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Nurse Types / Military Nurse

A military nurse is a member of the armed forces who provides health care to military personnel and their families. Military nurses work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and field hospitals. They are some of the most highly trained nurses in the world—and they have incredibly rewarding careers!

If you’re considering becoming a nurse with any branch of our military services, keep reading! This post explains what it takes, including education requirements, and links to help you get started right away on the path towards becoming a military nurse.

• What is a military nurse?
• What do military nurses do?
• Where do military nurses work?
• What are specific types of military nurses?
• How do you become a military nurse?
• What are additional requirements of military nurses?
• Military career advancement
• What are some things to consider before joining the military?
• FAQs

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What is a military nurse?

A military nurse is a member of the armed forces who provides health care to military personnel and their families. Nurses in the military are responsible for providing care to patients under the direction of physicians. They provide basic medical services such as patient assessments and treatment of injuries or illnesses. 

Nurses also provide specialized care such as helping patients who have undergone surgery or who have had injuries sustained in battle. Military nurses may be assigned to one of several types of units depending on their specialty area of practice.

Qualities of a successful military nurse

A successful career as a military nurse takes special qualities. Caring for soldiers and veterans requires empathy. Also, working in war zones can be stressful. Military nurses must be compassionate and able to deal with high-stress situations. 

What do military nurses do?

Military nurses are responsible for providing medical care to military members and their families. They often work in military or veterans’ hospitals and clinics but may also provide emergency medical care on board ships or planes.

Military nurses provide a wide range of services, including:

• Preventive health care
• Emergency medical care
• Mental health care
• Rehabilitative care
• Obstetric (prenatal) care
• Pediatric care

A day in the life of a military nurse

Like their civilian counterparts, military nurses spend most of their time caring for patients and families. A day in the life of a military nurse will vary depending on the nurse’s specialty and location. Most days include:

• Triage or assessments
• Administering medications and treatments
• Educating patients and families

Military nurses provide care for a wide range of conditions, from minor injuries and illnesses to life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks. They also assist with surgeries, births, and pediatric visits, as well as provide testing for specific diseases like tuberculosis or influenza. 

They make sure soldiers and sailors get their vaccines, take care of their wounds, and treat them if they are sick. 

Where do military nurses work?

Military nurses work in a variety of settings. They may be stationed at a military base, hospital, clinic, or medical center. 

What are specific types of military nurses?

Military nurses can work in one of the branches of the armed forces, including:

• Army
• Air Force
• Navy 
• Marine
• Coast Guard

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How do you become a military nurse?

Step 1 – Become a registered nurse

Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Becoming a registered nurse in the military requires a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. The BSN is a four-year program that includes both classroom learning and clinical experience.

One way to earn your BSN is to enroll directly into a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited institution. However, if you are currently enrolled in or considering an associate degree program, you will need to go a different route. 

Nurses with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and nursing experience can enroll in an RN-to-BSN program. This is typically a 1–2 year program of additional classroom instruction to get you to the bachelor degree level. You’ll complete courses on research and evidence-based practice. 

Pass the NCLEX exam

Once you have your bachelor’s degree, the next step is passing the National Council Licensure Examination for NCLEX-RN. This computerized exam is required in all states to get a nursing license.

Step 2 – Accumulate experience

Experience is a key factor in becoming a military nurse. You must accumulate one year of clinical experience before enlisting in the military as a nurse. After graduation, you can gain valuable experience through:

• Volunteering with your community’s Medical Reserve Corps
• Shadowing in a specialty area
• Civilian nursing jobs

Civilian experience

After completing a nursing degree, you should practice at a hospital or clinic before joining the military. The military branches require 1-3 years of experience in your desired area. Previous work experience will set you apart from other applicants. Also, your training will be useful when transitioning to your new military career. 

Enlist

When the requirements are met, the next step is to enlist. 

To be “enlisted” means you have successfully become a service member and taken an oath of U.S. military service. The enlistment process usually begins with speaking to a military recruiter.

After enlistment, you will be assigned to a base and given a rank based on your education, experience, and training level. 

Talk to recruiter

When you are ready to move forward, find a recruiter. This person will be your guide on the path to your military career. They’ll take care of all the paperwork and make sure your application process is organized. 

