The Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force all have world-class medical facilities for every need from routine wellness checks to emergency care. Approximately 60% of military bases employ civilian nurses.
Unlike those serving in the military, civilian nurses do not work directly for the military. Instead, they work for a government contractor at a military medical facility. The biggest difference is that a civilian nurse can leave the position with adequate notice, whereas military personnel must fulfill their military service commitment.
What Does a Civilian Nurse at a Military Medical Hospital Do?
A civilian nurse at a military hospital does exactly what a registered nurse would at a private practice at a physician’s office or public, community, or private hospital.
Most of a civilian nurse’s work revolves around basic patient care for service members, their families, and military retirees.
Military medical facilities range from outpatient family practice clinics to specialties clinics such as orthopedics. Military medical hospitals include the renowned Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland to Level 1 Trauma Centers.
Perks of Working on a Military Base for Nurses
Registered Nurses are listed among the top occupations for future job growth in 2021. Among civilian military hires, nurses are the fourth most in demand position today.
Military nursing alone is also expected to grow by 26% in the next decade. With nearly 800 bases in 40 states and 70 countries, there are jobs to be found in multiple places.
Also, unlike military professionals, deployment is not an option — though civilian nurses can be contracted for overseas jobs. No past military experience is required for civilian nurse positions and many of the facilities will honor any U.S. state licensure.
Being a civilian nurse carries lots of benefits — competitive salaries, stabilized work schedule, and great work life balance — are commonplace with military contract jobs.
The newest military branch — the U.S. Space Force — even has many civilian nursing job opportunities.
Tips for Civilian Nursing Jobs
- Prepare for variety. Whether you’re working locally, in a foreign country, or clear across the country, your career is bound to be full of adventure and mystery. Embrace it and enjoy the ride! Many former civilian nurses say it was the best job of their career.
- The more certifications, the better. A Bachelor’s Degree and American Heart Association Basic Life Support Provider certification are required for most civilian nurse positions. However, additional certifications such as ACLS, PALS, and TNCC certification makes you a more competitive Nursing Job candidate.
- Ask questions. Unsure what to call your boss? Don’t know if this is acceptable for your dress code? Ask! There is some culture shock when working at a military medical facility, but it’s always best to ask.
Contact Us Today
Looking for a rewarding job as a nurse on a military base? FSR employs nurses at military bases nationwide and overseas. Contact us today and see what exciting career opportunities we have for you!