The Nursing Profession in Jordan: Military Nurses Leading the Way

Abstract

Military nurses have a remarkable role in leadership and policy influence in health and nursing. This role is an integral part of their efforts and contribution to strengthen the nursing profession and increase professional autonomy. This article discusses contributions of military nurses to enhance and influence nursing profession in Jordan. Military nurses’ contributions are evident in the improved image and status of nursing profession in Jordan as a result of their unique efforts to invest in the nursing workforce by providing leadership to improve health outcomes. We offer an overview of the nursing profession and describe the journey of military nursing in Jordan, informed by a focus group discussion conducted with 12 retired military nurse leaders. Three themes emerged from this discussion: enhancement of strong nursing leadership, policy, and decision making; investment in nursing education; and investment in the nursing workforce and practice. Current challenges of military nursing to maintain the legacy of military nursing in Jordan were identified. Ideas for the way forward are discussed to further strengthen the nursing profession in the military sector with some reflection about the national level. In conclusion, retired nurse leaders emphasized the need for more advocacy and active engagement of nurses at the policy and decision making levels in both health and non-health sectors.