title: A history of volunteerism and patriotism in the Army Nurse Corps.
abstract: This historical study examines the motivation to serve demonstrated by Army nurses from colonial times to the Vietnam War era. It characterizes this motivation as being predominantly patriotic and voluntary in nature as opposed to being prompted by mandatory conscription. The analysis also focuses on procurement methods aimed at obtaining nursing support that have been employed by the army throughout its 210-year history. Additionally, this study proposes that army nurses' volunteerism is in no way diminished by inducements and benefits. Finally, it suggests that adequate military nursepower might be achieved in the future without resorting to a national policy of conscription.
authors.forename: M T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Sarnecky
mesh_terms: D000533:Altruism; D005260:Female; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D008888:Military Nursing / Q000266:history*; D014481:United States