“Nursing is more than just a job,” said Dr. Kristen Atterbury, the chief nursing officer at the Defense Health Agency (DHA), during the National Nurses Week celebration. “It’s all about service, compassion, and resilience.”
Dr. Atterbury praised the incredible role of nurses in the Military Health System during National Nurses Week, observed from May 6 to 12, 2026. The theme this year was “The Power of Nurses.” She highlighted how nurses show strength and leadership, especially during tough times. They care for people when they’re most vulnerable.
In the DHA, over 23,000 military and civilian nurses work in hospitals and clinics. They cover different specialties in both inpatient and outpatient settings. These nurses are dedicated to providing patient-centered care, which is essential for keeping military forces healthy and ready.
“Nurses are among the most trusted professionals,” Atterbury remarked. This trust comes from their commitment to ethics and integrity. Nurses help support those who serve our nation, contributing to a community of care that honors their bravery.
In line with the DHA’s mission to keep service members healthy and ready for duty, Atterbury emphasized how crucial nursing is to the healthcare system. “What we do is vital for our warfighters and their families,” she said.
During the celebration, the DHA Nursing Awards recognized outstanding contributions from military and civilian nurses. These awards honored excellence in areas like patient care, innovation, and safety. Four exceptional nurses were celebrated for their impact on patient care, staff resilience, and medical readiness:
- Evidence-Based Practice: Cmdr. Emily Latimer from Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune
- Healthy Work Environment: Hazel Salalila from Naval Medical Center San Diego
- Patient Care/Healthcare Delivery: Maj. Melissa Gigl from Goodfellow Medical Group
- Safety and Quality: Lt. Cmdr. Savannah Nguyen from Naval Medical Center San Diego
Nursing in the military has a rich history. From wartime needs to becoming an integral part of military medicine, nurses have constantly evolved. According to a recent study by the American Nurses Association, nearly 80% of Americans trust nurses more than any other profession. This trust is especially high among veterans and their families, who often share their experiences on social media, praising nurses for their compassion and expertise.
For more information on military nursing history, check out this interactive timeline. To see how nursing roles have changed over time, visit this overview of nursing’s evolution.
