Most military veterans adjust to civilian life successfully, but some may experience challenges related to their life before enlistment, their military service and/or their transition back to civilian life. These challenges can result in the development of mental health issues, including alcohol-related harm. Despite significant investment in veteran-specific healthcare services, some veterans delay or avoid accessing support for alcohol-related issues for various reasons related to military culture, perceptions of stigma and feelings of shame. Nurses are well placed to assist veterans to access support and/or to support their recovery by providing culturally competent compassionate care and interventions. This article provides an overview of alcohol use among veterans and explains some of the barriers to seeking treatment and support. The authors discuss concepts of self-compassion and consider how nurses can use a culturally competent compassionate approach to assist veterans to develop self-compassion through concepts that are acceptable to them. The authors also consider how nurses can enhance their cultural competence in this context through education and training.