NURSE CORPS OFFICER (2900)
The Staff Corps community of every U.S. Navy registered nurse.
OVERVIEW
The 2900 Nurse Corps designator identifies Staff Corps officers in the U.S. Navy who are licensed registered nurses (RN). Navy Nurse Corps officers serve as staff nurses, charge nurses, advanced-practice nurses (nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists), nurse anesthetists, and nurse executives at Navy hospitals, military treatment facilities, ships, expeditionary medical units, and Joint or Defense Health Agency commands worldwide.
Nurse Corps officers commission via direct accession after completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), via the Health Services Collegiate Program (HSCP), or via the Nurse Candidate Program (NCP). Many subsequently complete master's and doctoral training to become advanced-practice nurses or nurse anesthetists.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide direct nursing care to Sailors, Marines, and beneficiaries
- Lead a clinical nursing department or unit at a Navy hospital or operational unit
- Serve as advanced-practice nurse, nurse practitioner, or nurse anesthetist
- Direct casualty receiving and operational nursing aboard hospital ships and expeditionary units
HISTORY
The U.S. Navy Nurse Corps was established by Congress on May 13, 1908, with the appointment of the original "Sacred Twenty" — twenty pioneering women who became the first female members of the U.S. Navy. The Nurse Corps remained an all-female community until 1965, when men were authorized to serve as Navy nurses.
Navy Nurse Corps officers have served with distinction in every U.S. conflict since the Spanish-American War, including aboard hospital ships, at expeditionary medical facilities, and at fixed Navy hospitals worldwide.
COMMISSIONING SOURCES
- Direct Accession (BSN graduates)
- Nurse Candidate Program (NCP)
- Health Services Collegiate Program (HSCP)
TRAINING PIPELINE
- 1. Officer Development School (ODS)~5 weeksNaval Station Newport, RIDirect-commission officer indoctrination.
- 2. New Nurse Indoctrination~4 weeksNMC Portsmouth / NMC San DiegoNavy-specific nursing orientation prior to first staff-nurse tour.
- 3. Advanced-Practice Nursing or CRNA Training24–36 monthsUniformed Services University / Civilian AffiliationOptional master's or doctoral preparation as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist.
TYPICAL CAREER PATH
- O-1/O-2ODS + first nursing tourOfficer Development School followed by first staff-nurse tour at a Navy hospital.
- O-3Mid-grade Clinical TourCharge Nurse, advanced-practice nursing, or operational nursing tour.
- O-4Department HeadDepartment-level leadership at a Navy hospital or clinic.
- O-5Director of NursingDirector of Nursing Services at a Navy hospital or major operational unit.
- O-6Hospital Commanding Officer / Major CommandCommand of a Navy clinic, hospital, or major Navy Medicine staff role.
RELATED DESIGNATORS
RELATED BASES
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program
- Active state RN license
- Successful completion of Officer Development School (ODS)
- Maintain Secret clearance and operational medical fitness
- Staff Nurse at a Naval Medical Center (Portsmouth, San Diego, Bethesda)
- Charge Nurse on a Navy hospital ship (USNS Mercy or USNS Comfort)
- Nurse Anesthetist or Nurse Practitioner at a Navy clinic or hospital
- Operational Nursing Officer with a Marine Expeditionary Force or Fleet Surgical Team