Would like some first-hand knowledge

[Night]

Hi all,

I am a new grad nurse (ADN) waiting to take boards and get my first job. In the last few weeks of class, one of our instructors showed us a video about Vietnam nurses. I have always been interested in the military, but never followed through because of pressure from my family to not go that route. Now, I am 29, a new grad, happily married, and considering the Army Reserve. I mentioned this to my husband, however, and he did not take it well. I tried to talk with him about benefits vs. risks, but all he would say is that he "doesn't trust the government" and if I signed up for the Reserve, they would "own me". Granted, there are no assurances that I would even be able to get into the Reserves, as I am pretty significantly overweight and out of shape, but I want to be able to explore my options without feeling like my husband is upset with me. Can anyone give me a unique way of putting things, or a great story, that might put his mind at easy. I don't want to give this idea up, but I also don't want to put strain on a perfectly good 7 year marriage either.

Thanks for the help and sorry for the rambling length.

Night

[markisrn]

Hi Night,

I am swearing in today to the Army Reserve nurse corps. I was also in the Army years ago in the infantry. My advice is do your research, ask a lot of specific questions to get a picture of what your life will be like if you take the leap, but know that there will be strain for your marriage, so both of you have to be on board with this decision. My wife was in the Army years ago as well, and she too is a nurse, so it was easier for me. We look at it differently though. I am not doing this....we are doing this and we both think it is worth while cause to serve our country. We look at it as if I will be on the front lines and she will be in the rear echelon so to speak, but both on the same team.

As far as the government "owning you" there is an obligation, but everything you do comes with a price. If you had to borrow money to go to school, or for a mortgage for example, the bank "owns you". It's ok to be beholden for something of value.

best of luck.

Mark