Ask questions! Your recruiter will be able to help you understand the process. And they will explain what life in the military looks like, and help you plan for your life as a military officer.

Apply

With your recruiter’s help, you can apply for military nursing programs. Each branch has separate requirements, and the application process will be different in each case. 

After you apply, a military nursing board will determine your eligibility for service as a nurse in the armed forces.

Complete Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC)

Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC) is a basic training program for new officers. It typically lasts between three and five months. BOLC teaches you how to lead in the military.

BOLC is designed to prepare newly commissioned officers from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines for their first assignments as platoon leaders. It is a time of intense instruction on military protocols and regulations. Successful graduates receive certificates and the skills necessary for success as future leaders in the military.

Step 3 – Obtain certifications

Although there isn’t a nursing certification specific to the military, nurses can still obtain certifications in their specialties. 

For example, a military officer working as a perioperative nurse in an Army hospital could become certified in perioperative nursing. Or, a military nurse working in a psychiatric clinic for veterans could be certified in mental health-psychiatric nursing. 

All of the certifications available to civilian nurses are open to military nurses. In fact, being specialized in your field may also make your application for military service more attractive. 

To see the current nursing certifications available to nurses in 2022, check out Incredible Health’s list!

What are additional requirements of military nurses? 

Military nurses must meet additional requirements, including:

• Qualifying tests
• Age, height, and weight requirements that are branch-specific
• Hearing and vision 
• Medical history 
• Background checks
• Drug screening

In addition to entrance requirements listed above, military nurses may also have to earn and maintain valid CPR certifications, including basic life support (BLS), pediatric advanced life support (PALS), or advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS) certification. 

What are the salary and career outlooks for military nurses? 

Each service branch has slightly different names for their respective ranks, but the pay grades are the same. In all branches, the letter “O” (for Officer) is placed in front of a number to determine pay grade. The number corresponds to how high the officer ranks. Here are the rankings in order.

Military Pay Grades (salaries listed according to Army/Navy rank)

Other benefits

Military nurses get more than a generous salary. They get comprehensive benefits including health insurance and retirement options from the military.

Benefits also include:

• Paid vacation and holidays
• Sick leave
• Education reimbursement
• Sign on bonus
• Travel opportunities

In addition to basic pay and benefits, military nurses get significant allowances for specific needs, such as food or housing.

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Military nurse career advancement

Military nurses are promoted through the ranks based on performance and time served. Currently, an Army officer is promoted to first lieutenant automatically 18 months after commissioning, and to captain automatically after 48 months, no matter where they’ve progressed in their training. 

In the Marine Corps and Air Force, you will be promoted after 24 months of service. These promotions are based on what’s called the “time in service” (TIS) requirement. 

As you rise through the ranks, promotions become more competitive and the military looks at your performance more carefully.

Job satisfaction

The U.S. military is one of the most highly respected organizations in the country. As a military nurse, you will gain great fulfillment from being well-respected by your peers. You also get satisfaction from knowing that you are making a difference each day by serving those who defend our nation. 

What are some things to consider before joining the military?

Becoming a military nurse can be very rewarding and very demanding. You may be away on deployment for months at a time. You may work long hours that are physically and emotionally demanding. 

There are many questions to ask yourself before signing a contract:

• What do you want to get out of your time in the military?
• Do you think you can serve out your enlistment?
• Will the military pay for my education?
• How are you at taking orders?

Next steps

There are several ways to advance your career as a military nurse. 

One path is to take on more responsibility within the military. For example, if you were working at a clinic in Washington, DC, you could accept an assignment in an overseas location to move up the ranks.

Military nurses can also consider new military opportunities outside of nursing. Your squadron base or hospital may have openings in administration or research that could be of interest to you. 

For more information about nursing in the Air Force, visit http://www.airforce.com or http://www.afreserve.com/nurses.asp.

For more information on the Army Nurse Corps, visit http://healthcare.goarmy.com/nurse.

For more information on the Navy, visit http://www.navy.com/traincareer/nurse.jsp and http://www.navy-reserve-jobs.com/opportunities.html.

FAQs

Nurse Types / Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner

Becoming a nurse practitioner requires dedication to schooling and gaining relevant on-the-job experience. Orthopedic nurse practitioners, like orthopedic doctors and surgeons, focus on diseases and injuries that impact the musculoskeletal system.

