If you were told that your entire workplace was uprooting to support a war effort, what would your first reaction be? Did Julia have a real choice when it came to shipping out?

If you were told that your entire workplace was uprooting to support a war effort, what would your first reaction be? Did Julia have a real choice when it came to shipping out?

I am a nurse practitioner who recently experienced a similar situation when our entire department was closed down and we were sent to provide support in a COVID unit. I really did not think about it as a choice, as it was what needed to be done so we did it. I think Julia probably would have felt the same.

My first reaction would be surprise and shock but then I would step up and do what needed to be done. Julia had a choice. Dr. Murphy told her there was a lot to think about before she made her decision. Being a dedicated nurse she welcomed the opportunity. She had no husband or children to think about. She was raised to have a purpose, to serve with the gifts and grace God had given her. She was strong physically, emotionally, and spiritually. There was a reason she had been given these gifts.

Of course Julia had a choice...unlike the men who were drafted. She wanted to go. If my entire workplace uprooted to support a war effort, I would have to consider whether I personally supported the war effort. If I believed in the fight, I would go. If I did not, I would resist. This is an issue I’ve been considering since Vietnam and the specter of drafting women.

I think nurses are their own special group of very dedicated human beings for whom service is their calling. As a teacher in a service job, I understand that calling and suspect I would have gone, but with a mixture of commitment to the cause and lots of trepidation. I don’t believe in war as a solution either so would have been very conflicted.

Shock... and then turn to and do it.

I would feel chaos. I don't think she really had a choice, but at the same time, I think she was excited to do it.

First I would be surprised, then I would also have to consider if I could support the war effort, and perhaps if I decided not to go with the unit I could support in some way from home.

I agree with everyone's opinions. I think even though there would be fear, the "excitement" of joining a war effort would prevail.

Shock and excitement to step up to the challenges of war. As a military brat and spouse, I understand the importance of duty and serving. I've always wanted to support that in whatever ways I can.

Fear of the unknown, but then get on with it and do a good job.

Certainly, my first reaction would be shock. I am not sure that was Julia's reaction, however. She was ready for whatever awaited her. I would have been wary and uncertain, but I would have pulled my courage together and then would have gone about the business of doing what should be done!

My family would be my first thought and getting their opinion about my involvement before I committed.

Yes Julia had a choice - she could have remained where she was - in a position it took her years to earn. However she was courageous and forward thinking and knowing she would be good at the position of heard nurse on the war front she went for it.