HELP!!! Thoughts of joining as an officer

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I have been thinking of joining the military, specifically navy. I already have a job working in a very good shock trauma hospital. But feel like i could do more. I'm 23 years old female and feel that taking care of individuals that protect us would be very helpful and rewarding. I would be joining as an officer, which I was told is completely different then enlisting. I have heard many of the benefits, but I want to know the cons and information that the recruiter lacks to inform you. Is it worth me leaving my job to join?

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Specializes in ED. ICU, PICU, infection prevention, aeromedical e.

I'm leaving a job that pays $90,000 a year to join the Air Force. It's a pay cut and I think it's worth it. I'm prior service enlisted and going in now as an officer.

Decide what is important to you. You won't have as much control of your time and your whereabouts as you may in a civilian job. There is a rank and heirarchy in the military that you won't experience in civ. That can be both good and bad. If you ever have had a tech or unit secretary not do as you ask, I think you may like that in the military, they are really under you and can't blow you off. lol.

You need to see a medical recruiter, not the guys at the mall. Look for your regional recruiter online. They are regional recruiters and are more spread out, may be harder to reach than you may like. I have had a great experience with my recruiter. He's been honest and forthcoming. They are not trying to lie to you and convince you to join. There is a waiting list for most of the branches right now. They don't need you like they used to and wont' try to convince you with any false promises.

It has taken me months to get back in and this is the hardest job I've ever worked to get!

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I'm leaving a job that pays $90,000 a year to join the Air Force. It's a pay cut and I think it's worth it. I'm prior service enlisted and going in now as an officer.

Decide what is important to you. You won't have as much control of your time and your whereabouts as you may in a civilian job. There is a rank and heirarchy in the military that you won't experience in civ. That can be both good and bad. If you ever have had a tech or unit secretary not do as you ask, I think you may like that in the military, they are really under you and can't blow you off. lol.

You need to see a medical recruiter, not the guys at the mall. Look for your regional recruiter online. They are regional recruiters and are more spread out, may be harder to reach than you may like. I have had a great experience with my recruiter. He's been honest and forthcoming. They are not trying to lie to you and convince you to join. There is a waiting list for most of the branches right now. They don't need you like they used to and wont' try to convince you with any false promises.

It has taken me months to get back in and this is the hardest job I've ever worked to get!

I applaud you in serving our military. It's a different experience than civilian atmosphere. But might I ask where is this 90,000 a year job and what is it you do?

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Specializes in ED. ICU, PICU, infection prevention, aeromedical e.

In Phoenix, Arizona. I'm a critical care nurse.

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Specializes in ED. ICU, PICU, infection prevention, aeromedical e.

oh yeah....

anybody want this critical care job? lol. It's a good hospital and I've been here 9 years. I am leaving for a better oppertunity.

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oh yeah....

anybody want this critical care job? lol. It's a good hospital and I've been here 9 years. I am leaving for a better oppertunity.

well sh*t....since I'm in the neighborhood, I'll take it.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
I'm leaving a job that pays $90,000 a year to join the Air Force. It's a pay cut and I think it's worth it. I'm prior service enlisted and going in now as an officer.

Decide what is important to you. You won't have as much control of your time and your whereabouts as you may in a civilian job. There is a rank and heirarchy in the military that you won't experience in civ. That can be both good and bad. If you ever have had a tech or unit secretary not do as you ask, I think you may like that in the military, they are really under you and can't blow you off. lol.

You need to see a medical recruiter, not the guys at the mall. Look for your regional recruiter online. They are regional recruiters and are more spread out, may be harder to reach than you may like. I have had a great experience with my recruiter. He's been honest and forthcoming. They are not trying to lie to you and convince you to join. There is a waiting list for most of the branches right now. They don't need you like they used to and wont' try to convince you with any false promises.

It has taken me months to get back in and this is the hardest job I've ever worked to get!

Not to burst your bubble, but a lot of ward clerks will be civilian contractors and yes they can blow you off....lol. I wouldn't worry about your salary too much you will surpass your civilian salary in just a few years or since you are prior enlisted you might be making more already.

My current gross salary is just over 118K a year after 8yrs, and I am up for Major next year.

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Specializes in ED. ICU, PICU, infection prevention, aeromedical e.

I was just pointing out that the money can not be your main motivator when joining. We all have to really evaluate what we are going in for and what we hope to gain from it. And be aware of what we may lose from joining. I live a very comfortable life. I make good money and have an affordable mortgage in a rough economy. I take great vacations with my kids and can afford to do most everything I want. So I'm giving up all that. I'm renting out my house - worried it will be ok. And my kids are chosing to stay here in Phoenix with their dad (exhub), and just visit with me. I'm leaving my family and friends and home of the last 21 years.

That is what I mean by evaluating your decision. This is the hardest thing I have ever done. But I know it is where I'm supposed to be.

wtbcrna - yeah, I forgot about those darn civilians! I'm sure I can handle it. lol

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Specializes in critical care: trauma/oncology/burns.

I second what midinphx stated: I left a well paying critical care nursing position (NYC) where I made > $100,000/year to go AD and took a pay cut of > $60,000. But it is what I wanted. I made sure my young adult children would be taken care of (College Savings Program) and they "had my back" when I made the decision.

So far it has been the best decision of my life and the only regret is that I didn't go AD sooner (I went from RC to AC)

And if you poll most people they will reiterate what midinphx said: "But I know it is where I'm supposed to be".....I couldn't have said it any better....

athena

Iraq

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Specializes in ED. ICU, PICU, infection prevention, aeromedical e.

Thanks Athena! Soemtimes I feel so dumb about what I write. You are awsome. Be safe!

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I took a 50% pay cut when I went from being a graphic designer/publications manager to being an ED tech in early 2005. Yes, OUCH. But I was 1000% happier! I'm just finally bringing home just about what I used to bring home in 2004. And I'll happily take a pay cut to join the ANC -- it's worth it, in the long run, and at least it won't be 50% like last time! LOL

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