opportunities within the Air Force, and if you view the role as a long-term progressive career, then there is the potential to earn up to $8,389.80 <i>(2022)</i> per month as a colonel. </p> <h3 id="section---CanIChooseWhereIMStationed">Can I Choose Where I'm Stationed?</h3> <p>As an Air Force healthcare professional, you won't have full autonomy over where you are stationed, but you will be able to state your preferences. Each new recruit will complete an Assignment Preference Worksheet. This allows you to choose eight U.S. bases and eight overseas bases which fall in line with your preferences. The Air Force does try to take these into consideration but military needs come first. With over 64 bases in the U.S., along with over 20 bases overseas, you may not always be in your preferred location. </p> <h3 id="section---WillIHaveToDeploy">Will I Have To Deploy?</h3> <p>Some healthcare professionals, including military nurses, may never be asked to deploy throughout their career. However, you will receive specialist training to prepare for this situation, whether it be a wartime or peacetime deployment, and must be prepared to fulfill this part of your role should it arise. As part of your Air Force healthcare training, you may be taught how to work in a hospital which is transportable by air, how to conduct medical procedures in the field and how to deal with advanced trauma injuries.</p>