NURS 6150 week 8 Discussion Essay
Health Needs of Veterans and Families
“Health advocacy is an individual and collective approach that health professions can use to turn these ideas into generalized realities and to create positive health and social change.” (International Council of Nurses, 2008). Every day, I advocate for the needs of my patients and their families. I believe that as a nurse, when you have compassion and courage instilled in you, it makes it easy to advocate. It is so important that we address the health needs not only of returning veterans but also their families.NURS 6150 week 8 Discussion Essay
There are two major health concerns of returning veterans. The first is their desperate need for mental health services. The second is the health need of clinicians who specialize in counseling returning vets and families with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and other issues that arise.
Addressing Health Issues: Veterans & Families
Currently, “only 53 percent of those with PTSD or major depression sought care, and of those who did seek treatment, half did not receive even minimally adequate services” (Understanding and Supporting Veterans’ Health Needs, (n.d.). I believe mental health of returning veterans is the most significant issue that needs to be dealt with. In order to advocate for this population, I believe that as a nurse I could incorporate individual screening techniques to help raise the awareness and need for mental health counseling before they go into war and when they return. To obtain specific information, I would speak to my grandfather and cousin who are both war veterans. They would be very helpful to talk to due to their first-hand experience with PTSD and how it affected their brothers. Sadly, there is an “unprecedented rate of suicide among this population of military personnel and veterans is also a devastating symptoms of untreated mental health needs of this population” (American Psychological Association. n.d). NURS 6150 week 8 Discussion Essay
In addition, clinicians are not as well educated in this area which was surprising to me to read. “There are a limited number of providers having expertise with working with returning soldiers and family members. Soldiers often feel that civilians do not and cannot understand the stressors experienced by them” (American Psychological Association. n.d). Clinicians need to make it a priority to educate themselves of the stressors that arise with this population. Awareness of PTSD needs to be at the located in out-patient offices and hospitals. Employers need to be educated on how this illness can affect life in general for these individuals. In Martinsburg, West Virginia, we have amazing recourses located at the Hospital of Veterans Affairs. As obviously noted by the name of the facility, the healthcare professionals employed there are readily available to deal directly with this population and their families. I would make times to directly go to the hospital and speak with staff members about how to raise better awareness in regard to the community setting. NURS 6150 week 8 Discussion Essay
With all this in mind, it all adds up to helping those that are in need, and that is what we do daily as floor nurses, home health nurses or outpatient nurses. Florence Nightingale is my hero. She saw the need for change in the environment of the battle front and she went to great lengths to fulfill her need for change. Wherever your passion is, that is where you will advocate the most. Hopefully, with these ideas in mind, we can create a greater awareness for the Veterans and their families.
Reference
International Council of Nurses. (2008). Promoting Health: Advocacy guide for health professions. Retrieved from http://whpa.org/PPE_Advocacy_Guide.pdf
American Psychological Association. (n.d). Retrieved fromhttps://www.apa.org/about/gr/military/mental-health-needs
Understanding and Supporting Veterans’ Health Needs. (n.d). retrieved fromhttp://healthaffairs.org/blog/2010/05/28/understanding-supporting-veterans-health-needs/
NURS 6150 week 8 Discussion Essay