Crazy to Join??

Hello and welcome to the family of allnurses. Enjoy your stay and good luck!

...I am a veteran of the US Army WAC and I was not a nurse in the military. I enlisted during Vietnam to get away from home. If you want to serve, look into it. your chances of going to war as an RN are probably high...but if that is what you are called to do, do it. Do people question why ppl want to become firefighters or special forces?

...let us know what you decide. God bless.

I have a question for the Military Nurses- How did you KNOW this was the right thing for you when you joined? I am a 25 year old RN with my BSN and 2 years hospital experience. I've thought about joining the Air Force off and on for years. It pretty much comes down to doing something more meaningful with my life....like serving those who serve our country. I'm proud of the tradition nurses have in our military. My family and friends think I'm crazy because of the war. How did you all KNOW you wanted to do this? Thanks for your help.

A nursing career in the military can be very rewarding. You will gain experience in a variety of practice settings and will get to 'see the world'. Also, the pay is somewhat better than the civilian world. Other benefits are healthcare coverage, housing allowance, discounted groceries and excellent retirement benefits. If you can be commisioned as an officer, the pay and promotion opportunities are greater.

An Air Force nurse sent to a duty zone such as Iraq or a hospital in one of the nearby countries is typically in the area for 4 - 6 months. It is my understanding that AF nurses are in the war zone for a much shorter time than Army nurses.

Do not let the war keep you from doing something you have always wanted to do. You may never be deployed to such an area.

It is an honor to serve your country. And we would love to have you in any branch you choose.

Yes deployments for the AF are shorter but they are more frequent.

I'm in the same boat as you StephRN. I contacted a AF recruiter to get some info. When I sat down with my parents to tell them about my plans, they called me stupid because I already finished college. Get this my father was in the AF.

I am not a nurse, yet, but will soon start a BSN program. Upon graduating and receiving licensure, I plan to seek direct commission in either the Air Force or Army (Nurse Corp.) reserves.

I served during Desert Storm/Shield in Saudi Arabia as a 91 Delta -- OR tech. Although I was not happy being there, and questioned our true motives for being there, I did what I was supposed to do because I was a soldier and took my oath to protect my Country (my fellow soldiers) seriously.

The big issue surrounding your apprehension is, of course, the War (conflict). How does one come to terms with, perhaps, the possibility of premature mortality?

You should understand that it is only natural to feel scared, or apprehensive, about the unknown, especially if that unknown entity can bring about physical, emotional, and metal harm -- in whatever form or fashion; not only for you, but, also, those within your immediate circle of family and friends. So it is wise that you seek out answers to your questions.

I think that what you have to ask yourself is:

in light of what we know now, considering the questionable intents and desires of our leaders in pursuing this war in Iraq, can you put that aside and wholeheartedly function honorably, and with diligence, in your role as an officer and soldier -- as a nurse? If you can't, if your sense of mistrust is too strong, I think you should seriously just forget the idea of joining the military.

As far as the reality of War and conflict, read any articles you can find of military nurses who are called up for deployment to Afghanistan and Iraq. I think you will find that some of their stories paint an apt picture of one's helplessness, at times, and the potentiality of one's demise in a time of war, and the sense of honor, caring, and bravery that these men and women display. I think if after reading these stories there is still quite a bit of apprehension on your part, I probably would reconsider joining.

Perhaps, if you are near a VA hospital, go there and see and speak to the ones that were there -- Nurses and non-nurses.

in light of what we know now, considering the questionable intents and desires of our leaders in pursuing this war in Iraq, can you put that aside and wholeheartedly function honorably, and with diligence, in your role as an officer and soldier -- as a nurse? If you can't, if your sense of mistrust is too strong, I think you should seriously just forget the idea of joining the military.

I have been lurking in this site for a while now - and have read some extremely valuable information from the posts under the topic of military nursing. I know that you meant well in your post, and I know you have been an active poster for allnurses.com.

However, I think you should leave your personal politics out of this forum, and not make assumptions based upon your point of view - there are plenty of places where your political beliefs and insight would be valuable - I'm just not sure this is one of them. Maybe I'm wrong on this one, but the hairs on the back of my neck stood up after reading the above paragraph from your post. We are all entitled to our opinion, as this is America - but unless your trying to start a political discussion (not appropriate in this topic, IMO), it might be best shared somewhere else.

Not trying to start any conflict, just stating MY opinion too.

I have been lurking in this site for a while now - and have read some extremely valuable information from the posts under the topic of military nursing. I know that you meant well in your post, and I know you have been an active poster for allnurses.com.

However, I think you should leave your personal politics out of this forum, and not make assumptions based upon your point of view - there are plenty of places where your political beliefs and insight would be valuable - I'm just not sure this is one of them. Maybe I'm wrong on this one, but the hairs on the back of my neck stood up after reading the above paragraph from your post. We are all entitled to our opinion, as this is America - but unless your trying to start a political discussion (not appropriate in this topic, IMO), it might be best shared somewhere else.

Not trying to start any conflict, just stating MY opinion too.

My statement is meant to show that, although at times we as soldiers may not agree with certain philosophical positions, we are duty bound to carry out our orders and perform in a manner commensurate to upholding the oath that we took. So I think it is more than appropriate for an individual to consider all the parameters and details associated with the Iraq war to gain added insight to aid in their informed decision when joining the military, especially in a time of war.

It is not my intention to address my personal politics or to engage in a political discussion, but to offer the gentlemen assistance in his query -- just to let you know I have no hidden agenda. And you are right; this is not the appropriate forum to address one's personal politics.

Also, I do not view your post as conflict. Something rubbed you wrong. You spoke up. Nothing wrong with that.