The nursing profession began its trail to what it is today during the Crimean War in the 19th century when Florence Nightingale and her corps nursed soldiers back to health. Even though nurses have been essential during wars, it was not until Florence Nightingale came onto the scene that the profession transformed into what it is today.

During the Civil War in the U.S., there were over 5,000 nurses caring for injured soldiers on battlegrounds all over the country. The Army’s official Nursing Corps began in the year 1901 and has been a vital part of the United States Military since.

Where Can Military Nurses Be Found?

There are many different positions that nurses in the armed forces may be found. They may work full-time as active duty, or they may work as civilian contractors, and there are many other positions in between. The positions that these nurses chose determines how long their service is required. Active duty nurses will have much longer terms of service than nurses in the reserves. Civilian contract nurses often serve shorter terms than either active duty nurses of nurses in the reserves. These nurses can be found most anywhere where there are armed forces. They may work on the battlegrounds in other countries, military bases all about the world or military hospitals in the U.S.

Basic Requirements Of Nurses In The Armed Forces

Not only are nurses in the Armed Forces able to use all of their acquired nursing skills, but they are also able to enjoy a higher level of satisfaction than regular nurses, since military nurses are serving their country. Although the duties of military nurses are often quite stressful, these daily rigors give these nurses valuable experience in emergency and critical care. People, who want to become nurses in the Armed Forces, will have to obtain their bachelor’s degrees in nursing before they can begin working. They may also need to obtain some experience in emergency rooms and in critical care before enlisting.

Are There Any Benefits Of Becoming A Nurse In The Armed Forces?

There are many terrific benefits in choosing a nursing profession in the military, and most of them pertain to reimbursements of educational expenses. The government will pay for up to 3/4 of a person’s educational costs if students decide to obtain a master’s degree and become registered nurses. There are many different reasons why students may choose to obtain their master’s degrees. However, the main reason is that a master’s degree is required for anyone who wishes to be promoted to a major or a higher-ranking officer. Another reason that many students choose to obtain higher degrees is that nurses with master’s degrees enjoy larger pension benefits than those with lower degrees.

In conclusion, nurses in the Armed Forces are an essential part of keeping a strong military force. The extreme range of conditions that these nurses must work among each day provides them with valuable experience that can help them in civilian professions, as well. Many military nurses enjoy a vast array of medical career opportunities after they have served their terms in the military.

Sarah writes for Team24 a healthcare jobs specialist. Team24 work within locum recruitment and are always looking out for qualified doctors and nurses countrywide.

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