Which branch was right for you?

Interesting question!
My whole family (maternal and paternal) were NAVY.
My oldest boy and myself went Army. [My rational: I get sea-sick on the ferry, why I don't even take tub baths!]
Seriously, I saw up front and personal how the Army and Air Force nurses functioned in a critical care unit. How "they" were there for the patient and the family member. How they were able to integrate their professional knowledge and their caring while working collaboratively with other members of the health care team.
I fully appreciated the Army Values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless-Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage.
And I felt that I personified the Warrior Ethos of always placing the mission first, never accepting defeat, never quiting and NEVER leaving a fallen comrade.
For me, a no-brainer. I never thought of another branch. I followed in my son's footsteps after 9/11.
Good Luck with your decision. Hopefully you will "know" which would be the perfect "fit" for you.
athena

I wanted to be able to support the guys and gals who are putting it all on the line for us, those that are willing to give their lives for the Country they believe in. For over a year I had contemplated back and forth about whether to join with the Army and help them the best way I could--- with my nursing skills and caring abilities.

To completely firm up my decision, I had the opportunity to work in the ER w/ a friend who was in the Army National Guard here in Massachusetts and another friend who had been in the USAR for 8 years. Both are Captains. I have been for a while now, noticing that in the civilian/ public world of nursing the emphasis is shifting away from the patient/ family focus.....to hurry hurry..... get your documentation done, take another admission, this ones coming, that one's going....patient census is up w/ short staffing leading to increased stress........... get this done... get that done........ and there's no time left to properly apply nursing process to each patient. Those two nurses showed me a place where patients and their families are still primary focus, as it should be. Thats what confirmed my decision.

Wow, what a sentiment. You said exactly what I have been thinking and feeling for the past 6-7 years. That's why I am leaving the private sector and going to work at the VA, where I am hoping that the professionalism and definition of a nurse still exists. I am planning Navy Nurse Corp, Reserve status by end of year. But every day I think about active duty more and more.........

Jams... like you I am thinking about AD more and more.... I am disgusted w/ the emphasis on getting documentation done so that there can be reimbursement for whatever the patient gets. And lets face it, some of the patients we get are primarily spoiled.... and expect the world on a platter...... they're the first to complain and the last to be adherent/compliant.... I long to be able to care for people other than those that feel entitled but for those that are appreciative of my efforts and other efforts to improve their QOL and for those that I feel truly obligated to serve and do my best. Not a day goes by, that I work on the unit that I work on, that I think AD is not right for me...... but, time will be determinant and I will judge after a couple of rounds of drill..... but, I remember those 2 nurses I worked with and how caring and thorough they were and how corporations and even individuals are missing the bandwagon altogether... but it is not the result of themselves but greedy individuals looking for the easy way out of life via the ambulance chasing bandwagon----> lawyers who otherwise have no business practicing..

Well I'm the total opposite of Athena.
I grew up Army my father is a retired Drill seargent US army Ft. Jackson. However, my father had 6 brothers and they all retired from all branchs Marines, USAF & Navy. I did Navy JROTC in high school and HATED IT!!!
I enjoyed going to VA and Charleston to get out of school however, I hated the tight uniforms and those horrible hats for four years. During college I did 2 years of Army ROTC and loved it! (except for our field training in the woods at Fort Benning getting chased by wild boars). However, I tried to keep an open mind. My sons father who was in the USAF just about had me sold on USAF (as he calls it the white collar of the military ).
So, my choice isen't as deep or sentimental as most of the other posts.
When I talked to all the recruiters I intially was overweight and but I got alot of heart and love my US Military!!! (obviously)
When I literally skip into my naval recruiters office she embrassed me answered every single detailed question I had and didn't look down on me for being fat! I told her I would loose 40-50 lbs by the time she got me to camp if she could do this one. And 4 sizes, 43 lbs and 9 months later I did.
When I went to the Army recruiters office he barely gave me an old brochure and told me to come back when I got my stuff together. I didn't feel the love.
The USAF recruiter never even sat down with me he would always call me from Texas and never answered 1/2 of my questions.
Once I started going through the process, the naval bases location really attracted me and I feel honored to serve the sailors of the USN and the Marine corps. Old, young, retired, war vet or old naval ship cook I love them all.
I still hate the uniforms just like I did when I was 15 years old but the uniform is not whats important its what you do in the uniform.

And 4 sizes, 43 lbs and 9 months later I did.


Sassy

Good for you!!!! Congrats!!!

"Once I started going through the process, the naval bases location really attracted me and I feel honored to serve the sailors of the USN and the Marine corps. Old, young, retired, war vet or old naval ship cook I love them all.
I still hate the uniforms just like I did when I was 15 years old but the uniform is not whats important its what you do in the uniform.[/quote]

Sassy, you are so correct, "...the uniform is not whats important its what you do in the uniform" I also feel the same way you do, but in working at an Army MEDCEN I take care of ALL: Sailors, Marines, Coasties, Army, Air Force (Veterans, Active Duty, Reservists, Retired, Dependents). {{And I also don't feel the love for the new Army Dress Blues}}
Stay Safe!
athena