Nurses and the Draft: What Would Really Happen in a National Emergency?
As nurses, we know what it means to care for others—often under pressure, sometimes with limited resources, and always with compassion. But have you ever wondered what it would be like to be called up for military service, not by choice, but by draft? Here’s a look at our shared history, and why—thankfully—we’ve never faced a civilian nurse draft in the U.S.
Our Early Days: From Necessity to Recognition
In America’s early wars, like the Revolution and the War of 1812, there was no formal nursing corps. Women—many of them just like us, ordinary people caring for loved ones—stepped up to tend to the sick and wounded. They did everything from changing bandages to cooking meals, all while facing the horrors of war up close. It wasn’t until the Civil War that nursing became more organized, thanks to leaders like Clara Barton, who later founded the American Red Cross.
World War I: Proving Our Worth
By World War I, the military recognized how much they needed us. Over 20,000 nurses served in the Army and Navy Nurse Corps, often working near the front lines under terrible conditions. They faced disease, exhaustion, and even enemy fire—yet they kept going, saving countless lives. Still, many served without the rank or recognition they deserved.
World War II: Rising to the Challenge
World War II was a turning point. More than 59,000 nurses served, working in field hospitals, on hospital ships, and even as flight nurses. The war brought nurses closer to combat than ever before, and the work was grueling. Training became more rigorous, and nurses had to learn new skills on the fly. African-American nurses faced segregation and were often denied the same opportunities as their white colleagues, but their contributions were just as vital.
The Draft: A Close Call, But Never a Reality
During World War II, the government considered drafting nurses because of severe shortages. There were even bills introduced in Congress to make it happen. But thanks to strong recruitment campaigns and the dedication of nurses who volunteered, a draft was never needed. To this day, civilian nurses in the U.S. have never been formally drafted. In some other countries, nurses have been subject to compulsory service, but here, our service has always been voluntary.
Medical Draft in Standby: The Health Care Personnel Delivery System (HCPDS)
While the United States has never implemented a civilian nurse draft, the government has developed contingency plans to ensure the nation is prepared for the unexpected. The Health Care Personnel Delivery System (HCPDS), overseen by the Selective Service System, stands ready in standby mode to rapidly register and potentially draft doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals in the event of a severe national emergency—should Congress and the President authorize it.
If activated, this system could call upon nurses of both genders between certain ages to support military and civilian medical needs, emphasizing the vital role nurses play in national preparedness. For now, however, this plan remains dormant, with no medical draft in effect for nurses.
@tribenursing Replying to @qdpie🖤 Be prepared for the medical Draft #nursetok #nursetiktok #nurselife #nurse #nursesoftiktok #nursingstudent #fypシ #nursing ♬ original sound - Moe | ER Nurse
@bigtom856 Stop the fear mongering! Nurses aren’t getting drafted to the war in Iran. #nursesoftiktok #traumanurse #ernurse #nurseproblems #war #propoganda #nurselife #nursesoftiktok #nursetiktok #fyp #viral #bsn ♬ original sound - Bigtom856
No Selective Service Registration for Women
It’s important to note that, under current U.S. law, only men are required to register for the Selective Service System—the agency that would manage a military draft if one were ever reinstated. Women are not required to register, and for that to change, Congress would have to pass new legislation. This means that even in a national emergency, women—including civilian nurses—would not be subject to Selective Service registration or a military draft unless Congress acts to change the law.
If Conflict Came Home: How War on U.S. Soil Would Impact Civilian Nurses
Let’s imagine for a moment that a major conflict broke out right here in the United States—something none of us want to see, but something history tells us we need to consider. How would that impact civilian nurses like us?
First, the sheer scale of need would be overwhelming. Unlike overseas deployments, where military nurses are the first line of care for wounded soldiers, a war on U.S. soil would mean that civilian hospitals, clinics, and even makeshift facilities would become primary care centers for both military and civilian casualties. We would likely be called upon to care for not just soldiers, but also civilians caught in the crossfire—men, women, and children of all ages and backgrounds.
The challenges would be immense. Hospitals would quickly become overcrowded, supplies could run short, and the types of injuries we’d see—from shrapnel wounds to burns and trauma—would be more severe and complex than what most of us are used to handling in peacetime. The emotional toll would be heavy, too. We’d be caring for our own communities, our neighbors, maybe even our friends and family.
Historically, in times of crisis—like the Civil War, when many women with no medical training stepped up to serve as nurses—civilian health workers have been thrust into roles they never expected. We’d be asked to adapt quickly, to learn new skills, and to work longer hours under extreme stress. Burnout, post-traumatic stress, and professional disillusionment would be real risks, just as they have been for nurses in other conflicts.
And while we’ve never been formally drafted in the U.S., a war on our own soil would almost certainly lead to a surge in volunteers and possibly even calls for mandatory service if the need became dire enough. The government might ask us to report to certain hospitals, to provide care in emergency shelters, or to support military medical teams.
A conflict on our own soil would test nurses in ways few can imagine, layering new challenges on top of those we already face. Even now, many of us are still recovering from the physical and emotional exhaustion of the pandemic—burned out, overwhelmed, and stretched thin. Yet history reminds us that nurses have always risen to the occasion, no matter the crisis. If called upon again, most would likely be there—on the front lines of care, easing suffering, saving lives, and holding our communities together, just as we have throughout history
From the battlefields of the Revolution to the front lines of today, nurses have been there—caring, healing, and making a difference. We’ve never been drafted, but we’ve always answered the call. That’s something to be proud of.
🤔 What do you think about this? Let us know in the discussion forum below.
If you have a nursing news story that deserves to be heard, we want to amplify it to our massive community of millions of nurses! Get your story in front of Nurse.org Editors now - click here to fill out our quick submission form today!
