Two systems—healthcare and the military—depend on the same fundamentals: precision, adaptability, and sacrifice. Lawrence Technological University’s College of Health Sciences is pursuing military partnerships to develop additional nursing pathways into the military.
The college hopes to launch a registered nurse program supported by the GI Bill for service members. The partnership will provide nursing students with specialized training in veteran care, hands-on military clinical experience, and career connections, while also advancing veteran-focused research and community outreach. It will reinforce the importance of compassionate care in nursing, as students learn to address the physical and emotional needs of those who have served in the military and cultivate leadership, adaptability, and cultural competence in diverse healthcare settings.
“Our Relationship-Based Care model trains students from day one to care and effectively communicate with patients. This approach is integrated throughout the program to ensure graduates provide exceptional, patient-centered care at every nursing level,” Jacqueline Moody, Ph.D., RN, ACNS-BC, and an assistant professor of nursing, said. Moody was a major in the military and specialized in emergency nursing. “Healthcare delivery [in the military] was a team effort. We worked to the fullest scope and cared for all those in need. We trained for all experiences and communicated clearly,” Margaret Glembocki, DNP, RN, ACNP-BC, CSC, SANE-A, FAANP, and co-director of nursing and associate professor, added. Glembocki was a critical care nurse and a captain in the Army Reserves.
Military and healthcare systems are fundamentally interconnected, with entire hospitals being set up on bases with medical teams deployed alongside combat units. Military service instills values of teamwork, resilience, and a commitment to duty, fostering a strong sense of responsibility to care for others in both combat and civilian life. Similarly, healthcare providers deliver high-quality care in both critical and everyday settings, emphasizing preventative measures and prompt treatment.
Military nursing has often been an afterthought. There is a growing need for nurses in the military to take care of those who are severely injured and provide therapeutic communication. Mary C. Schutten, PED, founding dean of the college, said, “Such partnerships enrich educational experiences, improve healthcare delivery, and contribute positively to the well-being of military personnel and veterans.” Schutten hopes to create a robust pipeline of compassionate healthcare professionals equipped to serve the unique needs of the military community and expand the compassionate care model.
The partnership is in the beginning stages and would allow LTU nursing students to bring their Relationship-Based Care model into the military while also addressing the specific healthcare needs of military personnel and veterans.
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By: Nurzahan Rahman
