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Becoming A Nurse Through The Military

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Are Navy Corpsman Considered Nurses

How to become a Nurse in the NAVY

Every branch of the military has a career track for non-licensed medical personnel.

This personnel is considered Corpsmen or medics.

On the other hand, the specialty training and roles that are more advanced are known as nursing specialties.

Therefore, the term Corpsman and Medic are interchangeable, but the specific training specialties make each service member into a Nurse.

Navy Corpsmen may serve on ships, naval hospitals, outpatient clinics, and connecting Marine Corps units.

How Can I Become A Nurse In The Army

Nursing is a wide-ranging field of work with many applications. Some of the most rewarding nursing positions are available within the ranks of the US Armed Forces. From active combat respondents to aides in state-of-the-art research facilities, the US Department of Defense always has a need for credentialed nurses.

What is it like to be an army nurse? How does someone become a nurse in the US Armed Forces? What should you know about working with the military before pursuing this career path?

Five Military Nurse Salary & Benefits

The salary range of a military nurse ranges from $58,000 on upward. Your salary as a military nurse is based on your education level upon commissioning, your rank, and any special certifications you may hold.

The median annual salary for registered nurses was $77,600 per year or $37.31 per hour as of May 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics . The BLS doesn’t specify salaries but according to ZipRecruiter.com, military nurses earn $72,642 per year or $35.00 per hour.

Unfortunately, because military nurses are on a government pay grade scale – the exact pay of military nurses is not entirely known.

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How Much Does A Navy Nurse Make

The United States Navy pays sailors based on military rank and years of experience.

Consequently, sailors are not compensated based on their military specialty.

A Navy Nurse is an officer and therefore receives pay in one of the following ranks:

Insignia
ADM $16,608.30

Keep in mind that one of the major advantages of the Navy Nurse Corps is the ability to have all or part of nursing school covered in grants.

It is possible to get a full-ride scholarship for high school students and up to $34,000 through the Nurse Candidate Program .

Plus, the United States Navy has a really good benefits package that includes health care, paid time off from work, and housing/food support.

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Army National Guard Nursing

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The Army National Guard, closely associated with the Army, also recruits nurses. If youre earned an Associates degree in nursing you may be eligible for 3-annual $5,000 bonuses Bachelors of Science in Nursing degree may earn you 3-annual $10,000 bonuses. Nurse Practitioners may earn $20,000 per year in bonuses.

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Education In The Army And Navy

The American Council on Education recommends college credits for experience and training in the military With a transcript issued by your branch of service, you may be able to knock out some of the common prerequisites for a nursing program, such as general education requirements and anatomy/physiology.

But bear in mind the ACE has no authority to actually award credits. It’s still up to each individual college how much transfer credit you’ll receive for your military experience. The examples below are based on recommendations on the ACE website, and may vary with the level of education and experience:

  • Army Health Care Specialists , depending on the level of experience, might receive three semester hours each for anatomy and physiology, nursing fundamentals, and emergency medical procedures, and 10 for clinical experience.
  • Navy Corpsmen who’ve reached at least E-4 may be eligible for three semester hours of nursing fundamentals, physical assessment, and health information management. Higher ratings get even more recommended credits, such as pharmacology and medical-surgical nursing.

Complete An Application With A Recruiter

Connect with a military recruiter and fill out an application to enlist with a specific branch. If you decide to enlist directly after you earn your license, you might complete this step earlier than someone who works as a civilian nurse first. A recruiter can help you by offering information about the military branch they work in and providing recommendations for which steps you should take next. Once you decide which branch you want to join, you can begin completing an application packet with your recruiter and submit it for approval by the commissioning board.

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Join As A Registered Nurse

As a Registered Nurse, you’ll command a team that provides the highest standard of care. You can choose to join as an Officer or Soldier – both roles will stretch your clinical and leadership abilities. As a soldier you will follow a regular nursing career pathway. Officers will take on additional leadership and management responsibilities within the Army, alongside their nursing duties.

Army Nursing can be tough, so we’ll give you the best possible military and professional training. You can develop your skills throughout your career with further study up to and beyond MSc level, funded by us. It’s not all hard work though. You’ll also get to travel, take part in Adventure Training and play sports for the Army. With a competitive salary, non-contributory pension and free healthcare too, you’ll get great rewards – and an amazing experience.

During your Army Nursing application we will advise and support you in making the right career choice for you so that you can realise your true potential, whether that’s as a Nursing Soldier or Nursing Officer.

Training

Step 1 – You join the Army and complete your initial Soldier or Officer military training.

Step 2 – You then complete a short Transition to Military Practice Course, after which you will be assigned to a Joint Hospital Group to commence your preceptorship and rotation programme and begin life as an Army Nurse.

