Medical Malpractice

My parents are not understanding of my wanting to join the Navy...?

I understand that the world sucks right now and that there is two wars going on. But If I join I will be going in for nursing. They even have something called the Nurse Corps. I am looking into the Navy because it has always been in the back of my mind. I am tired of letting things hold me back from the things I've always wanted to do, like see the world how it really is and experience as much as I can. I will also get education and the skills I need for a career in nursing and the Navy even has hospital ships that I can work on. I will receive money for college, decent pay and will also have nursing school paid for. I do not like traditional classroom learning and I learn my best with hands on. I need an attitude adjustment as well, Lil. Yes, the thought of boot camp scares me, but I can get my butt in proper shape since I cannot even do much besides enlist until May 09. My biggest thing is to see how the world truly is and experience it. I love ships, the ocean and going places and helping people. My parents are completely unsupportive and say I can do all of this here in Ohio...I cannot afford to travel or go to school full time and focus 100% on my studies because I have to work full time for health insurance and to support my self because I enjoy living on my own. They want me to move back home and such...which I do not want to do. I feel lost, confused and don't know who I am. My mom even says the military is good for people like that. I need direction and to be independent. I've let to much get me down and now I want to better myslef and look into my future and life. I'll be 20 in thee weeks and am compleatly unhappy with almost every part of my life. I want to change and get away and better myself. How can I get my parents to be supportive. Or should I just go and enlist. I've explained all of the above to them and they still don't understand.

Public Comments

1. Its your life. If its what your heart wants and if you truly want to do it. Enlist. I think its a GREAT decision. I, and alot of people in America. will support you.
2. You are a legal adult. Go ahead and enlist. They will be happy when they see the finished product; you a successful nurse and a brave American soldier.
3. If you want to go that bad, then just go. Your parents are just worried about you. It's a classic case of parents not realizing their child is growing up. A lot of people can make a good career in the military, though it is tough to get a job is you are honorably or dishonorably discharged, but even tougher get used to the civilian life again.
4. You won't be able to force your parents to support you. But given time they may. I can only recommend being open with them. And invite them to boot camp graduation and even to visit you wherever you get stationed. Good luck with you decision because ultimately it is yours to make.
5. I let my parents influence my decision to join the armed forces for way to long before joining. If you give in to there wishes, you will regret it years later. Join now, get out on your own, see the world and grow up in a way that most people our age are too afraid to do. Years later you will be glad you did it, you will be proud to have served your country and while everyone around you is still paying their college debt, you will be debt free, driving the car of your choice with a US Navy emblem on your back window to let everyone know, you did your part. Go join, your parents may be mad at first, but they WILL understand and one day, when the see how much the military made you grow up. They will be proud you joined.
6. Follow your heart.
7. The decision isn't your parents, its yours. You're an adult now. If they can't handle that, or the choices you make as an adult, then thats there problem. I have the same situation with my family. Only they WANT me to join the Navy. Speficially, they want me to be a cook in the Navy for 20 years. Not going to happen. They weren't even satisfied when I told them I was considering the Coast Guard. It has to be thier way or the highway with them. So screw'em. My advice to you, if you really want to work your way up to the nurse corps would be to study your little a** off for the ASVAB. The higher your score, the more job, and education opportunities will be made available to you. And trust me, you need high scores to be considered for most medical jobs. Also if you have any college credit, tell your recruiter. It'll earn you advanced rank when you enlist.
8. Well, as a member of the Navy, you aren't going to be kicking down doors in Mosul. For some, the military is the greatest thing that ever happend to them. Others just seem to never adapt to the structure and discipline. In my experience, it is what you make of it. Boot camp in the Navy for enlisted females isn't exactly Paris Island but getting yourself in shape is definitely a good idea. The better condition you are in, the less stressful it will be. When I told my parents I was joining the Marines, my Dad laughed (former enlisted Marine, USAF pilot) and my Mother asked if I was crazy. When I earned my commission, my Father pinned my bars on me and as a retired USAF Major, gave me my first oath. When I graduated flight school, both were there. When I came back from my first deployment, both were there. This is a big decision that only YOU can make. Don't let others make it for you. If you want to join the Navy, then join the Navy. Get yourself into shape. Research on line. Talk to your recruiter. Find out as much as possible about what you want to do, where the schools are, etc. Have a back up goal. If nothing else interests you, then you bettr be prepared to do whatever is necessary to reach your goal. Otherwise, you might end up serving mashed potatoes at some station. Too many focus on when they will get leave, who came come visit them, etc. Forget all that. When you join, the Navy owns you. You go where they tell you, when they tell you, and what the rules are. If you have a bofriend, kiss him goodbye and tell him good luck in life. You will meet so many new people it won't even be funny. For the first year or 2, you won't have time for a personal life. Keep you eye focused on a goal, don't let anyone or anything distract you. Good luck.
9. I understand how difficult it is for you to convince your parents that joining the military would be good for your future. My parents cried and nearly disowned me for wanting to join the Marines. Understand that your parents don't want to see their child hurt and no caring parent can ever prepare themselves for the realization that their child wants to leave "the nest" I commend you for wanting to join our services, especially during these troubled times. I recommend that you, your parents and your recruiter sit down and discuss your opportunities with the Navy. Parents usually feel more comfortable when their child is more informed about the benefits and consequences of joining the military. But if they are not understanding and don't approve, remember that it is your decision and not theirs. They did their part in raising you, now it is up to you to finish what they started. With that said, NURSE CORPS.... unless you have a nursing degree or a bachelor's degree to become an officer you will NOT be considered for Nurse corps. Nurses are officers in the US Navy, and it sounds like you are being led into joining as enlisted. You can be a Corpsman (which is like a Paramedic) and the Navy can and will pay for your tution, but you need to find the time to go to school. Do your own independent research before you sign up, it is very glamorous to hear that the Navy will take care of you but don't fall victim to misinformation. Good Luck
10. My kid is looking at the Navy too. His dream is to get an NROTC scholarship to college but he also sees benefits in enlisting and going for an officer status later. I have no problem with his potential to join any of the services. He even thinks he might take the marine option after two years of NROTC. I am a Navy vet. My brother is and my brother-in-law and my Dad was along with many cousins. All survived boot camp and I actually survived OCS which for a naive country boy at the time - was something - I thought. (If I can do it anybody can). Boot camp is a learning experience. It is also a quick lesson in discipline and teamwork. Then you are off to schools and then to the fleet or some shore base. Only about 20 pct (or less) of sailors are actually at sea at any given time. Some never get to sea at all. My brother enlisted - became a corpsman (medic) and worked in hospitals in the USA the whole time. After 4 years he got out but stayed in the reserves. Over 40 years he advanced in the medical service corps to Captain - although his civilian job was accountant oriented. (he never went to sea) Doctors, Nurses and administrators are in the Medical Service Corps. Corpsmen can be assigned to the "Fleet Marines" and become medics for them - they wear marine gear while deployed but their dress uniform is navy. I can't say enough about the good things that service can do for you. The "danger" of military service is probably on par with many civilian occupations but the broadening experience is invaluable in later life. Combat dedicated specialties are certainly more risky but the odds are still good because of the very high level of professionalism in today's services. Just now - at this point in time - given the economy - Joining the military is probably a very good way to work through the next four years. I will add - at EVERY navy facility there are now computers and libraries with more online access than you can imagine. You can look at some ship organization websites and see how they stay in touch. In addition to that - online college courses are encouraged. Some of the bigger facilities and bigger ships even have college courses taught on board! BTW - I only served 4 years - and got out. I was an officer on a TIN CAN -- a "Fast Frigate".