For Sergeant First Class Milika Slaughter, U.S. Army, the path to nursing wasn't a discovery; it was a deep-seated calling confirmed in the most challenging environments. After years dedicated to military service, Slaughter, a student in the Veteran Bachelor of Science in Nursing (VBSN) program and on track to graduate in Fall 2026, is channeling her extensive experience toward a new mission: advancing women’s health and reducing maternal mortality rates.
A Heart for Healing: The Call to Nursing
Slaughter’s passion for healthcare was cemented the moment she first stepped into a field hospital as an Army combat medic. “Caring for soldiers in challenging conditions showed me how powerful compassion coupled with skill can be,” Slaughter shares. This experience solidified her desire to pursue a profession that perfectly balances the precision of science with the essential element of humanity. Earning her BSN, a dream she has carried since joining the military, is now close to becoming a reality.
When selecting a graduate institution, Slaughter chose GW Nursing due to its strong reputation for academic excellence. The decision was further reinforced by the respect she holds for several military leaders who are also GW alumni, demonstrating the school's ability to forge high-impact professionals.
Military Precision: Skills That Seamlessly Translate
Slaughter’s military career, which included roles as a combat medic and a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the Army, equipped her with foundational skills that have translated seamlessly into the rigors of nursing school.
“The military instilled in me adaptability, effective communication, and a team-oriented mindset,” she notes.
Her confidence in clinical settings comes directly from her experience caring for soldiers and their families under pressure. This robust background allowed her to transition smoothly into the fast-paced and demanding clinical aspect of the program.
However, even with extensive experience, Slaughter learned the necessity of academic humility. Her "a-ha" moment came from a veteran faculty member, Dr. Catherine Cox, who wisely advised, “Do not let your military experience allow you to feel there is no need to study.” This motivated Slaughter to approach every course with the same dedication and intensity she once brought to her military duties; and ultimately led her to achieve straight A’s throughout the program.
Slaughter has found great success in the VBSN program, particularly appreciating the strong sense of community fostered by the cohort. She enjoys witnessing students encouraging one another, advocating, and lifting each other up.
From Combat to Childbirth: A Meaningful Shift
After years of training to save soldiers’ lives in combat, Slaughter is now drawn to the opposite end of the spectrum: Women’s Health and Midwifery.
“I’m drawn to a field that represents the other side of the spectrum, bringing new life into the world,” she explains. The profound contrast between the high-stakes environment of combat and the joyful experience of childbirth is deeply meaningful to her.
This area of nursing allows her to support women and families during what is, most often, the most celebratory time of their lives. Providing medical care and reassurance during that transformative period gives her a profound sense of fulfillment. Her inner drive, which pushes her to continually learn and bring her best self to every interaction, aligns perfectly with the compassionate, continuous care required in women’s health.
Leading the Charge for Equitable Maternal Care
Slaughter’s focus is not just on bedside care; it is on systemic change. She plans to help revolutionize healthcare by making a meaningful, lasting impact on one of the nation's most urgent public health crises: maternal mortality rates in the United States.
This issue, which disproportionately affects women of color, is both urgent and deeply personal to her. Slaughter is motivated by the belief that every woman deserves safe and equitable care during pregnancy and childbirth.
Whether she is working at the bedside as a nurse or eventually leading a birthing center, Slaughter intends to be part of the movement that closes gaps in maternal health. By combining her military-honed leadership skills and unwavering commitment to service with advanced nursing expertise, SFC Slaughter is preparing to serve her community in a way that truly brings new life and new hope.