Bridging the Gap for Special Operations Medics Pursuing a Nursing Career When Transitioning Out of the Military
Author
Kaperonis, Kennedy Faith
Access
This item will be available on: 2025-12-01
Abstract
Medic to Nurse: Developing a Pipeline for Special Forces Medics
When transitioning from the military, many factors affect Special Forces medics' transition to a civilian career. Career paths that allow them to transfer their prior training, field experience, and education are limited. This study aimed to understand the factors that may contribute to a more effective bridge for Special Forces medics pursuing a nursing career. Furthermore, we focus on the academic factors that may impede the transition from the military and explore how to make a career in nursing a more realistic and obtainable goal.
This study used a quantitative survey with the addition of two open-ended questions to determine the interest of Special Forces medics in a proposed curriculum when they transition out of the military and what previous training they may have obtained. Using this data and field work to understand Special Forces medic training, this study provides a better understanding of the qualifications these medics have already accomplished, field experience, and previous education they may bring to an academic nursing program. Participants were primarily located on the East Coast of the United States; however, responses were dispersed from across the country. Additionally, several international responses were collected from the United Kingdom, Germany, Niger, and Iraq. No demographic data was collected from participants.
Two major categories developed from the data analysis: Positive Interest in a Civilian Nursing Pathway and Acknowledging Academic and Experiential Preparation. While military medics do not initially consider a career in nursing after military service, the development of programs that acknowledge and value their education and experience greatly enhances considerations for pursuing a nursing career. The findings from this study provide a better understanding of interest, preparedness, and suggestions for future program improvement.
Date
2023-12-04
Citation:
APA:
Kaperonis, Kennedy Faith.
(December 2023).
Bridging the Gap for Special Operations Medics Pursuing a Nursing Career When Transitioning Out of the Military
(Honors Thesis, East Carolina University). Retrieved from the Scholarship.
(http://hdl.handle.net/10342/13329.)
MLA:
Kaperonis, Kennedy Faith.
Bridging the Gap for Special Operations Medics Pursuing a Nursing Career When Transitioning Out of the Military.
Honors Thesis. East Carolina University,
December 2023. The Scholarship.
http://hdl.handle.net/10342/13329.
April 27, 2024.
Chicago:
Kaperonis, Kennedy Faith,
“Bridging the Gap for Special Operations Medics Pursuing a Nursing Career When Transitioning Out of the Military”
(Honors Thesis., East Carolina University,
December 2023).
AMA:
Kaperonis, Kennedy Faith.
Bridging the Gap for Special Operations Medics Pursuing a Nursing Career When Transitioning Out of the Military
[Honors Thesis]. Greenville, NC: East Carolina University;
December 2023.
Collections
Publisher
East Carolina University