are expected to observe the normal rules of military courtesy and discipline and to
participate in the cleaning and maintenance of the ward commensurate with their rank
and physical condition. They may also be assigned to work details under the
supervision of hospital personnel. Disciplinary problems are not uncommon among
these patients who often feel quite well) but are restricted in their freedom of movement
by being hospitalized.
b. In civilian health care facilities, private or semiprivate accommodations are
the rule rather than the exception. Such is not the case in a military MTF. Most military
patients are provided ward-type accommodations. The limited numbers of private and
semi-private rooms are assigned on the basis of rank and medical necessity.
c. Professional personnel in military MTFs have greater responsibility, authority,
and autonomy than their civilian counterparts.
(1) Medical Corps officers may be designated ward officers, giving them
overall responsibility for the management of units including disciplinary authority.
Although the clinical head nurse and the ward master actually perform the direct
supervisory tasks, the ward officer is responsible for the overall operation of the patient
care unit.
(2) The registered nurse in an Army hospital has greater freedom of action
than her civilian counterpart in initiating procedures without the order of a physician.
Likewise, the Army nurse does not hesitate to make suggestions to or question the ward
officer concerning matters in which the nurse is more knowledgeable.
(3) Many of the enlisted nursing personnel perform independently without
supervision. They are frequently the only nursing service personnel assigned to troop
medical clinics.
3-44. SUMMARY
a. The AN Corps consists of commissioned officers that are qualified registered
professional nurses.
b. The AN Corps provides nursing services that are essential to maintain the
health of the Army and to conserve its fighting strength.
c. The duties performed by members of the AN Corps include those duties
pertaining to direct professional nursing practices, to administration of the Corps, to
command of the nursing branch and persons placed in their charge, and to technical
control of personnel engaged in Army nursing services. Army nurses also serve where
needed in other capacities (community health nurse, nursing methods analyst, nurse
procurement officer, and so forth).
MD0004
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