Medical Surgical Nurse Self-perceived Competency in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder/Substance Use Disorder Veteran Care in a Non-Veterans Health Administration Setting.

Abstract

This study evaluated the self-perceived readiness of medical-surgical nurses in a non-Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facility to care for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD). Nurses caring for veterans with PTSD and SUD at facilities other than the VHA should be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to provide care for this population. Nurses evaluated their self-perceived knowledge, skills, attitudes, experiences, and perspectives related to caring for veterans. Nurses overwhelmingly indicated that they had no knowledge of the "Have you served?" campaign, and fewer than half inquired about military status when assessing patients CONCLUSION: Nurses caring for veterans in non-VHA facilities do not consistently identify veterans or assess for service-related conditions, including PTSD and SUD. Nurses report low skill levels related to identifying, addressing, and referring patients with service-related conditions.