U.S. Marine continues to protect our communities as a registered nurse

For Brian Uster, a medical/surgical registered nurse at North Shore University Hospital (NSUH), nursing was the perfect next step after serving as a U.S. Marine.

“I always felt the urge to help others,” says Brian. “That is why I first joined the Marine Corps and volunteered with the Fire Department. Healthcare allows you the opportunity to directly affect other people in a good way.”

Brian served six years in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) as a foreign security force adviser where he helped train and educate foreign militaries while working through interpreters when necessary. He also served as an anti-tank missile-man before being honorably discharged as a Sergeant.

After his service with the Marines, Brian knew that nursing was the next way he could continue to help and protect his community. For Brian, Northwell Health was also the perfect place to pursue this next mission. “I chose Northwell because of the reputation this system has. Northwell has high standards and expects nothing but the best from their employees,” says Brian. “It’s also very veteran friendly. At Northwell, I’ve found a comfortable environment with many different career paths and opportunities.”

And Brian’s experience in the Marines taught him many lessons that he takes with him every day to the hospital. Beyond the reinforcement of the importance of teamwork and commitment, being responsible for creating, managing, and implementing training also provided Brian with leadership skills he uses today as a nurse. But for Brian, one of the most important abilities he gained was the knowledge of how to work in any situation, with anyone. “In the Marines, I learned to work under pressure and in extreme environments,” says Brian. “Working as a foreign security force adviser also taught me how to work with people with all different backgrounds.”

Today, the teamwork Brian experienced in the Marines is something he still feels within his team at NSUH. “I love the environment and the people I work with,” says Brian. “Whenever one of us falls behind, the other nurses help out right away.”

Discover your next mission at Northwell Health. Learn about our commitment to veterans here.