title: Experiences of military nurses in Iraq and Afghanistan.
abstract: 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.
authors: Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO), Zimbabwe.
authors: Louisa Jane
authors: LJ
authors: Kenward
authors: Gary
authors: G
authors: Kenward
mesh_terms: D055826:Afghan Campaign 2001-; D006801:Humans; D054542:Iraq War, 2003-2011; D008016:Life Change Events; D008888:Military Nursing / Q000639:trends*; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: Afghanistan; Iraq; coping strategies; deployment; experience of conflict; literature review; military nursing; polytrauma