[mckenzie4891]

I'll be graduating with my BSN from University of Maryland this December and I'm trying to decide where I want to start my career. For a while now, I've been very interested in the Critical Care/Trauma Nurse Internship at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas. From what I've heard, I'll get absoulutely the best training available in critical care at Parkland, which will be very beneficial in attaining my career goal of CRNA. However, I will have to wait for the program to start in August 2007 (and that's assuming that I get accepted into the program) and commit 1.5 years to the hospital after the 6 month course. Lately, I've gotten very interested in the Army (and the military in general). I like the leadership/management experience that Army nurses get. Though I want to be an expert clinician, I'd like to be doing more than just taking care of patients (even as a CRNA) in 20 years. I was an Eagle Scout as a kid and I've always liked being in charge, earning rank and respect, etc; I would take a lot of pride in wearing our country's uniform! All the perks of the military are nice too (free healthcare, opportunities for free education, etc). I'm young and single, but I worry about "signing my life away" and missing the prime of my life!

I'd appreciate advice from anyone who has been in similar situations...especially those of you who've considered both Parkland and military service!

rob

[vamedic4]

The choice is ultimately up to you, but you bring up two very good options for yourself. First off, the training you will receive at PMH is the best around- I work at the peds hospital right next door and have been a patient at PMH myself on a critical basis. They know what they're doing, trust me. You'll do no wrong for yourself by working there.
On the other hand, there's the military...another great option for you. One I would have done myself had it not been for my hydrocephalus. You'll earn money, get to see new locales, you may even be put in harms way. Health care in the military, from what I've seen and heard...depends on your facility.
Talk to a recruiter, ask specific questions...especially about deployment to "hot" zones.
Best of luck to you rob!

vamedic4

[foxyhill21]

Have you decided or still think about which one is better

Originally Posted by mckenzie4891

I'll be graduating with my BSN from University of Maryland this December and I'm trying to decide where I want to start my career. For a while now, I've been very interested in the Critical Care/Trauma Nurse Internship at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas. From what I've heard, I'll get absoulutely the best training available in critical care at Parkland, which will be very beneficial in attaining my career goal of CRNA. However, I will have to wait for the program to start in August 2007 (and that's assuming that I get accepted into the program) and commit 1.5 years to the hospital after the 6 month course. Lately, I've gotten very interested in the Army (and the military in general). I like the leadership/management experience that Army nurses get. Though I want to be an expert clinician, I'd like to be doing more than just taking care of patients (even as a CRNA) in 20 years. I was an Eagle Scout as a kid and I've always liked being in charge, earning rank and respect, etc; I would take a lot of pride in wearing our country's uniform! All the perks of the military are nice too (free healthcare, opportunities for free education, etc). I'm young and single, but I worry about "signing my life away" and missing the prime of my life!

I'd appreciate advice from anyone who has been in similar situations...especially those of you who've considered both Parkland and military service!

rob