The Army Nurse Corps: Celebrating Over 115 Years

By U.S. ArmyJanuary 28, 2016

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FORT LEE, Va. (Jan. 28, 2016) -- For more than 115 years, the Army Nurse Corps has cared for the men and women serving during war and peace. In February, the corps will celebrate its anniversary and the nurses who serve. The theme for this year's observation is "Leading from where you are."

Without the service of these dedicated nurses, including the 11 serving here at Kenner Army Health Clinic, the Army would not be the Army it is today, said Lt. Col. Tammy K. Mayer, deputy commander for patient services.

"On Feb. 2, the Army Nurse Corps and KAHC will celebrate more than a century of service, dating back to 1901 when the Army officially recognized the Nurse Corps," she said. "Their motto 'Embrace the Past -- Engage the Present -- Envision the Future' is what keeps the Nurse Corps moving to serve America's sons and daughters and their families."

The Nurse Corps' robust and influential history includes nurses serving in the Army by consoling, providing care and promoting the healing of wounded Soldiers in every conflict since the Revolutionary War, said Mayer.

"Although they were nurses, their duties were much different and evolved over the years to what the corps looks like today," she said. "The Army Nurse Corps is deeply rooted in preserving the strength of our nation by instilling trust and providing compassionate care."

Its long tradition of caring for service members is acknowledged in their many involvements from World War I to current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, said Mayer.

"Nurses choose this field for a plethora of reasons. Whether providing warm smiles, a reassuring hug, research dissertations advocating for the newest medical practices or the comforting of a family member who has just lost their loved one? -- Army nurses are at the forefront," she said.

Capt. Laura Cackley, Mosier Troop Medical Clinic's clinic nurse officer in charge, said she knew she wanted to be a nurse during her initial enlistment in the Army.

"I got out, went to college to become a registered nurse with the intention of returning to serve in the Army," Cackley said. "I love being a Soldier and taking care of people. Nursing is a perfect fit for me to combine my love for providing patient care and serving my country."

Keeping with the strong tradition of putting the patient first, the Army Nurse Corps has implemented the Patient Caring Touch System. This program is designed to adopt clinical best practices in order to improve the quality of care provided to the patients and their families.

PCTS is founded on five pillars: enhanced communication, patient advocacy, health work environments, evidenced-based practices and capability building. These five mainstays support and facilitate standardized medical documentation, peer edification, leadership development, skill building, all conclusive patient care, and tangible performance improvement goals; all while keeping the patient at the center.

"The Army Nurse Corps strives to encompass its care around patients making them the focal point and an integral partner in the health care team," Mayer said.

"The Nurse Corps holds true to its values, mission and vision," she added.