Nursing has been a part of the armed forces since time immemorial, with nurses playing a vital role in the care of members of the Navy, Army, Marines, Coast Guard, and Air Force, as well as their families. For many nurses in the military, sincere pride and a great depth and breadth of experience are intrinsic to the life that the armed forces provide.
The Navy Nurse Corps is one way in which nurses serve their country. The website for the Corps states: “The Navy Nurse Corps is comprised of more than 2,500 active duty and reserve nurses in over 20 specialties who provide care or support patient care to our Navy and Marine Corps warfighters, their families, and retirees. Navy nurses are stationed at military medical treatment facilities (MTFs), medical education institutions, clinics, hospitals, and research units both within the United States and at locations around the world. Navy nurses deploy in support of combat operations, disaster relief, and humanitarian assistance missions, providing the best care our nation can offer ashore and afloat.”
A Navy Nurse’s Story
Andrea Petrovanie Greene, RN, MSN, AMB-C, is a Navy nurse who takes great pride in her experience after serving for 30 years and retiring in 2023. She began her healthcare career as a candy striper and became licensed as a practical nurse after graduating from high school.
Petrovanie Greene’s personal decorations include four Meritorious Service Medals, six Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, four Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and other personal and service ribbons. Her husband is a Healthcare Administrator and Captain in the US Navy.
When questioned about her entrance into the Navy Nurse Corps, Ms. Petrovanie Greene responds, “During my undergraduate studies at Wagner College in Staten Island, NY, a fellow nursing student was awarded a scholarship to complete her BSN and introduced me to her recruiter.”
Petrovanie Greene continues, “Following a meeting with the recruiter, I was invited to travel to San Diego to tour the Naval Medical Center at Balboa and the Navy hospital ship USNS Mercy. It was an amazing experience, and revealed to me a golden opportunity to serve our nation. Two weeks later, I applied for a scholarship via the Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program (BDCP) and received my selection notification six months later.
In terms of achieving the rank of Nurse Corps Officer, Petrovanie Greene explains, “As part of the BDCP program, I enlisted in the United States Navy in 1991, and upon completion of my BSN in 1993, I received my commission as an Ensign, Nurse Corps, United States Navy. “
Camaraderie, Belonging, and Pride
There is undoubtedly something special that many members of the armed forces feel about their service, and Petrovanie Greene is no exception.
She shares, “Being a Navy Nurse is special because of the camaraderie which provides a sense of belonging and pride.” She adds, “Training, deployments, and living overseas create unique challenges fostering strong relationships and lifetime friendships. The mantra ‘we are all in this together’ resonates when we have a mission and every person on the team is depending on each other to succeed.”
Regarding travel and relocation, Petrovanie Greene shares, “Depending on the assignment Navy nurses typically relocate every 2-3 years serving within the continental United States, overseas, and onboard ships. There is also Temporary Additional Duty to travel for specialized training, deployments, conferences, and symposiums.”
When it comes to specialization, Petrovanie Greene believes that the opportunities are on par with civilian nursing, and in many cases, advanced education and training are fully funded with a commitment to additional active-duty obligations.
For NPs, Petrovanie Greene explains, “NPs enter the Navy as a Direct Accession or apply for the Duty Under Instruction Program to pursue an MSN/DNP as an FNP, Pediatric NP, Mental Health NP, Acute Care NP, etc.
Describing the Navy Nurse Corps work environment, Petrovanie Greene asserts, “Navy nurses and Navy doctors have a unique relationship different from the civilian world. Often Navy nurses and doctors work and train alongside each other; they may be the same rank, but in some cases the nurse may outrank the doctor. However, when we embrace the ‘One Team, One Fight’ ethos, that doesn’t matter as much as the mission.”
An Avenue into Nursing
Since many individuals seeking a career in nursing struggle with the cost of education, the Navy offers several programs to pay for nursing school.
Petrovanie Greene advises that the Reserve Officer Training Program, Nurse Candidate Program, Seaman to Admiral Program, and the Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program are all entry points, and, upon selection, candidates actually attend civilian schools.
Graduate and doctoral degrees may also be pursued at civilian institutions or at the Uniformed Services University located in Bethesda, Maryland.
Once an individual’s education is complete, she states, “The initial service commitment is a 4-year obligation as an Active Duty Nurse Corps Officer. Depending on the benefits received, this may result in a 5-year obligation.
From Navy to Civilian
Reflecting on translating the Navy Nurse Corps experience into civilian life, Petrovanie Greene encourages those considering their future.
“Navy nurses are equipped with knowledge, skills, and abilities to transition to civilian nursing easily. We’re challenged with leadership opportunities early in our careers, which enhances a smooth transition to civilian nurse leadership positions. Most, if not all that leaves the Navy agree the most difficult part of the transition is missing the sense of camaraderie they’ve left behind.”
For those considering an experience like the Navy Nurse Corps, Petrovanie Greene advises, “For a nurse who’s interested in pursuing a career in the Navy Nurse Corps, do your research, and, if possible, seek out an active duty nurse to interview so that you can determine if it’s truly a good fit.” She concludes, “Navy Nursing offers many opportunities, challenges, and experiences that will last a lifetime.”
- What Is an AGNP? Role and Career Path - April 14, 2026
- Back by Popular Demand: The Nurse as an Agent of Change - November 24, 2025
- When Patient Trust Is Broken - November 3, 2025