Military nurses care for soldiers in the field and stateside, distribute vaccines during humanitarian aid missions, treat veterans at military hospitals, and assume other key duties. Military nurses are in demand, and these RNs receive unique benefits such as housing allowances, education benefits, and bonuses.
Nurses enter service as officers, and they serve in all branches of the military, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Once in the military, nurses usually specialize in areas such as medical-surgical nursing, perioperative nursing, and critical care nursing.
To become a military nurse, candidates must complete an approved nursing program, gain an RN license, and meet military recruitment requirements.
The Role of Nurses in the Military
Military nurses are needed in all types of settings, just like their civilian nurse counterparts. The difference is the particular settings in which military nurses work. These nurses treat patients in clinics, military hospitals, in the field, and in global response centers during natural disasters or times of conflict. Military nurses may also see patients in trauma centers, where they may tend to both veterans and military families.
During active conflicts, military nurses deploy alongside soldiers to provide medical care. These field settings can be dangerous and challenging due to limited facility resources and the types of injuries soldiers sustain.
The key skills of a military nurse include the ability to work independently, clinical decision-making abilities, and leadership skills. Military nurses must also remain calm in stressful situations.
Steps to Become a Nurse in the Military
Preparing for a career as a military nurse requires several years of education and training. The following five steps detail the process of how to become a nurse in the military.
1. Complete a Nursing Program
The first step toward becoming a military nurse is to complete your RN education, usually by earning a Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN). Generally, nurses must be U.S. citizens to join the military, although legal permanent residents may also qualify.
During a nursing program, students complete coursework in anatomy and physiology, health assessments, and evidence-based care. Nursing students also gain clinical experience through rotations in different medical settings.
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
After graduating from an approved program, prospective military nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
This exam tests candidates on standards of nursing care, health promotion, and clinical skills. Nursing programs prepare students for the NCLEX-RN by integrating test content into their curriculum. With a passing score, nursing students can apply for an RN license in their state.
3. Apply for an RN License
Before becoming a military nurse, candidates must hold an RN license in the state in which they plan to practice. Each state sets its own licensing requirements, which can include a two-year associate degree in nursing (ADN) or diploma in nursing. However, nurses often need a BSN to become a military nurse.
In addition to passing the NCLEX-RN exam, licensure may require a background check.
4. Gain Nursing Experience
Gaining nursing experience prepares RNs for careers in the military. For example, nurses may need a certain number of clinical hours before applying.
Most military nursing positions require a BSN and active nursing license, and some positions might have additional requirements, such as passing a physical fitness test.
5. Apply to a Military Branch
RNs can apply to the military branch of their choice with the help of a recruiter. Joining the military also comes with height, weight, and age requirements. For example, recruits must be between 21 and 42 years old to join the U.S. Army, while the Navy accepts recruits from 18 to 41 years old.
Once approved, nurses complete a basic commissioned officer course, which typically takes 5 to 10 weeks. Military nurses also participate in specialized training to meet their role’s responsibilities.
Benefits of Becoming a Military Nurse
Becoming a military nurse comes with several benefits. Professionals in these roles have opportunities to live in other countries, work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, and pursue a variety of new experiences after serving. Other benefits include the following.
Professional Advancement: Military nurses have several opportunities to advance their skills. In the Army, for example, nurses can advance their education or pursue specialty certifications with financial support from the military. Similarly, the Air Force offers educational and career enhancement opportunities.
Compensation Package: In addition to earning a base salary, military nurses also qualify for education benefits, student loan forgiveness, healthcare, housing assistance, childcare, and bonuses. Military nurses also typically receive 30 vacation days per year.
High Demand: During the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 85% of Department of Defense facilities experienced nursing shortages. Robust demand for military nurses has prompted federal legislation to expand financial incentives and bonuses for individuals in these roles.
Train As a Nurse at Fortis
The first step toward a rewarding career as a military nurse starts with nursing education. If joining the Armed Forces as a military nurse sounds like a path you would like to pursue, Fortis is here for you.
Fortis offers ADN programs at multiple campuses across the country. And RNs who need a BSN to join the military can enroll in the online RN-to-BSN program through an academic agreement between Fortis and the Denver College of Nursing.
Launch your military nursing career today by contacting Fortis, and learn more about your nursing education options.
Recommended Reading
Doctors without Borders: A Good Fit for Nurses
How Long Does It Take to Become a Nurse?
How to Become a Registered Nurse