Operation Room 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 Air National 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 an Operating Room Nurse in the Air National Guard you will be called upon to provide professional nursing care to patients undergoing surgery. You will prepare and maintain operating rooms for all surgical procedures. Establish and utilize a checklist to monitor the physical plan of the operating room and equipment for conformity to all national standards for ensuring safety for the patient and all personnel. You will assemble the type and quantity of material and special equipment needed for daily procedures and possible emergencies. You will circulate and scrub for surgical procedures. You will respond to surgical emergency requirements such as cardiac, pulmonary, or respiratory failure and hemorrhage. You will conduct preoperative and postoperative visits. Discuss operative procedures with patients and inform them of what to expect during surgery. You will consult with the operating surgeon and establish priorities of care for each patient entering the operating suite. You will manage operating room activities. Direct and instruct personnel in preparing, sterilizing, and caring for operating room equipment and supplies. You will maintain concise and complete records and reports.
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 (CMEs) 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.
