Critical Care Nurse
The Air National Guard is unique among the reserve services. It serves the interest of the nation in its Federal status. In its state role, the Air National Guard responds to disasters and other emergency roles when summoned to duty by the respective governors. The AirNational Guard provides a major source of added strength and equipment to assist the Air Force during times of war or national emergency. The primary medical mission of the Air National Guard is Homeland Defense and FEMA response. This information sheet is being provided to Health Professionals who desire information about possibly joining the Air National Guard Family. The information is general and is subject to change.
DUTIES AND REPONSIBILITIES
As a Critical Care Nurse in the Air National Guard you will be called upon to formulate plans and manage critical care activities. You will schedule use of critical care facilities and assign nurses and medical technicians. Advise on the type and quantity of supplies and equipment. Coordinate critical care with other medical activities. Serve as a consultant on critical care. You will also examine, diagnose, and treat diseases and injuries by surgical and nonsurgical means. Prepare and review case histories and obtain data through interviews. Examine patients and determine x-ray examinations and clinical laboratory tests required. Interpret test results and evaluate examination findings. Prescribe treatment such as drugs, physical therapy, dietary regimens, and surgical procedures for diseases and injuries. Coordinate treatment with other specialists. Treat patients suffering from surgical shock, postoperative hemorrhage, respiratory failure, and other complications. You will plan comprehensive care that delineates interventions to attain expected outcomes. Collaborate with other disciplines. Ensure nursing actions are designed to promote, maintain, and restore patient or population optimum well being. Incorporate teaching and learning activities into care plan. You will also manage complex nursing care of children and adults.
ELIGIBILITY
- Posses either an ADN or BSN
- Have successfully passed the NCLEX-RN exam
- Possess a current registered nursing license for either a state or US territory.
- Be a United States citizen.
- Be in good physical condition.
- Be of high moral character.
- Be able to meet current age requirements for commissioning.
ASSIGNMENT
Public Health Officers are assigned to selected Air National Guard medical squadrons. They use epidemiology based methods to provide Air National Guard members with information to make informed health decisions. Public Health Officers apply preventive medicine and public health knowledge, techniques and skills to minimize the incidence - and impact on mission effectiveness - of communicable diseases occupational illnesses, foodborne diseases and other disease-nonbattle injuries.
PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
Air National Guard medical units meet one weekend each month. In addition, members are required to perform, at a minimum, 15 days of paid active duty each year designated as annual training. However, Commanders have some scheduling flexibility, especially for medical students. Your monthly, and annual training may be performed in various time combinations, and at various locations, including Air Force medical installations throughout the United States. Medical students in this program are not subject to mobilization.
TRAINING
All newly commissioned medical officers are required to attend the Air Force Commissioned Officers Training Course (COT) at Gunter Air Force Station in Montgomery, Alabama for 4 weeks and 3 days. A two-week short course is available for Health Professionals. This course is designed to teach you about the military and what it means to be an officer in the United States Air Force, and a leader in today's Air National Guard.
BENEFITS
Listed below are a few of the many benefits derived from Air National Guard membership.
• An opportunity to fly in some of today's most advanced aircraft.
• Regular promotions
• Continuing professional education (CME’s)
• A non?]contributory retirement program at age 60.
• Use of active duty military recreation facilities, such as golfing and hobby shops.
• Commissary and exchange shopping privileges
• Education and tuition assistance
• Special monetary incentives may be available.
MILITARY GRADE
Your military rank is determined by a combination of your education, training and experience.
MILITARY PAY
A combination of your rank and length of any prior military service will determine your pay.
