Noticing shifts of interest

just_cause, BSN, RN · Mar 3, 2011

I think it is in alignment with the application cycle.. AF boards were delayed this year.

I think as Army boards being approaching you will see it shift again.

hardline · Mar 4, 2011

I just went with Navy due to service preference since I was previously in the USMC. I wanted to stay with the same military environment and knowledge base and did not even consider the Army or Air Force.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Mar 4, 2011

Yep, what just_cause said ... I think it's all about the timing!

lifeafter40 · Mar 9, 2011

I guess I am just a bit paranoid now, having had my plans shot down at the last minute (or at least changed for me), and then seeing how very competitive the last selection boards were... now faced with the uncertainty of graduating without any kind of job guarantee... I was looking forward to the security of knowing I had a place in the ANC...

Ah well, more waiting and hoping

deftonez188 · Mar 9, 2011

It's disappointments like these that make us re-assess whether what we seek is really what we want. If you sit back and really analyze this thing you're seeking, and decide it's still worth it - continue to go for it. Where others may determine it isn't necessarily what they wanted (which is ok), you may feel differently and desire to continue - in which case, keep putting your hat in the ring even if it isn't the one someone takes home.

midinphx, BSN · Mar 13, 2011

I think the shift goes with the boards too. When I was waiting all the posts were Air Force.

and honestly, if a person can't handle waiting on the boards and the frustrating application process, he/she shouldn't bother with the military. Just think of it as a screening tool! lol.

All our lives in the military - assuming for all branches - are forever in some holding or waiting process. There is always some checklist and stuff to accomplish.

lifeafter40 · Mar 14, 2011

and honestly, if a person can't handle waiting on the boards and the frustrating application process, he/she shouldn't bother with the military. Just think of it as a screening tool! lol.
All our lives in the military - assuming for all branches - are forever in some holding or waiting process. There is always some checklist and stuff to accomplish.

lol...I hear what you're saying...prior service has shown me that much.

It's not so much the waiting that bothers me..been waiting for three years now, since I decided I wanted to go back in the Army (and had a means to do so). I think it is just the uncertainty of it all, like so many others who are graduating soon. When I first started talking to the recruiters, I was all but a sure thing assuming I kept my grades up and passed the boards, then the economy went south, and now I just hope that I can still have a shot at a commission. I turn 40 in April, so my window of opportunity is passing quickly

Thanks for all the comments and encouragement. As I told one of our members, I am not giving up the fight... only making a course adjustment!

just_cause, BSN, RN · Mar 14, 2011

LA40, when do you graduate?

lifeafter40 · Mar 14, 2011

I graduate in May, 2012. So I am hoping for some improvement in the economy by then.

it looks like the current trend is for the Army to take nurses that have at least six months experience, so I am hoping the hospital I work for now has a slot for me when I graduate.

I figure that many people who are applying now, may not be so inclined to apply later if they already have a job secured in the civilian sector, so perhaps the field will be narrowed for applicants.