Bridging the Gap for Special Operations Medics Pursuing a Nursing Career When Transitioning Out of the Military

Simple item page
dc.access.optionRestricted Campus Access Only
dc.contributor.advisorForbes, Thompson
dc.contributor.authorKaperonis, Kennedy Faith
dc.contributor.departmentNursing
dc.date.accessioned2024-02-16T17:02:01Z
dc.date.created2023-12
dc.date.issued2023-12-04
dc.date.submittedDecember 2023
dc.date.updated2024-02-05T19:58:45Z
dc.degree.departmentNursing
dc.degree.disciplineNursing
dc.degree.grantorEast Carolina University
dc.degree.levelUndergraduate
dc.degree.nameBS
dc.description.abstractMedic 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.
dc.embargo.lift2025-12-01
dc.embargo.terms2025-12-01
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdf
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10342/13329
dc.publisherEast Carolina University
dc.subjectNursing education, Military medic, Military transitions
dc.titleBridging the Gap for Special Operations Medics Pursuing a Nursing Career When Transitioning Out of the Military
dc.typeHonors Thesis
dc.type.materialtext

Files

Collections

Honors College