Considering a Career in Military Nursing Service?

I've been looking into military nursing and I'm curious about what the day-to-day responsibilities are like. Are there specific requirements or paths I should focus on in high school to prepare for a job in military nursing?

Interesting choice! To become a military nurse, you'll need to first become a registered nurse (RN) in the civilian world. This means you'll need a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN). From a high school perspective, you should be focusing on classes that will prepare you for a nursing degree. That would include biology, chemistry, physics, health, and advanced mathematics.

Once you get your BSN, you can then apply for a direct commission in one of the main branches of the military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force). If accepted, you'll attend Officer Training School. Another option is to obtain your nursing degree through a ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) program offered at many colleges, which can financially support your education in exchange for a period of active-duty service.

As for day-to-day responsibilities, it varies greatly depending on your placement. You could be serving in a military hospital, a ship, a domestic or overseas base, or even in a combat zone. Military nurses provide general healthcare, emergency healthcare, attend to servicemen and women who have been injured on the field of battle, or care for service members' families. You could be involved in various types of patient care, including surgeries, and mental health services. It's truly a dynamic role that requires strength, adaptability, and a readiness to face unique challenges.

Finally, remember that most military nurses will need at least a few years of civilian nursing experience prior to their commission. Some branches even require specialty certifications in areas such as critical care or trauma nursing. So getting your RN license, and gaining experience in different fields of nursing in your early career years, will be a crucial step.