“Being in the Navy has afforded me the opportunity as a very junior nurse to be a nursing leader through developing both my bedside and administrative skills. I have been stationed in remote areas of the world where I was the only neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse and had the privilege to serve as the division officer of the first level II NICU to open in the Navy.” ~ Lieutenant Commander Desirae Nicole Pierce, DNP student, U.S. Navy Active Duty, 9 years and 11 months.

“Serving in the military taught me that the best leaders ‘talk and walk’ the fine line of stewarding and nurturing those they work with while inspiring and supporting others to give their best that will contribute to the mission.” ~ Lieutenant Commander Marion E. Broome, PhD, RN, FAAN, dean and Ruby Wilson Professor of Nursing; vice chancellor for Nursing Affairs for Duke University; and associate vice president for Academic Affairs for Nursing for Duke University Health System, Army Nurse Corps, 21 years.

“Military leadership has helped me become more confident and assertive. In addition, I believe finding opportunities for process improvement helped me discover my passion for health informatics and improving the military electronic health record systems in place.” ~ Lyncea Martin, MSN student, U.S. Air Force, 5 years.

“Military nursing not only combines a warrior ethos with the compassionate care of our nation’s wounded, ill and injured, but it also instills self-direction, flexibility and adaptation to constantly changing environments in its nursing leaders. The skills that I have learned in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps have enabled me to be a fearless advocate for the needs of the mental health patients in my care and the initiative and education to translate these abilities back to my students.” ~ Commander Pamela Wall, PhD, RN, PMHNP-BC, FAANP, assistant professor, Retired U.S. Navy, 20 years.

“While I do not personally work in the nursing field, I support the nursing operations for DUSON in information technology. As an Army service woman, I was taught how to assess different personalities and how to change approaches. This has provided me with the knowledge and skills to work with the diverse members of the DUSON community.” ~ Denise Williams, computing facilities specialist, U.S. Army Reserves, 6 years.

“The military has taught me about peer leadership and how to successfully earn respect based on character and not just position. The military has helped me to strive to be a compassionate, hardworking and strong nurse whether it’s in the emergency department, intensive care unit or a makeshift emergency bay in the middle of Afghanistan.” ~ Sarah Coughlin, DNP student and MSN alumna, U.S. Navy, 7.5 years.

“My many years of service with the U.S. Army Nurse Corps in the combat field as well as officer training have contributed to my experience as a faculty member in the nurse anesthesia program and as a great asset to me in my nursing career. I hope to continue passing along some of the valuable knowledge and skills to future certified registered nurse anesthetists and student registered nurse anesthetists.” ~ Michael Neal, MSN, CRNA, clinical associate faculty, U.S. Army Nurse Corps, 8 years.

“As members of the military, we are immediately taught the importance of values such as honor, courage and commitment. These values guide my everyday actions and have influenced my approach to nursing. I’m a better leader, teacher and mentor on my nursing unit because of my military training and experience.” ~ Lilly Hull, MSN student, U.S. Navy Reserve, 9.5 years.