The Psychological Implications of Providing Nursing Care within a War Zone
Alan Finnegan
University of Chester
Alan Finnegan PhD RN FRCN is Professor of Nursing & Military Mental Health at the University of Chester in England. He served in the British Army from 1987 to 2015, during which time he deployed to Iraq, the Balkans, South Africa and Afghanistan. His final appointment was as the Ministry of Defence Professor of Nursing. Alan is a committee member of the RCN International Committee, the RCN North West Regional Board, and is the RCN Link Member for Military Veterans. Alan is a Visiting Professor at the University of South Florida, Birmingham City University and the UCLan. In his current role, he is Director of the University of Chester’s Centre for Research & Innovation in Veterans’ Wellbeing and he is an Assistant Editor with Nurse Education Today.
Abstract
Background. Between 2001 and 2014, British, USA and other allied military nurses served in Afghanistan caring for both Service personnel and local nationals of all ages. However, there have been few research studies... [ view full abstract ]
Background. Between 2001 and 2014, British, USA and other allied military nurses served in Afghanistan caring for both Service personnel and local nationals of all ages. However, there have been few research studies assessing the psychological impact of delivering nursing care in a War Zone hospital.
Aim. To explore the challenges and psychological stressors facing military nurses in undertaking their operational role.
Method. A Constructivist Grounded Theory was utilised. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 military nurses at Camp Bastion Hospital, Afghanistan, in June – July 2013.
Findings. Military nurses face prolonged periods of caring for seriously injured poly trauma casualties of all ages, and there are associated distressing psychological effects and prolonged periods of adjustment on returning home. Caring for children was a particular concern. The factors that caused stress, both on deployment and returning home, along with the measures to address these issues can change rapidly in response to the dynamic flux in clinical intensity common within the deployable environment.
Conclusion and Implications. Clinical training, a good command structure, the requirement for rest, recuperation, exercise and diet are important in reducing psychological stress within a War Zone. No formal debriefing model is advocated for clinical staff who appear to want to discuss traumatic incidents as a group and this may contribute to stigma and nurses’ feeling isolated. On returning home, military nurses reported being disconnected from the civilian wards and departments. The study raised the question of who cares for the carers, as participants reported a perception that others felt that they should be able to cope without any emotional issues. It is envisioned that the results are transferable internationally to nurses from other Armed forces and will raise awareness with their civilian colleagues.
Authors
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Alan Finnegan
(University of Chester)
Topic Area
Topics: Caring in Times of Conflict
Session
CTC » Caring in Times of Conflict (15:00 - Wednesday, 9th November, Seminar Room 2.51)
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