Is the morale different in the military?

[iToniai]

I’m just curious about the experience(s) of nurses in any branch of the military.

[athena55, BSN, RN]

Hello Deetonia:

Well, I have worked as a civilian, last was in a VA (telemetry/step-down and the combined intensive care unit).

I can honestly say that things are different when you are Active Duty. I am in the Army Nurse Corps and the morale/attitude is very much different than on the civilian side of the house. Of course for many of us we had no say in where we are assigned to work or even the location (which is called a PCS - permanent change of station) PLUS depending upon your rank as you go up the (rank) ladder it seems you are taken farther and farther away from the bedside.

But there is hardly any of that drama that one may witness while working as a civilian. You know that drama that you mention from either a physician, a nurse or even a CNA (the disrespect, the attitude....) I am very happy with my decision. I hope you will be, as well.

athena

[iToniai]

Hello Deetonia:

Well, I have worked as a civilian, last was in a VA (telemetry/step-down and the combined intensive care unit).

I can honestly say that things are different when you are Active Duty. I am in the Army Nurse Corps and the morale/attitude is very much different than on the civilian side of the house. Of course for many of us we had no say in where we are assigned to work or even the location (which is called a PCS - permanent change of station) PLUS depending upon your rank as you go up the (rank) ladder it seems you are taken farther and farther away from the bedside.

But there is hardly any of that drama that one may witness while working as a civilian. You know that drama that you mention from either a physician, a nurse or even a CNA (the disrespect, the attitude....) I am very happy with my decision. I hope you will be, as well.

athena

Thank you so much for your input. I really needed to hear that because I can't imagine having to deal with such behaviors for the rest of my nursing career. I'm still a new RN so I'm looking forward into hopefully being accepted into the army nurse residency program, I can't wait!!!