Why Do Nurses Join the Military?

The military offers numerous career options for health professionals, including qualified nurses. There are a number of reasons why this particular direction is beneficial for nurses looking to enhance skills.

Types

• Military nurses serve in all branches of the armed forces, including the Army, Navy and Marines. These nurses have the opportunity to become commissioned offers in particular branches, giving them a greater level of responsibility and career prestige.

Reasons

• Some nurses join the military for the opportunity to work in a fast-paced situation, where they deal with immediate and severe medical needs. Others may do so for financial gain, scholarship opportunities or the ability to travel during enlistment.

Considerations

• Nurses must be sure they are prepared to ensure active duty in potential conflicts, deployment to dangerous war zones and the emotional trauma of treating wounded soldiers.

Function

• Similar to civilian life, there are various functions for military nurses. Some nurses work on the front lines within conflicts, treating wounded soldiers, while others work on domestic bases doing primary health care for soldiers and families.

Process

• To become a military nurse, an individual must go through basic training before she has the ability to attend military nursing school or job training for military nursing. If she is a licensed nurse with a college degree, she may enter military duty as an officer.