Photo By Keisha Frith | The first cohort of Army ROTC nursing cadets, representing universities from across...... read more read more
FORT BRAGG, N.C. – Womack Army Medical Center concluded another successful Nurse Summer Training Program (NSTP), giving 12 Army ROTC cadets a firsthand look at life as an Army Nurse Corps officer.
The program was held in two cohorts of seven and five cadets. Over 28 days, the cadets completed more than 120 hours of clinical practice while paired with an Army Nurse Corps officer preceptor. Rotations included labor and delivery, emergency department, intensive care, medical-surgical, and operating room nursing.
NSTP is designed to develop future Army nurses as they transition from their junior to senior year of nursing school.
"The goal is to give cadets exposure to Army Medicine, specifically Army nursing," said Capt. Carmen Williams, NSTP site coordinator. "They shadow an Army Nurse Corps officer to see what their life will look like when they commission. This is their first real glance at the path they are choosing."
That first glance is intentionally well-rounded, combining bedside care, field training, and leadership development. "The program is an excellent time for cadets to learn what it is to be an Army nurse," said Col. Donald Kimbler, chief nursing officer. "They are taught by experienced nurses who have been in the Army for a while. We teach not only the professional aspects of nursing, but the social professionalism as well. They learn how to be colleagues while they are learning to implement evidence-based practice."
The program culminated with cadet presentations showcasing evidence-based practice projects developed during their rotation.
For many of the cadets, the experience exceeded their civilian clinicals.
"My overall experience with NSTP was great. I've learned more hands-on skills than I did in my own clinicals," said Cadet Emilia Intorrella. "All the nurses and staff were super helpful."
Cadet Valerie Fritz agreed. "I really enjoyed being able to work on the diverse wards," said Fritz. "I did not know what I wanted to specialize in before I came to this program; I have better insight now."
Cadet Gabriella Rosario Marzan said the program was highly practical. Before arriving, he had never started an IV; by graduation, he had started many.
At the second cohort’s graduation ceremony, guest speaker Capt. Ryan Gillenwaters addressed and encouraged the cadets.
"You are not becoming just nurses who happen to wear a uniform, and you are not becoming just officers who happen to work in healthcare. You are becoming Army Nurse Corps officers, and that combination truly matters," said Gillenwaters. "That trust is sacred, and as Army nurses, we earn it twice — through our clinical excellence and through our leadership."
He closed by reminding cadets they are not defined by their mistakes, but by what they do after them.
The Nurse Summer Training Program is a U.S. Army Cadet Command program that places ROTC nursing cadets in Army hospitals worldwide to develop clinical, leadership, and Soldier skills prior to commissioning. Each year, Womack welcomes cadets as the future of the Army Nurse Corps.
| Date Taken: | 08.21.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 08.21.2026 11:36 |
| Story ID: | 572906 |
| Location: | FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 27 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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