Occupational therapy or Nursing

[Jqfoster]

I am a 19 years old female currently serving in the maintenance career field in the Air Force (Active Duty). I'm stationed overseas, and I joined right out of high school. My contract has 2 1/2 years left. I've shadowed several nurses in hospitals and nursing homes and I absolutely love nursing. It takes truly blessed people that have a calling for nursing so thank you all!❤️ I know healthcare is what I want to do but I'm not quite sure if it is nursing, and I've just recently learned of occupational therapy;however, I haven't shadowed any OTs and with my contract ending soon, I don't know if I will have the opportunity to shadow one. I'm not happy in the Air Force, but I have good benefits and a salary ... I don't know if I should pursue the NECP ( nurse enlisted commissioning program) or get out of the military and go for occupational therapy. I know it's smarter to do the program but knowing about OT I feel I would really enjoy it and I know it requires a masters degree. The NECP allows enlisted members with the prerequisites to go to nursing school full time while staying active duty. Apparently medical and maintenance are completely different

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

You might want to talk with some occupational therapists to get their feedback on the nuances associated with their jobs.

By the way, I have never met an OT who disliked his/her job, career choice, or work/life balance. Nonetheless, I have met many nurses who despised their jobs, choice of career, and work/life balance. Take this info and use it as you wish.

[quazar]

By the way, I have never met an OT who disliked his/her job, career choice, or work/life balance. Nonetheless, I have met many nurses who despised their jobs, choice of career, and work/life balance. Take this info and use it as you wish.

Agreed. JMHO, but OT is a pretty awesome job for most people. Pays well. Flexible.