Golden Hello

Serving As A Marine Corps Nurse

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Serving as a Marine Corps nurse you will discover new meaning for the term teamwork. You will have an opportunity to work side by side with medical professionals, in a variety of situations helping patients. You will be serving in a position of respect and honor, serving your country while you advance your professional skills. It is Marine Corps career that is rewarding and challenging, and you have the additional respect of being able to serve as a commissioned .

Incredible Demand For Nurses In The Civilian World!

Every Nurse in the Unites States Marine Corps is a Commissioned Navy Officer. Your opinion will be relied upon to give patients improved care, and you will work with other medical professionals using state of the Art facilities, materials and technology. You will have the ability to work with patients on a one to one basis, and connect with them. You will get to know many of your patients, the brave Marines and Sailors and their dependents serving in the War on Terror, who have responded to the call to serve and defend their country. Joining the Marine Corps Nursing program means joining a rich heritage that is designed to deal with patients one on one.

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Job Description Of A Navy Nurse

A Navy Nurse is an Officer in the United States Navy.

You are part of the Navy Nurse Corps which has many different specialties within the department.

Nurses develop strong peer-to-peer relationships with highly trained Navy Physicians.

The experience is invaluable both during your time serving the military and after you leave in the civilian world.

Essential job functions of a Navy Nurse include:

  • Educating, leading, and shaping policy within Navy Health Care.
  • Instructing Hospital Corpsmen on how to provide quality patient care.
  • Applying cutting-edge medical advances at world-class hospitals.
  • Utilizing some of the most advanced medical technology on the planet.
  • Conducting general nursing duties like checking vitals and treating wounds.

Becoming a Navy Nurse allows you to step out of your comfort zone and become integral during significant events like humanitarian relief or natural disasters.

Are Any Certifications Or Credentials Needed

Before an individual becomes an official military nurse, they must already have graduated from a nursing program approved by their states Board of Nursing and have taken and passed the National Council Licensure Exam . Once you have passed your state board examination, you are eligible to obtain an RN license. After this, RNs can apply to a particular branch of the military, and if accepted, sign the necessary contracts and be sworn in.

Read our Guide to Military Nursing Education & Service Click the Banner!

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How To Become A Military Nurse In 5 Steps

The Indeed Editorial Team comprises a diverse and talented team of writers, researchers and subject matter experts equipped with Indeed’s data and insights to deliver useful tips to help guide your career journey.

There are many jobs in the military that involve responsibilities aside from combat or defense, one of which is a military nurse. Military nurses are crucial in every branch of the military because they provide medical care in unique or tense settings. If you have a background in nursing and are interested in working in unconventional settings, a career as a military nurse might be ideal for you. In this article, we discuss what working as a military nurse is like and explore steps for becoming a military nurse.

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How Do I Join The Army Nurse Corps

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1.Your education level required to be an army nurse depends on whether you are on active duty or in the reserves. If you are on active duty, you will need to hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing. If you are in the army reserves, you need to have a diploma in nursing, an associate’s degree in nursing, or a bachelor’s degree in nursing.2.You must successfully pass the national certification licensure exam . 3.You must be between the age of 21 and 42 years of age.4.If you are on active duty, you must be a United States Citizen. If you are in the army reserves, you must be a permanent United States Resident.5.You must then complete the Officer Basic Leadership Course.

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Nursing Careers: Military Nurse

Those who pursue a career in nursing are answering a higher calling. Theyre drawn to a profession that plays a critical role in caring for others, shapes patients’ health and wellness and makes a meaningful impact in the healthcare field. This selflessness is present in nearly all nurses, whether they work in the ER, ICU, oncology or any department they choose to pursue.

This sense of duty is especially pronounced among those who combine their passion for healthcare with their dedication to serving their country. Joining the military as a nurse provides a unique opportunity for nurses to be at the frontlines of research, take advantage of greater career opportunities and enjoy greater autonomy than can normally be found in the private sector.

Making the decision to pursue nursing careers in the military isnt one that should be made lightly. Its important to understand the difference between private and public sector nurses and what impact becoming a military nurse can have on ones career. Lets take a closer look at exactly what military nurses do and the education the role requires.

Become A Healthcare Volunteer

Volunteering is another networking opportunity. Youll not only get experience working with patients, youll also meet other healthcare professionals.

If you plan to choose a nursing specialty, look for volunteer opportunities in that area. While you wont be paid for your time, treat the experience as you would a job. Making a good impression could mean a career connection in the future.

