LANDSTUHL, Germany - U.S. Army Spc. Kaiya Hammond at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center is one of 14,000 nurses in the Army. Her day-to-day involves helping some of the newest members of the Army family.
"I want to eventually get my bachelor's degree in nursing and then commission as an officer. I want to further this career but this is a really good start," she said.
Hammond, a Bellingham, Washington native, is a licensed practical nurse. She joins multiple members of her family who have either served in the military or worked in civilian healthcare.
"I always knew that I wanted to be a Soldier or a nurse and when I went and spoke with a recruiter, I found out I could do both. I've always wanted to help people. Most of my family is either medical or military so this way I was able to do both."
The Mother-Baby Unit at LRMC provides family-centered care after delivery where mothers and newborns stay together in their rooms 24 hours a day. "The best part of my job is bathing the babies; they really enjoy that," said Hammond with a smile.
One of the Army's top priorities is readiness and Hammond, like all Soldiers, feels she is doing her part to support that priority.
"For those service members and civilians we help, just knowing that your spouse or significant other is in good hands, makes it easier (for them) to get their mission done."
"What I like most about being an Army nurse is the fast pace." She added "You have to be on your toes and be a quick thinker. Being an Army nurse means I get to help my brothers and sisters in arms in any situation and I get to be a part of something bigger than myself."
Landstuhl Regional Medical Center is part of Regional Health Command Europe, whose mission is to provide Army Health System support to commanders and leaders to enable a ready medical force, a medically ready force, and healthy communities.
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