The Army Nurse Corps consists of a chief, an assistant chief, and other
commissioned officers that are registered, professional nurses. Nurses provide direct
assistance to individuals, families, or groups in restoring and maintaining health self-
care abilities, or in adjusting to their self-care limitations. This goal is accomplished by
various means, such as teaching, counseling, case-finding, and skilled supportive care.
Nursing is based upon recognized professional standards of practice and has certain
functions for which its practitioners accept responsibility. The nurse may perform these
functions independently or in coordination with other health team members; the nurse
may also delegate these responsibilities to other persons. In Army medical treatment
facilities, the Nursing Department is required to:
a. Define, design, and carry out nursing care systems.
b. Establish specific nursing care technologies, processes and standards, and
develop mechanisms to ensure that these standards are maintained.
c. Collect and evaluate data on patient categories, nursing resources, nurses'
actions, and the outcome of nurses' actions.
d. Forecast and plan for requirements in money, material, and personnel
resources.
e. Coordinate nursing actions with other health care providers.
f. Provide nursing personnel with opportunities for continuing education.
1-10. THE ARMY MEDICAL SPECIALIST CORPS
Figure 1-6. The insignia of the Army Medical Specialist Corps.
The Army Medical Specialist Corps is composed of a Dietitian Section, a
Physical Therapist Section, and an Occupational Therapist Section. It consists of
commissioned officers that are qualified as dietitians, physical therapists, or
occupational therapists. It also includes commissioned officers participating in Army
Medical Specialist Corps professional education programs to become qualified in one of
these three specialties.
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