Knowledge, Attitudes, Confidence, and comfort of Nurses and Nursing Students Caring for Military Veterans and Their Families

Abstract

BackgroundNational initiatives such as ‘Joining Forces’ and the ‘Have you ever served in the military?’ campaign increased awareness of the needs of the military and veteran population. Yet, empirical evidence suggests that nurses and other healthcare providers continue to report insufficient cultural competency, as well as knowledge and awareness of unique healthcare needs to provide optimal care to this population. PurposesThe study purposes were to explore nurses' and nursing students' knowledge, attitudes, confidence, and comfort levels to care for veterans and their family, identify potential factors associated with these outcome measures, and examine the relationships between knowledge, attitudes, confidence, and comfort. MethodA quantitative, cross-sectional study design guided an online survey of 153 respondents. The military and veteran family cultural competency model provided a theoretical foundation. FindingsOverall, the confidence in skills and abilities, and comfort levels on addressing military culture, providing care, and discussing health issues increases as participants' gain knowledge and awareness of the military. Having an immediate family member(s) who served in the military was a significant factor related to confidence. ImplicationsNursing students and nurses in practice need education aimed at addressing the veteran care competencies, specifically military/veteran culture.