Military nurses work within a military career but perform the duties of registered or practical nurses. They can work in different components of the U.S. military, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and other specialized groups. Military nurses care for patients as though they would any other patient. However, unlike nurses in a traditional hospital setting, military nurses can be posted across the world or travel with the infantry, making it an exciting job for some. Prospective military nurses should understand that the position may cause emotional, mental, and physical stresses, as it can require duty in active war zones. Military nurses can encounter situations and illnesses that other American nurses may never see, but it can be a highly rewarding career.
Military nurses are vital to all military branches. They treat wounded soldiers and military personnel and provide medical treatment to the families of service members. Military nurses work in war zones, setting up military triage efforts and performing critical wound-care and life-saving medical treatment.
Military nurses also work in preoperative settings, administering anesthesia to patients. They prescribe medicine and provide emergency care to victims involved in natural disasters. Additionally, military nurses participate in humanitarian relief efforts involved with the U.S. military and provide vaccinations to children in developing countries.
