Registered Nurses (R.N.s) in the Department of National Defence provide direct patient care and clinical expertise to Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans, and eligible civilians across Canada and internationally. Working in military medical facilities, field hospitals, ships, and remote locations, R.N.s assess patient conditions, develop and implement care plans, administer medications and treatments, and coordinate with other health care professionals to ensure quality care in both routine and emergency situations. You will apply evidence-based nursing practice in diverse settings, from peacetime operations to humanitarian missions and disaster response, making a direct impact on the health and readiness of those who serve Canada.
Key Responsibilities
Provide nursing services to clients and patients, Assess needs and develop treatment or service plans, Maintain accurate clinical and case records, Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver care
Required Skills
Clinical skills, Patient/client assessment, Empathy and communication, Record-keeping, Interdisciplinary collaboration, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
To qualify as a Registered Nurse with DND, you must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.Sc.N.) or equivalent from a recognized Canadian university. You must be registered and in good standing with your provincial or territorial nursing regulatory body (such as the College of Nurses of Ontario or equivalent). Current First Aid/CPR certification and additional certifications in areas such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), or Critical Care may be required or preferred depending on the specific posting. DND supports ongoing professional development through access to continuing education, specialty nursing certifications, and opportunities to advance clinical skills through exposure to diverse patient populations and medical scenarios. Military-specific training in field nursing, trauma care, and operational medicine is provided upon hiring.
Entry Plans
Positions for Registered Nurses are advertised through the Government of Canada's official job board (jobs.gc.ca) and the DND civilian careers website. Entry typically occurs through open, advertised competitions where you must demonstrate your nursing credentials, clinical experience, and fit with DND's mission and values. Some positions may be filled through lateral moves from other federal departments or through priority hiring lists. Recent nursing graduates and those early in their careers are encouraged to apply, as DND values both experienced nurses and those ready to develop expertise in military health care settings. You may also be considered for casual or term positions that can lead to permanent employment. All positions require security clearance eligibility and Canadian citizenship or permanent residency.
Part-Time Options
Registered Nurse positions at DND are primarily full-time, reflecting the 24/7 nature of health care delivery in military settings. However, depending on the facility and operational requirements, some part-time and casual opportunities may be available, particularly in administrative or non-clinical nursing roles. Flexible scheduling and shift rotation are common features of nursing work in DND, with options for day, evening, and night shifts. Remote work is generally not applicable to clinical nursing roles that require direct patient interaction, though some administrative or specialized positions may offer limited remote options. Work-life balance initiatives and employee wellness programs are available to support nursing staff managing the demands of health care delivery in a military environment.
