My experience as a Navy nurse
ON TUESDAY, November 11, 2025, the nation celebrates Veterans Day. This annual federal holiday honors military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. It coincides with holidays in several countries, including Armistice (truce) Day and Remembrance Day, which also occur on the anniversary of the end of World War I. Major hostilities of World War I formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. At the urging of major U.S. veteran organizations, Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.
As a veteran of the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps, I find special meaning in Veterans Day and several family members have also served, including my dad, an Army paratrooper during World War II. Through the eyes of those I loved, I understood the experience of serving in the military: long days, special assignments, getting to know colleagues from around the world, and the lifelong pride of serving I recognize that the Navy’s goal to create a “well-rounded sailor” stems from the core values of honor, courage, and commitment—values that easily cross into the nursing profession. I attribute my quick ascent into nursing leadership at a young age to the Navy’s leadership development path, beginning with Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Newport, Rhode Island. This 13-week program transforms college graduates into commissioned Naval officers. The intense program combines physical, mental, and academic training, including subjects like naval history, navigation, and damage control, to develop leadership skills and military bearing in candidates. I laugh when I think about the Marine Gunnery Seargent who taught my class how to march and what he must have thought of us on the first day. Yet, I’ll never forget his professionalism and commitment to us. His discipline and dedication served as a model that continues to influence me.
All nurses can have an impact on veterans. The American Academy of Nursing launched the “Have Your Ever Served” initiative (haveyoueverserved.com), giving clinicians important resources to use when caring for veterans. We begin by asking, “Have you or has someone close to you ever served in the military?”
In 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the United States had 15.8 million veterans. This figure represents about 6% of the nation’s adult population. No matter where you practice, you’ll likely care for a veteran.
To all of my nursing colleagues, thank you for all you do every day in every way. Incorporate the question “Have you ever served?” into your daily interactions with patients. To all of my veteran colleagues, thank you for your service. I’m proud to call you veteran.
Lillee Gelinas, DNP, RN, CPPS, FAAN
Editor-in-Chief
Reference
U.S. Census Bureau. Veterans Day 2024: November 11. October 16, 2024. census.gov/newsroom/facts-for-features/2024/veterans-day.htmlbit.ly/3qFji4f
American Nurse Journal. 2025; 20(11). Doi: 10.51256/ANJ112504