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Advanced Practice Registered Nurses

Military communities need highly educated and skilled nurses to provide direct patient care this is the role filled by Advanced Practice Registered Nurses . They work alongside healthcare providers to administer care on bases all over the country and the world and theyre dedicated to ensuring everyone’s wellness and providing treatment.

There are a number of specialties available to APRNs who wish to have a more targeted career path. For example, they can pursue careers as Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners , who provide a high level of care to troops in rehabilitation programs, mental health clinics and combat stress units. They can also pursue a Family Nurse Practitioner track and specialize in care of individuals and families or become an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, who focuses on young adults, aging adults, and older adult populations.

Regardless of which track they choose to pursue, APRNs are required to have an advanced degree such as a Master of Science in Nursing.

Army Nurse Corps Loan Repayment And Bonus

Army ROTC Nurse Program (4 minutes)

The Army Nurse Corps is responsible for taking care of Army servicemen and women all over the world. Their outstanding work is essential to the Army, and therefore, in high demand.

To attract a high caliber of nurses to work in the Army Nurse Corps, theyve put together a lucrative package to entice military nurses to enlist. A bonus to joining the Army as a military nurse is the opportunity to work alongside the talented doctors and medical professionals currently serving.

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Three Certifications For Military Nurses

The main certifications you will need are a Bachelors degree and an active RN license from a non-compact state. You will also need to be certified in Basic Life Support .

If Acute Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support certifications are required for a particular nursing specialty, you should also have these completed as well. Any other specific certifications relative to your nursing specialty are helpful but not required .

Currently, there is no specific certification for military nurses. However, it is important to remember that the military has their own set of requirements for the military aspect of the job.

Do You Need Certifications For A Career In Military Nursing

Other than holding a BSN degree and having an active and unencumbered RN license, there are generally no additional mandatory certifications for nurses who want to work in the military. Still, some credentials may be highly encouraged for particular nursing specialties and positions. These are very specialty specific. Examples of potential certifications employers may ask for are: Acute Cardiac Life Support , Pediatric Advanced Life Support , or Critical Care . It is useful to remember that each military nursing job will come with its own set of requirements, so its essential to check what they are ahead of time.

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How To Become A Licensed Practical Nurse

  • Step 1: Complete high school
  • Step 2: Complete a year of full-time nursing education

**Important note: You must attend a program that is board approved in order to be licensed. Accreditation is not as important as being board approved.

  • Step 3: After graduating, you must take the NCLEX-PN
  • Step 4: Once the candidate receives his/her license, they will find it relatively easy to be licensed in other states.

For more details on the process of becoming an LPN, click here.

Before getting into the details of how to become a Registered Nurse , read this quick post on why an RN degree is one of the hottest degrees right now.

Working As A Military Nurse

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Military nurses are in demand, particularly those with advanced nursing degrees and certifications. The best way to find a job is to speak with a recruiter for the military branch you’re interested in. Common work settings include military clinics and hospitals, where nurses care for service members and their families, and trauma centers, where they treat combat wounds and perform critical care nursing.

RNs in general make median annual salaries of $77,600 and can expect a projected 9% job growth increase during 2020-2030. Military nurse salaries follow a schedule based on rank and years of service. Army RNs earn between $58,000 and $92,000 per year, as per Payscale in June 2022, and they can also receive $30,000 signing bonuses and generous benefits.

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What Qualifications Does An Army Nurse Need

Related

Being an Army nurse gives you a chance to help others while serving your country at the same time. Army nurses receive competitive salaries, benefits and the opportunity to build critical skills and receive specialized training. However, being an Army nurse is not for everyone. The physical demands and travel requirements make being an Army nurse a challenging career.

Becoming A Military Nurse: What They Do And The Branches They Serve In

Military nurses work in the uniformed services, including army, navy, and air force. They may opt for active duty or the reserves. Theyre in demand many places, but the army employs more than any other branch.

The armed services recruits nurses with differing specializations. There is need for nurses with expertise to care for the critically wounded. Nurses, though, also help service members with routine care and non-combat illnesses and injuries. They support their families as well. Some, for example, work in labor and delivery or neonatal care. Some even work in mental health.

Military nurses go on deployments and humanitarian missions. Theyre also needed at military bases throughout the country. Some work on ships.

Nurses may seek military careers for multiple reasons, from patriotism to monetary rewards. The armed services are known for generosity to those who are in alignment with their mission and ready to make a deep commitment. There are scholarships available to individuals at different stages of life from those who are still in high school to those who are already serving in the military in other capacities. Some nurses receive loan repayment in exchange for their commitment.

Nurses are commissioned officers. They must hold degrees at at least the bachelors level to be eligible for commission. Requirements are similar, but not identical, from one branch to the next.

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