Clinical electives in developing countries can improve health through education, organisational support, advocacy, delivery of health services, and support to peers who are often working under great pressure.

Defence nurses form the largest registered specialty in the UK defence medical services. Once qualified, defence nurses maintain and develop their nursing and clinical skills in appropriate healthcare settings, and can be deployed in operational environments such as Afghanistan. Workforce planning and staffing establishment levels are defined to meet the needs of British armed forces, allies and, potentially, local populations. Since the workforce is geographically dispersed, deployed or undertaking non-clinical duties, there are constraints on nurses’ attempts to maintain basic skills and access continuing professional development. This article explores the concept and the developing role of defence nurse lecturers in improving educational support for defence nurses.

This article analyses recent major incidents using a standardised structured approach and is relevant to nurses working in the critical care unit. Information on responding to a major incident is provided, and the need to support staff after an incident, especially critical care personnel, is discussed. The main themes associated with assisting critical care nurses in preparing to deal with a broad range of situations which they may be required to respond to is described and an overview of major incident training for nurses is provided.