They can treat patients with chronic health conditions like arthritis or those with broken or fractured bones. Helping patients regain mobility after injuries or illnesses is another important aspect of the job.

In this article about orthopedic nurse practitioners, we’ll explore:

• What is an orthopedic nurse practitioner?
• What do orthopedic nurse practitioners do?
• Where do orthopedic nurse practitioners work?
• What are specific types of orthopedic nurse practitioners?
• How do you become an orthopedic nurse practitioner in 3 steps?
• What are additional requirements of orthopedic nurse practitioners?
• What are the salary and career outlooks for orthopedic nurse practitioners?
• FAQs

What is an orthopedic nurse practitioner?

The musculoskeletal system can experience genetic abnormalities and deformities, be struck by disease, or sustain traumatic injuries. Orthopedic NPs are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) who receive specialized training in musculoskeletal diseases and injuries. Some examples of include arthritis, broken bones, and osteoporosis.

Qualities of a successful orthopedic nurse practitioner

Like all nursing professionals, the most successful orthopedic nurse practitioners possess compassion and empathy for their patients. Other qualities you must possess to success in this nursing role include:

• Analytical skills help you think on your feet and find creative solutions to healthcare issues that need an atypical approach.
• Competence in your practice not only ensures better patient outcomes, but it also opens the door to career advancement.
• Communication skills allow you to explain medical conditions and treatments to your patients and their families. You also need them to collaborate with other members of the healthcare team.
• Patience is an asset when working in this fast-paced nursing career because it improves your bedside manner.

What do orthopedic nurse practitioners do?

Orthopedic nurse practitioners care for patients diagnosed with musculoskeletal problems. Arthritis, broken bones, and joint replacements are among the common conditions of their patients.

Your daily tasks as an orthopedic nurse practitioner can vary depending on your employer. Some healthcare employers may require additional responsibilities outside the normal routine for orthopedic NPs.

A day in the life of an orthopedic nurse practitioner

From the minute you clock in for your shift until the last patient you treat for the day, you can expect to engage in any – or all – of the following tasks:

• Assisting orthopedic surgeons during surgical procedures and providing after-care for patients
• Creating pain management routines for patients
• Conducting routine health assessments and physical exams
• Educating patients and their families about orthopedic conditions and treatment options
• Monitoring prescription medications for allergic or other adverse reactions
• Reviewing an orthopedic diagnosis and medical history with patients

Common conditions treated by orthopedic nurse practitioners

Orthopedic nurse practitioners treat conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. Their patients may seek help for:

• Arthritis
• Broken/fractured bones
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Joint replacements
• Osteoporosis
• Rheumatoid arthritis

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What are specific types of orthopedic nurse practitioners?

Nursing provides a variety of specialties you can pursue, which makes it an interesting career choice. Orthopedic nurse practitioners are no exception. You can choose a specialization based on your interests and skills. Some of the most popular types of orthopedic NPs include:

• Foot and ankle surgery
• Joint reconstruction
• Musculoskeletal birth defects
• Neuromuscular disorders
• Spine surgery
• Sports medicine

Within orthopedic nursing are additional specializations some NPs may pursue. They include:

• Foot and ankle surgery
• Joint reconstruction
• Musculoskeletal birth defects
• Neuromuscular disorders
• Spine surgery
• Sports medicine

Closely related fields

If you like the idea of working with patients with musculoskeletal conditions and injuries but do not want to become an orthopedic NP, you have some options.

Another closely related field using similar skills includes physical therapists. These healthcare professionals work with ill and injured people to help them improve movement and manage pain. Patients who receive joint replacements end up in physical therapy as part of their recovery.

How do you become an orthopedic nurse practitioner in 3 steps?

To become an orthopedic NP, a commitment to extensive education and training is a must. The minimum degree an orthopedic NP must possess is a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). There are several other steps involved with becoming a licensed orthopedic NP.

Step 1 – Become a registered nurse

Before you can become a nurse practitioner, you must first become a registered nurse (RN). There are several ways you can become an RN. The first step involves choosing the right nursing degree program.

