JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Almost 3 million Registered Nurses and more than 500,000 medical paraprofessionals are working to save lives and maintain the health of millions for a healthier tomorrow.
"Caring Today for a Healthier Tomorrow" is the focus of this year's National Nurses' Week, celebrated annually, May 6-12, throughout the world. This year, due to mission requirements, the 628th Medical Group will celebrate Nurses' Week June 1-4.
From the front lines to the front office and from sea to shining sea, military nurses are proudly serving the country and the profession of nursing. Nursing in the military encompasses an ocean of opportunities with abundant tributaries extending across the globe.
"We" are the nurses of America ... essential members of our nation's health care system. This means that we care, and it is not just a job! The military nursing professional is well educated in anatomy, physiology, assessment, disease processes and prevention, drug therapy and alternative treatment of both adults and children. Military nurses hold a Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing and most hold a graduate degree in one of the nursing specialties or related field, as well as a national specialty certification. We are highly skilled, technologically savvy, prevention-focused and we save lives.
Most nurses enter this profession for the challenges and satisfaction they anticipate, it feels great to know you've made a difference in someone's life, from helping a family welcome a new baby into their lives, supporting a family as they lose a loved one or helping our Airmen, Soldiers, Seamen and Marines return to life at home. The opportunities in nursing are boundless: inpatient, outpatient clinical nursing, nursing education, informatics, home health-care, nurse practitioners, anesthesia and midwifery are just a few. There are more than 60 professional nursing organizations who promote excellence and offer specialty certification, including the American Nurses' Association. In almost all states, nurses are required to maintain competencies through annual continuing education.
In addition to civilian requirements, Air Force nurses are held to the same stringent standards as all Air Force officers, and are integral to the success of our worldwide deployable Air Force Medical Service Expeditionary Medical Support readiness mission.
There are more than 3,000 nurses serving on active duty. At the Joint Base Charleston clinic more than 20 nurses work in various areas, making very significant and unique contributions to the success of the aerospace mission from the Family Health Clinic, Flight Medicine Clinic, Disease Management, Case Management and Utilization Management.
The American Nurses' Association has designated May 6-12 as National Nurses' Appreciation week. It honors the nursing profession and the contributions nurses have made across the globe. It also encourages Americans to consider nursing as a profession to support the wellness of our country. Remember to thank a nurse.