AF Nursing, yes or no?

Just go with flipping a quarter.

Seriously though, I've thought about being in the military for over a decade now, but I can't talk myself into it due to the commitment. I'm just not comfortable being contractually obligated to anything. Call me a commitaphobe. Idk.

you're in or you're out. It is an honor to serve and if you cannot make the commitment then take another route. Not everyone is meant to serve.

you're in or you're out. It is an honor to serve and if you cannot make the commitment then take another route. Not everyone is meant to serve.

that's a given

COT is nothing but a crash course on the very basics of being in the military. 5 weeks is nothing. Sure it's hard to be away from the family. But you have to be willing to be away for extended periods of time, especially in the world we are living in today.

The military is a way of life. The government owns you. They tell you when to be where. How much to weigh, what shape to be in, and how to dress (and you have to pay for that. lol). You can't even refuse to get a flu shot. When you join, your family has to be totally in with you.

You need to evaluate your reason for committing your life, and your family's life, to the service of your country. Service before self is a core value. You have to believe it, or be miserable with your decision.

As someone who is actively trying to get in, I am curious to know from those of you who have made it through COT and are at your duty stations, any regrets? I know the road is bumpy getting there but are you happy with your choices? I guess I am needing encouragement during this dreadful "life in limbo" stage waiting on selection. I have gotten two certifications in the meantime and I'm studying for my GRE. I have also started P90x and the 100 push ups program. I am trying to be productive!

w2...

I'm still in that transition stage. Getting used to being in the service again. I was prior enlisted, 20 years ago. I have had to make some adjustments. The schedule is demanding. I don't feel like I have very much time to myself. Days off get intruded on for meetings. We work 4 12's one week and 3 12's the next, oh and an oncall shift (which they never have to call people in lately, but that means you can't make any plans). I has not been easy. I sent my dog back to Phoenix with family because I just can't take care of his needs right now. I have beat myself up with guilt. I finally had to ask myself "why did I do this again?". And then I remembered. And I'm all better now. But I was feeling really upset and bitter for a couple weeks. So much change. I left my family (kids didn't come with me), my house, my work, my friends, and my poor dog. But when I remembered why I did this and what I still want to do, I know it is the right place for me. there are so many amazing things that I may be able to do. I'm looking forward to where I end up next. I've already been sent to 2 extra classes and have 20 CEU's in 2 months. things aren't perfect, but with the right attitude, it makes such a difference.

Expect your world to be turned upside down. Write down why you want this so you remember when it gets difficult. Stay positive. I can't change my situation at all, I gave up that right, freely and willingly. I can change how I choose to respond to my environment. I'm happy and I know I'm in the right place. :)

Oh midinphx-

You are making me nervous about joining. I have two young children and really want to be sure that I have days off to spend with them.

I don't want to change your mind. Far from it. I just want to ensure folks know what they may find. My schedule is such that we have 3 day weekends on week and a 3day weekend work week the next. There is time off. And be sure to know there are plenty of folks who are parents in the service. But a family may find that they have to move their schedule around yours. And having a family is a great focus and a positive. Just know your support system and get the family on board with your decision.

Mid, Thank you so much for your honest answer. I get the feeling that with joining comes this awesome responsibility that includes feeling guilty about saying or thinking negatively about your situation because you chose it. I guess it is called "service" for a reason. I am nervous about all the change. My hubby is a massage therapist and hoping he will be able to be licensed wherever we end up and we have 2 kids, 15 and 10, that are excited now about the change but I know realistically it will be difficult. I am a planner and an organizer and it is hard to have so much out of my control. I just want to feel confident that I am making the right choice. I have enjoyed reading your past posts and following your journey to getting in. I started the process in March of this year and am getting ready for my chief nurse interview 09/10. Thank you again for your response.

My kids are older too. 20 and 14. I think I would have a really hard time if they were younger. At this age, the phone works as a way to keep the relationship intact in between visits. Now, I'm an exciting place to go see for vacations. My daughter has nice long conversations which helps alot for me. If your hubby is all in and backing you, you have no worries. It's an adventure for them too.

What area are you wanting to come into and what bases are you considering? Will you be a 1st LT or a Captain?

I am coming in as Captain (hopefully). My top three choices are Travis, Eglin, and Langley. Emergency department is my specialty but I also have ICU experience and my CCRN. My long term goal is CRNA school or FNP. I currently work at the VA in the ER and have loved my time here. I commute an hour and 20 minutes one way to work and am quite familiar with parenting by phone! This whole crazy adventure of joining is getting scarier the closer that I get to actually signing the dotted line or should I say swearing in! My application is going before the November board. I originally thought I would be in the March COT class but after seeing all the May 2010 board people going this coming March 2011 and May 2011, I may need to be thinking about a later date!