Experiences of military nurses in Iraq and Afghanistan
Intended for healthcare professionals
Art & Science Previous     Next

Experiences of military nurses in Iraq and Afghanistan

Louisa Jane Kenward Volunteer, Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO), Zimbabwe
Gary Kenward Nursing officer, Army Medical Directorate, Camberley, England

Since 2001 military nurses have successfully supported military operations in deployed field hospitals in both Iraq and Afghanistan. These deployments have presented unique challenges for military nurses. This article reviews the literature on the experience of nurses during these deployments and, using a thematic analysis approach, aims to understand their experience. The results provide an insight into the lives of military nurses who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and highlight some of the coping strategies adopted by nurses in conflict situations. The discussion outlines the key themes and, using excerpts from the literature, explores the challenges and coping strategies used.

Nursing Standard. 29, 32, 34-39. doi: 10.7748/ns.29.32.34.e9248

Correspondence

garykenward@hotmail.com

Peer review

This article has been subject to double blind peer review

Received: 20 June 2014

Accepted: 20 January 2015

Your organisation does not have access to this article
Recommend to your librarian
RCNi-Plus
Already have access? Log in

OR

3-month trial offer for �5.25/month

Subscribe today and save 50% on your first three months
RCNi Plus users have full access to the following benefits:
  • Unlimited access to all 10 RCNi Journals
  • RCNi Learning featuring over 175 modules to easily earn CPD time
  • NMC-compliant RCNi Revalidation Portfolio to stay on track with your progress
  • Personalised newsletters tailored to your interests
  • A customisable dashboard with over 200 topics
Subscribe

Alternatively, you can purchase access to this article for the next seven days. Buy now


Are you a student? Our student subscription has content especially for you.
Find out more