Overview

Medical-Surgical nurses specialize in care across the entire age spectrum and the continuum of health care needs. As part of the Army Nurse Corps, they play an important role in improving the overall quality of life for Soldiers and their families.

Job Duties

• Provides nursing care to all types of combat casualties during low/high-intensity conflicts, wartime environments and other contingency activities
  
• Participates in the preparation, sterilization, monitoring, maintenance and storage of surgical supplies/equipment
  
• Applies clinical and administrative knowledge/skills for research
  

Requirements

Active Duty

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing or the Commission, Collegiate Nursing Education or the U.S. Secretary of Education
  
• Completion of a qualified course in public health nursing or one year of supervised experience
  
• Must be between 21 and 42 years of age (may request a waiver)
  
• Current, valid and unrestricted nursing license
  
• Must be a U.S. citizen
  
  

Army Reserve

• In addition to the above qualifications, permanent U.S. residency is required for Reserve duty officers.

Training

Job training for a Nurse Corps officer includes completing an Officer Basic Leadership Course, which introduces you to the Army Health Care system, Army doctrine and basic soldier/leader skills.

Helpful Skills

• Ability to make accurate, immediate decisions
  
• Perform under stress
  
• Apply critical technical and thinking skills
  
• Tremendous concentration

Learn more about the ASVAB and see what jobs you could qualify for.

Compensation

Active Duty

• Receive Army Nurse Accession Bonus
  
• Nurse Loan Repayment Program
  
• Low-cost life and dental insurance,
  
• Noncontributory retirement benefits with 20 years of qualifying service
  
• 30 days of paid vacation earned annually
  
  

Army Reserve

• Qualified nurses can receive Special Pay
  
• Health Care Professionals Loan Repayment Program
  
• Noncontributory retirement benefits at age 60 with 20 years of qualifying service
  
• Low-cost life and dental insurance

Education Benefits

The U.S. Army provides generous education loan-repayment programs, residency programs and continuing education opportunities to support your continued career growth and development.