Article Contents
What is Military Nursing?
Military nursing is much like any other area of nursing, with the main difference being that nurses in this specialization are employed by the military. Within military nursing, one will find many different specializations represented. According to the United States Army, a military nurse can choose to either be active duty or to enlist in the U.S. Army Reserve. Military nurses work all over the world in settings such as war zones, military bases, and navy ships. They treat wounds and illnesses, give medications, and help to raise the spirits of active duty troops.
What are the Benefits of Working as a Military Nurse?
A full list of benefits for working as a military nurse can be found on the U.S. Army website. One benefit of becoming a military nurse is the opportunity to work in state-of-the-art facilities amongst outstanding military personnel. A position in the military allows one to travel and experience things they could not have imagined. This is also a valuable way to serve one’s country, as well as an opportunity to learn and grow. Other benefits of being a nurse in the military include student loan repayment, opportunities to earn an advanced degree, excellent nurse-patient ratios, competitive pay, and comprehensive medical benefits.
What are the Education and Certification Requirements of a Military Nurse?
The first step in becoming a military nurse is to become a registered nurse by completing a diploma, associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree program in nursing. After graduation, one must take the NCLEX-RN and apply for a license to practice. There is no additional certification necessary, unless it is required as part of a specialization (i.e. nurse anesthetist). One must speak with a recruiter to enlist in a branch of the military. As mentioned, this can be done on an active duty or reserve basis.
What is the Average Salary and Job Outlook for Military Nursing?
It is unclear exactly what the salary is for military nurses, but it is made up of bonuses, loan repayment, special pay, and a variety of other means of compensation. The outlook for these jobs is positive, as the military is always looking for promising recruits.
Additional Resources
- The Army Nurse Corps: This website from the US Army details the history and development of the nursing profession in the military.
- Nurse Corps: The US Army’s website features information on nursing for the Corps, what makes it different from civilian nursing and careers.
- Military Nurses’ Perceptions of Autonomy: This study reveals the relationship between the work environment and the perceived autonomy of military nurses.
- Army Nurse Corps Frequently Asked Questions: The PDF file deals with some of the most common questions asked when it comes to becoming a nurse for the US Army.
- The Benefits of a Military Nursing Career: This article lists down the reasons and advantages for signing up as a nurse for the military.
- Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program (MECP): This webpage features information on how registered nurses can work for the Navy, the various responsibilities involved and how to apply.
- Find unrivaled experience and status in Navy Nursing: Includes detailed information on what military nurses do in the Navy.
- Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program (NECP): The webpage details the requirements for working as a nurse for the US Air Force.
- Military Pay Table 2011: This PDF file lists the different wages of military personnel depending on the years of service and other factors.
- Careers in the Military: Registered Nurses: Describes what a military nurse does, the type of environments they work in and characteristics which make them distinct from civilian nurses.
