Military nurses serve in most major branches of the military, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
What Does a Military Nurse Do?
Military nurses carry out similar responsibilities as traditional nurses in hospital or outpatient facilities. Upon arriving at their assigned area, military nurses may check in with their direct supervisors and perform care in a particular setting.
If nurses are delegated to work in a hospital or clinic, common responsibilities include patient assessment, passing medications, and working with other healthcare professionals.
Where Do Military Nurses Work?
Military nurses are required to make at least a three-year commitment to serve their country. Traditionally, military nurses are stationed in a new region about every three years.
There may be required travel just about anywhere abroad to help with emergency situations if they do happen to arise. Most nurses in the military are stationed at military/government facilities
How to Become A Milltary Nurse In South Africa
What Are the Educational Requirements for a Military Nurse?
The first step in becoming a military nurse is obtaining your Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, also known as a BSN degree. Typically, BSN degrees take around four years to complete.
Although the military prefers their nurses to have BSN degrees, the Army Reserve accepts nurses with only Associate’s Degrees in Nursing, or ADN degrees.
However, these RNs are expected to have a BSN degree by the time they’re ready for promotion as Captain. Once you have obtained your bachelor’s degree in nursing, you are then permitted to sit for the state board examinations.
Once a civilian RN has undergone the primary educational processes involved in becoming a military nurse, they will then also need to undergo officer training through whichever branch of the armed forces they wish to serve in.
Officer training educates newly admitted RNs on leadership skills and military life. Additionally, during officer training, RNs are also required to show their proficiency in various physical fitness exercises.
6 Steps to Becoming a Military Nurse
Earn Your Nursing Degree. In order to become a military nurse, you must earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an advanced nursing degree from an accredited school. (Because military nurses are commissioned officers, an associate degree will not be accepted). Find BSN programs here.
Take and pass the NCLEX. After you earn your BSN or advanced degree, you must pass the National Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to earn your certification as a Registered Nurse.
Gain civilian experience or decide to enlist. At this time, you can begin working as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the United States. You can choose to work and gain experience in the civilian nursing field first, or you can decide to join the military as a new graduate nurse.
Talk to a recruiter. When you are ready to enlist, you should speak to a military recruiter of whichever branch you have interest in. Once you decide on a branch, make sure you meet all eligibility requirements determined by your recruiting branch.
Complete the application packet. Once you’ve met all of the eligibility requirements, you can begin to work with your recruiter on your application packet. This process will take about a year from initial onset to final approval from the commissioning board.
Complete an Officer Basic Leadership Course (BOLC). if you are selected, you are required to complete a 5-10 week commissioned officer course. Training includes education on leadership skills and an introduction to military life. You will also perform some amount of physical training during this time. Upon completion of this required military training, you will be a military nurse.
Military Nurse Benefits
The benefits of becoming a Nurse in the military are numerous! You are provided with the tools you need to develop your career and continue training and growing as you become a respected leader in your field.
In addition to opportunities for continuing education and clinical specialization, you will receive low-cost or no-cost medical, dental and life insurance, generous retirement plan options, housing allowances, food stipends, and 30 days of paid vacation earned annually.
You’ll also enjoy a reasonable work-life balance that provides plenty of time for family and recreational pursuits. The amount of your housing allowance and food stipend are dependent upon your rank, but as you get promoted these stipends increase.
What are the requirements to be a military nurse In South Africa?
Requirements for either active or reserve duty include being between 21 and 47 years old. To qualify for the Army Nurse Corps, you need a BSN from an accredited program; for Army Reserve, a BSN, an associate degree, or a diploma from an accredited school of nursing is required, but the BSN is preferred.
How much do military nurses earn in South Africa?
Military Hospital Jobs by Salary
| Job Title | Range | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Staff Nurse | Range:R128k – R287k (Estimated *) | Average:R216,260 |
| General Practitioner | Range:R403k – R1m (Estimated *) | Average:R660,709 |
| Radiographer | Range:R207k – R619k (Estimated *) | Average:R399,507 |
Do military nurses go to war In South Africa?
Today, military nurses hold military rank and can be part of any of the Nurse Corps of any major military branch, including the Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. It can also be somewhat dangerous since it’s not uncommon for military nurses to be deployed to foreign war zones with troops.
How long do military nurses serve In South Africa?
You can serve full-time in the Army for three years (four years for scholarship winners). Selected Cadets may choose to serve part-time in the S.A. Army Reserve or Army National Guard while pursuing a civilian career.
How much do military nurses earn in South Africa per month?
Military nurses receive competitive wages and benefits, and most importantly, have the opportunity to build crucial skills and receive specialized training. Salaries in South Africa range between 4,249 ZAR to 139,013 ZAR monthly. 15,000 + Grade Pay – 5400 + Military Service Pay – 4200 + DA and allowance.
What are military nurses called In South Africa?
The South Africa Army Nurse Corps (AN or ANC) was formally established by the S.A. Congress in 1901. It is one of the six medical special branches (or “corps”) of officers which – along with medical enlisted soldiers – comprise the Army Medical Department (AMEDD)
Can civilian nurses work on military bases In South Africa?
Civilian nurses are often employed in the military to provide care for patients stationed at a base, of which there are more than 400 in the United States alone. As a civilian, you can work on any type of base, be it an air force base, naval station, or army camp.
How much does military pay in South Africa?
South African National Defence Force Jobs by Salary
| Job Title | Range |
|---|---|
| Job Title:Soldier | Range:R111k – R289k |
| Senior Accounting Clerk | Range:R54k – R302k (Estimated *) |
| Diesel Mechanic | Range:R64k – R337k (Estimated *) |
| Administrative / Office Manager | Range:R87k – R377k (Estimated *) |
How much do South African special forces get paid In South Africa?
Salaries in this special unit differ depending on the rank. A Colonel in South African Special Forces earns as much as R648,000. Below the colonel is a Lieutenant Colonel who earns about R466,000. A Major is paid R360,000.