Earn a degree

While you technically can become an RN with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), most healthcare employers have begun giving preference to RNs with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

Associate’s degrees take between 18 and 24 months to complete and include the basics you need to get started as an entry-level RN. Bachelor’s degrees are typically 4 years and  include leadership training and other administrative skills, plus the same nursing skills taught in an ADN program.

Eligibility for Orthopedic Nursing Certification from the Orthopedic Nurses Certification Board requires a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), which takes between 18 and 24 months to earn from an accredited program. This is in addition to the BSN degree.

A master’s degree helps you earn higher salaries and better opportunities for advancement in the nursing profession. There are RN-to-MSN programs available, as well as RN-to-DNP.

Orthopedic NP candidates who pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) often choose to work in academic or research settings.

You can choose to pursue your higher education level first or become an RN and continue toward your MSN or DNP while working.

Pass the NCLEX exam

After you earn the nursing degree of your choice, the next step involves passing the NCLEX-RN exam. If you fail the test on your first try, you can retake it after a 45-day waiting period.

Some nurses already hold RN licensure before they decide to advance their career by becoming an orthopedic NP. If you already hold an RN license, you can skip this step.   

Step 2 – Accumulate experience

Once you have your RN licensure, you’ll want to gain some relevant experience before advancing up the career ladder. If you plan to become certified in any specialties, check the requirements. There may be specific mandates for on-the-job hours completed or types of work you need to perform to qualify.

Most orthopedic NP candidates must work at minimum of 2,000 hours in a relevant healthcare environment as an APRN. You can spend 2 to 3 years working in a setting where you can access on-the-job learning.

Helpful skills and experience

Any RN position that gives you an opportunity to work with orthopedic patients – or alongside orthopedic specialists – can help prepare you for independent work as an orthopedic NP.

You could work in a trauma care center that treats patients with broken and fractured bones. Another option is to work at an inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation center.

Changing specialty to an orthopedic nurse practitioner

Changing your specialty to an orthopedic nurse practitioner involves a few steps. If you’re already an NP, you must take some continuing education courses focused on orthopedic medicine.

A family nurse practitioner may have the easiest time of all NPs in making the switch because of their broad foundation.

Step 3 – Obtain certifications

The final step is to gain ONP certification. The ONP-C certification exam provided by the Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board. The exam is competency-based and provides the certification board with an accurate assessment of a candidate’s knowledge and skills. Orthopedic NP candidates can expect 135 scored questions and 15 unscored questions on the exam.

Specific knowledge of conditions and tasks evaluated on the exam include:

CONDITION/TASK	TOTAL NUMBER OF QUESTIONS
Degenerative Disorders	53
Orthopedic Trauma	24
Sports Injuries	19
Inflammatory Disorders	11
Metabolic Bone Disorders	11
Congenital/Pediatric	8
Musculoskeletal Tumors	4
Neuromuscular	5
Clinician/Practitioner	85-95
Educator	13-23
Manager	3-9
Consultant	11-19
Researcher	3-9

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What are additional requirements of orthopedic nurse practitioners?

Depending on the certifications you hold, you may need to complete continuing education credits to maintain your credential. Nursing continuing education units (CEUs) are different for each state so you need to check out the state’s board of nursing site for licensing information.

What are the salary and career outlooks for orthopedic nurse practitioners?

Orthopedic NPs are among some of the highest-paid nurses in the healthcare industry. The annual median orthopedic nurse practitioner salary is $119,200 with a range of $111,400 and $126,800. Some of the top earners in this nursing field make upwards of $133,719 a year.

All specializations of nurse practitioners remain in high demand. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates NPs will experience an expected growth of 40% from 2021 to 2031. 

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Job satisfaction

Nurse practitioners rank #1 in Best Health Care Jobs according to a survey by US. News and World Report. Deciding factor for the top spot included a job with low stress levels, good work-life balance, and solid prospects for career advancement.

Next steps

Orthopedic nurse practitioners have plenty of options for career advancement. Among the most popular is to become a DNP. In this role, you can work in academics or research.

You also can pursue opportunities to produce medical content through research and journals geared toward advancing orthopedic NP best practices and patient outcomes.

[ MORE: Earn your CEUs online, 100% free with Incredible Health. ]

FAQs

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