VETERAN-CENTERED CARE CONTENT IN THE UNDERGRADUATE NURSING CURRICULUM: RESPONDING TO OUR JOINING FORCES COMMITMENT

Abstract

The consequences of war can drastically alter the lives and well-being of veterans and their families in physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual ways that are seen and unseen. Nurses and other health care providers often lack the veteran-specific clinical and culturally sensitive knowledge needed to ensure quality care and positive outcomes for this population, that too often leave veterans frustrated and resistant to seeking much needed health care. Therefore, it is pertinent to integrate this knowledge into an existing nursing curriculum. To integrate the knowledge into an existing curriculum so future nurses can be competent in their care to veterans and their families, East Carolina University’s College of Nursing has committed to Joining Forces: a national campaign in support of active and retuning military members, veterans, and their families (Cacchione, 2012, p.248). The purpose of this narrative literature review is to explore the importance of veteran-centered care and why it should be incorporated into nursing curricula. This research paper will discuss the unique healthcare needs of veterans and the challenges they face, as well as interventions to help support military families and children.