Honoring CYP Nurses on National Nurses Day
On May 6 — National Nurses Day, the Marine Corps recognizes and celebrates the vital contributions of our dedicated Child and Youth Programs (CYP) nurses.
These professionals safeguard the health and well-being of the children and youth in our care, ensuring programs operate within safe, supportive, and development-focused environments that support the diverse needs of 21st century Marine Corps families.
Supporting Health and Wellness in Child and Youth Programs
CYP nurses oversee health support services across Child and Youth Programs. Their responsibilities include:
- Coordinating and delivering specialized health training for program staff.
- Supporting children and youth with complex medical or health needs.
- Equipping caregivers with the knowledge and skills to respond to health concerns.
- Ensuring safe health practices across all program settings.
Through comprehensive training and guidance, CYP nurses strengthen staff capacity to provide high-quality care for every child.
Educating Providers, Families, and Communities
Beyond staff training, CYP nurses play a key role in educating:
- Providers
- Volunteers
- Parents and families
Their expertise promotes awareness around health-related topics and builds a community of informed caregivers who support the holistic development of children and youth.
By sharing guidance and best practices, they help strengthen overall program safety and family engagement.
Maintaining Health and Safety Standards
A critical part of the CYP nurse role is ensuring programs meet established health and sanitation standards.
They support:
- Child Development Centers
- School Age Care Programs
- Youth and Teen Programs
- Family Child Care Homes
Their oversight helps maintain clean, safe, and compliant environments for military children and families.
Collaboration Across the Installation
Child and Youth Program nurses serve as the primary liaison between child and youth programs and the installation community health nurse.
They collaborate with:
- Trainers
- Environmental health professionals
- Schools
- Physicians
- Medical and support staff
This coordinated approach ensures effective communication and comprehensive health support services for every child in care.
Thank You to Our CYP Nurses
On National Nurses Day, the Marine Corps extends sincere gratitude to our Child and Youth Programs nurses for their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.
Their service protects the health of military children and strengthens readiness by supporting families across the installation.