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 Peer reviewThis article has been subject to double blind peer review
Received: 20 June 2014
Accepted: 20 January 2015
or
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