Our current model, the Nurse Transition Program (NTP), eases the transition of inexperienced active duty nurses from novice to competent practitioners and officers. This is accomplished by providing a strong foundation of nursing skills and officership.

UC Health was the first civilian-military NTP training platform. It began in 2008. The 88th Medical Group at Wright Patterson Air Force Base provides administrative oversight and personnel services for program participants. Two active duty Air Force nurses manage the program on-site as course supervisors. Prospective students must complete prerequisites for commissioning and military service.

The UC Health NTP is ten, fast-paced weeks. After a week of in-processing and orientation, transition nurses begin two months of clinical experience at UC Health University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Each transition nurse completes two rotations; the first focuses on skills acquisition and progresses into team-leading for the second rotation.

During skills acquisition, nurses solidify nursing skills including IV insertion, central line management, chest tubes, blood administration, assessments, medication administration, wound management and emergency procedures.

During team-leading, nurses gain experience in managing a team of patients on an inpatient nursing unit. Throughout the NTP, course supervisors emphasize the application of nursing knowledge and skills required for success as active duty Air Force Nurse Corps officers.

Getting Ready for the NTP

A Typical Week at NTP Cincinnati

Each week, Transition Nurses (TNs) work three to four shifts on a clinical unit. Dedicated nurse preceptors, permanently assigned to these units, provide direct supervision, guidance and structure. Generally, we maintain a ratio of one transition nurse (TN) to one dedicated preceptor. The transition nurse works the duty schedule assigned to their dedicated preceptor. The majority of clinical days are 12-hour day shifts and expect to work weekends and holidays. Rotation between day and night shifts, and some weekends, may be required. There may be changes to the posted schedule. Every other week we have a scheduled seminar day in which we focus on developing critical thinking skills and continue orienting you to the Air Force Medical Service (AFMS). Seminars are a mix of lecture, discussion, current events, individual and group projects, and clinical scenarios in the simulation center.

Tools of the Trade

You will perform patient care so bring any needed personal nursing supplies (stethoscope, hemostats, scissors, drug book, etc.). You have very limited space in your billeting room, so bring basic essentials only. If you do not have one, please consider investing in a laptop computer.

NTP Requirements

NTP reporting instructions and billeting information will be forwarded to you via e-mail from our staff.

Required Document Checklist

Military

• Military ID card
• Personnel folder (sealed packet hand-carried from COT or ROTC detachment)
• Six (6) copies of your orders
• Physical fitness test printout
• Immunization records
• Nursing license
• Basic Life Support Card (AHA approved and must not expire within 2 months post-graduation)
• Copy of all travel receipts (gas, lodging and air travel)
• Personal bank routing information (you will in-process with finance office)
• Driver’s license, car registration and proof in insurance (if bringing an automobile)

Competency/Training

• Nursing license
• Basic life support card

Finance

• Copy of all travel receipts (gas, lodging and air travel)
• Personal bank routing information (you will in-process with finance office)

Personal

• Driver’s license, car registration and proof of insurance (if bringing an automobile)
• Marriage licenses
• Divorce decrees
• Children’s birth certificates
• Everyone will visit the WPAFB AFB Military Personnel Flight (MPF) to in-process and visits to Finance can be arranged case by case basis.

Uniform Requirements

Transition Nurses wear both ABUs and blues during the program. You need at least one set of blues (females are highly encouraged to have a pair of blues pants). Additionally, there are several times when Service Dress is required during your time at Cincinnati. You are highly encouraged to purchase your corps badge while at COT. UC Health-issued surgical scrubs are worn for the majority of your clinical instruction. Long sleeve or short sleeve shirts are required under the scrub tops and will be plain black, tan or white in color, socks will be the same. All tattoos must be covered per UCMC policy.  The above requirements and AFI 36-2903 will be heavily enforced.

We recommend you bring a pair of conservative tennis shoes, or other hospital-appropriate foot wear, to be worn with scrubs while performing your clinical duties. Open-backed and open-toed footwear is not authorized.

You are required to wear a military nametag (blue nametag also worn with blues) and rank on your scrubs.

Transition Nurses receive UC Health University of Cincinnati Medical Center identification badges. You must wear your badge at all times while participating in activities on the hospital campus, along with your military rank and name tag on scrubs.

Military Bearing

During your rotation through NTP, remember you are a member of the U.S. Armed Services and subject to regulations regarding appearance, fraternization and behavior. We have occasional visitors from the Pentagon and Air Force Medical Service (AFMS) Headquarters, as well as distinguished civilian visitors. Address fellow team members and faculty by proper military titles and civilian staff by “Mr./Ms./Dr./Sir/Ma’am”. Exercise good judgment when choosing off-duty activities.

NTP Additional Information

Local Information

The website for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is http://www.wpafb.af.mil/. It includes links for base and local area information. If you are interested in learning about the Air Force in general click here. There is a lot of interesting information on the site including biographies of senior leadership and links to other base websites.

Follow-on Assignments

You should have your permanent duty assignment before the start of the NTP and a sponsor, if you haven’t heard from a sponsor, we will work with your gaining unit to connect you with one. You are not authorized time away from the NTP to visit your new base.

Medical

Arrange to have all medical needs (medications, appointments) taken care of prior to your arrival at Cincinnati NTP.  The instructors understand that emergencies happen and if they arise, will work with you.

Family

Do not plan to have family members stay with you or plan to travel outside of the local area while you are in the NTP.  NTP is formal training and much of your off-duty time will be spent in preparation for clinical and seminar.

Transportation

If you have an automobile, you are strongly encouraged to drive it to Cincinnati. Rental cars are not authorized on your orders. Though the hospital is within walking distance of the hotel, you may want to travel around the city on your days off. Please allow yourself plenty of time to drive here safely.

Clothing

The weather here is variable, so you will need to bring appropriate clothing for the time of year. Casual civilian attire is appropriate for the majority of your off duty time.  However, storage in billeting is extremely limited, so bring only what you will need while attending NTP.

Pets

Do not bring pets.