Attitudes against the military

1. 2 I am a former corpsman that is now working as a RN. We have a few young single nurses on my floor that constantly talk about becoming travel nurses or just picking up and moving somewhere. Anyways I have mentioned to them they should look into the military. Not only does it provide safe travel but good pay as well and job security in a horrible market. They looked at me like i had three heads and huffed under their breath as if it were beneath them. I guess I am being sensitive by taking this as a smack in the face but it just bugs me the attitude people have towards those serving. Has anyone else run into this attitude?

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2. 21 Comments

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3. 
   #1 0

   Oct 9, '11 by PMFB-RN

   I have only ever experienced exactly the opposite attitude. But then I live in the upper Midwest.
4. 
   #2 0

   Oct 9, '11 by Animal3

   Yeah I am in New England right now but I am originally from the midwest...maybe thats why it irks me!
5. 
   #3 0

   Oct 9, '11 by caliotter3

   They wouldn't be sporting such negativity if they found themselves in the position of having chosen the military. Really not much different than choosing to work in LTC. People tend to turn up their noses until it is their choices being criticized.
6. 
   #4 3

   Oct 9, '11 by nurse2033

   Many people only know what they see in movies, which usually involves impossible situations and incompetent officers. They just don't know what it is really like. I wouldn't lose sleep over it, if they are close minded enough to prejudge, they wouldn't be a good fit anyway.
7. 
   #5 4

   Oct 10, '11 by Conqueror+, RN

   In all honesty they may have that attitude because we are at war and the thought of getting killed instead of traveling doesn't agree with them. Despite recruitment posters you are indeed a soldier first and can be placed in harms way at any time regardless of title. That would be my reaction and I am grateful to those who serve/served including my own family members.
8. 
   #6 8

   Oct 11, '11 by SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN, EMT-B

   I have noticed this attitude a lot. People have openly told me I'm crazy. I've had strangers on the street approach me to tell me I've got a screw loose, apparently because I'm a female in uniform in a time of war. It's extremely irritating, not to mention unpatriotic and insensitive (do they think we're fighting a war that doesn't concern them somehow?), and I've learned to cope by not talking to people. I hate that that's where I've ended up with it, but I can't deal with people ragging on the military, disparaging my brothers and sisters and the war we're fighting when everyday, I see people my age and younger coming back from overseas missing limbs. Especially as an officer, if I allow myself to fall prey to the mindset that what we're doing doesn't matter just so I can fit into the social attitude of the day, I will fail my battle buddies, and that isn't an option. I don't really like my defense mechanism, but it seems to work.
9. 
   #7 1

   Oct 11, '11 by jeckrn, BSN

   They are also the ones who came out of nursing school and thought that they would be in management because they have their BSN. Since that is what the school told them.
   
   I dont let the people with this type of attuide bother me. It is all worth it when you get that hug from a deployed service members family because you where there if they needed you.
10. 
    #8 3

    Oct 12, '11 by jovigirlrn

    How quickly people forget 9/11 which was right in everyone's back yard.... But when their freedoms are threatened, it's a different story.
11. 
    #9 3

    Oct 13, '11 by hello sammi

    I've encountered that attitude when I tell people I want to go ROTC. But you know what? I am just thankful this opportunity is available. I think it's a blessing to be able to find an employer that is welcoming people in this economy. I would be so proud to serve and take care of my family.
    
    I really don't care what anyone has to say about my decision...they can kick rocks.
12. 
    #10 3

    Oct 13, '11 by 79Tango

    Right on Soldier Nurse, It is very hard not to engage those types of people when they are purposely trying to slip you up.. They think they might be able to make the "Crazy Army Guy" lose his temper. Instead of arguing, Ive learned to defuse the conversation "Yeeah, its messed up.. but I dont make the policy, I follow orders.. They tell me who to hate & I go hate..Nothing personal." That usually stops whatever stupid argument that person is trying to make.
    
    Of course we always have to take special precaution to not be involved with any appearance of sexual harrassment, racism, bullying or cursing because coming from the Military, we are already guilty!
13. 
    #11 1

    Oct 13, '11 by Cursed Irishman

    <shrug> I'm actually more annoyed by people who thank me for my service.
14. 
    #12 0

    Oct 14, '11 by 79Tango

    My favorite: "Did you just get back?"

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