title: The Synergy Model at work in a military ICU in Iraq.
abstract: The Synergy Model for Patient Care, developed by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), demonstrates that positive patient outcomes are achieved when patient characteristics are matched with nurse competencies. Through the vivid realities in the daily journal of a military ICU nurse taking care of patients in Iraq, a virtual triad learning experience provided academic, clinical, and personal support. This article describes how effective nursing practice, whether providing direct patient care in the United States or in a military ICU in Iraq, must be centered around the needs and characteristics of patients. Acute and critically ill patients in a military ICU in Iraq have unique needs and require nurses with competent skills to help promote optimal outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Tripler Army Medical Center, Surgical Product Line, 1 Jarrett White Road, Honolulu, HI 96859, USA. beth.freyling@us.army.mil
authors.forename: Mary E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Freyling
authors.forename: Karen S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Kesten
authors.forename: Janie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Heath
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D002056:Burns / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003422:Critical Care / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000523:psychology; D004645:Empathy; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006772:Hospitals, Military / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units / Q000458:organization & administration; D054542:Iraq War, 2003-2011; D008888:Military Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016294:Models, Nursing; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D010358:Patient Participation / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013597:Systems Analysis; D013850:Thinking; D035862:Vulnerable Populations / Q000523:psychology