1989 Mary J. Nielubowicz Award winner. Today's role of the Navy nurse.

The ultimate Navy Nurse role would be described as the Nurse Corps officer who is known to be an expert nursing practitioner and simultaneously meeting all role expectations as a naval leader. Unclear or inaccurate expectations regarding the traditional Navy Nurse role may originate from expectations of peers or superiors. Role stress and strain results when role expectations are not or cannot be met, which may lead to loss of commitment and professional values both as an officer and as a nurse. Understanding the complicated dynamics and the many behaviors that contribute to the concept of the Navy Nurse, the role ultimately must be defined by each individual Nurse Corps officer.