I'm a Returning Military Vet with PTSD....Can I become a nurse?

[codyerin]

I have served 10 years in the US Navy SEAL Teams and was assigned a disability rating upon exiting the military because of PTSD. I have always wanted to work "bedside" in a hospital and help people get there lives back together. I love to serve people and I can not think of a better place to perform that action. I have been the "one" in the bed and now that I am out of the military I want to pursue a career in nursing. I was wondering if anyone could tell me if having PTSD would keep me from being able to serve as a nurse or if it might make my PTSD worse? Are there any Vets out there who are like me but managed to find a way to serve as a nurse without having your disability get in the way of that service or worsen because of the nursing career choice? If anyone can give me any advise I would greatly appreciate it.Thank you in advance for your help.

[USMC Ret., RN]

Hi sailor,

Regarding...

>>I was wondering if anyone could tell me if having PTSD would keep me from being able to serve as a nurse or if it might make my PTSD worse?

In my hospital we are four former Marines, several with combat experience, who chose nursing after leaving our service. Is it stressful? Certainly. Is it worth it? Absolutely.

I don't know where your triggers are but I've not doubt you have what it takes. My nephew is leaving the Teams pretty soon as well, Team-3 Coranodo. The stress in nursing is hight, but nothing compared to what you guys have been through.

From a military standpoint, nursing can be a mission driven, intense, often zero-defect discipline. Speaking for myself, being a medsurge satisfied my thirst for challenge and a continued desire to serve something larger than mysefl.

Welcome aboard.

- Luis

[LG1137]

Yeah, GREAT POST. That will get anybody fired up for nursing.