Introduction to the career
Military nursing is a specialized nursing career that involves providing medical care and support to military personnel, retirees, and their families all over the world. Military nurses work within a wide variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and field environments. They are responsible for providing care and support to service members and their families, from administering vaccines to performing surgeries, managing outpatient care, and more.
Career values, traits and skills
To be a successful military nurse, you should possess strong communication, leadership, decision-making, and critical thinking skills. You should be detail-oriented and have a deep passion for helping and caring for others. Other desirable characteristics for military nurses include adaptability, emotional resilience, and the ability to work in a high-stress environment.
Career path
To become a military nurse, you must first obtain your nursing degree and become a registered nurse. After that, you’ll need to complete additional training through a branch of the armed forces. Once you are officially enlisted, you will begin serving as a military nurse in one of many available fields, including critical care, surgical, or emergency nursing. Through this specialized training, you’ll gain the skills you need to care for active-duty soldiers and their families.
Salary range
Military nurses typically earn a salary that is competitive with private sector nursing staff. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for registered nurses is $75,330. Military nurses may receive additional benefits, including healthcare and retirement options.
Tips for Success
To succeed as a military nurse, you should be committed to serving your country and helping military service members and their families. You should be willing to work in challenging and often stressful military environments, and be dedicated to providing the highest level of medical care possible. You should also be willing to continually educate yourself through ongoing training opportunities and continuing education programs.
References
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm.
- Military.com: https://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/how-to-become-a-military-nurse.html.
