Are you a registered nurse who wants to join the armed services? If you are a registered nurse without a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, you might want to think about completing an online RN to BSN bridge program to prepare for a career in the military. Military nurses earn good salaries, have job security and may qualify for incentives — not to mention they are valued for their commitment to the health and welfare of American service members and their families.
What Is Military Nursing?
A nursing career in the military is similar to traditional nursing, except nurses in the armed services care for military personnel, soldiers and their dependents. The soldiers can be both active duty members and veterans. RNs can serve in the following military branches:
- Air Force
- Army
- Coast Guard
- Marine Corps
- Navy
Military nurses should be in excellent physical shape and be able to stay focused and calm during stressful situations. These are important traits because RNs can be sent to war zones or travel to dangerous locations.
All RNs in the military are commissioned officers, which is why a BSN is the minimum education level for employment. As commissioned officers in the military, RNs can be eligible for sign-on bonuses and special incentive pay, depending on their specialty and length of service.
Military RNs receive healthcare benefits, a housing stipend and 30 days of paid vacation annually. You will work with other military healthcare professionals and have an opportunity to educate and instruct fellow medical personnel about how to provide quality patient care.
What Is the Role of a Military Nurse?
Military nurses not only provide basic care to patients who suffer from common aliments such as colds, flu and broken bones, they also treat patients with severe injuries like gunshot wounds and severed limbs. In addition, they can help patients cope with emotional and mental trauma. Common duties of military nurses include the following:
- Setting up and managing triage in combat areas
- Administering care to sick and injured service members
- Dispensing medication
- Preparing patients for surgery
- Monitoring patients during recovery
- Teaching patients how to care for themselves
What Services Can Military Members Find at Northeastern State University (NSU)?
NSU is a veteran-friendly school. The university offers career advisement and counseling for veterans as well as military assistance programs such as the GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon Program. NSU supports military students by doing the following:
- Participating in the Military Voluntary Education Review (MVER)
- Providing information to veterans about financial costs and student counseling services
- Giving credit for military training, advanced placement and life experiences
- Accepting ACE credits and scores from the CLEP, DSST and ECE exams
Military nurses need to hold at least a BSN degree from an accredited nursing school and obtain an RN license by passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). A military nursing career is both demanding and rewarding. This is not a job for the meek. You must have the drive to not only meet the challenges of nursing, but also demonstrate the dedication and fortitude it takes to provide patient care in extraordinary circumstances.
Learn more about Northeastern State University’s online RN to BSN program.
Sources:
EveryNurse.org: Becoming a Military Nurse
PracticalNursing.org: Military Nursing Careers With BSN
Today’s Military: Career Field: Health Care Practitioners
The Balance: How to Become a Registered Nurse in the Military
Discover Nursing: Military Nurse
Nurse Journal: Military Nurse Careers & Salary Outlook
Military.com: Special Pay for Nurse Corps Officers
College Factual: Veteran Northeastern State University Students Services & Resources
Northeastern State University: Veterans Services
