Ms.Nurse

I have been in the Navy now for almost 4yrs, and honestly I am very disappointed. I feel like the training that I was given (as a new nurse) is far less superior to the new grad programs that my civilian friends had experienced (even though people say the opposite). My preceptor at my first job had only been a nurse of 6 month - come on. I am having difficulty as they say "finding your nitch" because I keep getting slotted for labor and delivery, and quite honestly, I think if I labor another patient I will just scream (always having the remember the needs of the Navy). Not to mention that my friends all seem to enjoy their jobs very much. I have had a FEW nurses who I did admire and learned a lot from, but the majority of senior officers seem to be thinking of how to get to the next promotion vs. being a mentor and a true leader. I would like to stay in the Navy, but I feel that the limitations - things out of my control, are seriously putting a damper on my attitude and overall happiness - such as job assignments. I have been considering all the pros and cons in regards to retirement and such, but I am not too sure that I am willing to be in a job that I don't like for the next 16 yrs. One things people always tell me is, this is only one duty station, things will be different at your next command - do I want to take the chance? What is so bad about civilian hospitals? What makes the military better? Because right now I don't see how the military is all that better, except for retirement. Please help shed some light.

I was wondering if anyone could share their civilian experiences vs. military experiences. I am at a crossroad to decide if I should stay in the military or get out. I have been in for only 5 yrs, so it would be easy to leave. Most of my civilian friends love their jobs and truly I am not so hot about mine, but I like the military in general. I was wondering what other ex military nurses thought when they changed to a civilian setting. Any thoughts?