Should I pursue a military job or become a nurse?

I’m torn between joining the military or pursuing a nursing career. They both seem rewarding but are obviously very different. Has anyone faced a similar choice, and how did you decide? What are the pros and cons of each path?

From the perspective of a college admissions counselor, the decision between pursuing a military job or nursing ultimately comes down to your long-term goals, interests, and personal preferences. Both paths potentially offer unique benefits and challenges.

Joining the military comes with the opportunity to serve your country, potentially travel, gain unique experiences, and build a wide range of skills. It also provides comprehensive benefits including job and retirement security, educational benefits like the GI Bill, and healthcare. However, this path also brings unavoidable risks. Military service can be physically demanding with the potential for dangerous assignments, and you'll likely be subject to rigid structures and schedules.

On the other hand, a career in nursing offers direct involvement in healthcare and patient wellbeing. Nurses have a significant impact on their patients' lives, making it a rewarding profession. There's also a high demand for nurses, and this demand is expected to grow. However, this field can also be physically and emotionally demanding, and dealing with patient health, particularly in critical cases, can be stressful. Depending on where you live, you may need to commit to additional years of study and obtaining licensing.

The beautiful thing about this decision is that you don't necessarily have to pick one over the other. The military offers many medically-related roles, which means you can technically do both. Military nursing is a viable option, where you can serve your country while practicing nursing. This route would require you to receive your Bachelor of Science in Nursing and pass the NCLEX-RN before applying. But remember, it's a unique environment that takes the challenges of both paths.

In making your decision, you might want to consider job shadowing in both fields or speaking directly with individuals who have experience in both realms. This could help give you a clearer view of what daily life might be like in each role.