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Canadian military transitioning to civilian life: a discussion paper
Author(s) -
RAY S. L.,
HEASLIP K.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of psychiatric and mental health nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.69
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1365-2850
pISSN - 1351-0126
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2850.2010.01652.x
Subject(s) - workforce , nursing , context (archaeology) , mental health , psychological intervention , interpersonal communication , psychology , medicine , political science , psychiatry , social psychology , paleontology , law , biology
Accessible summary• Cultural competent nursing care is the best context within which to place veterans transitioning to civilian life. • There is a need for nurses in all practice settings to recognize the unique nature of veterans as a cultural group transitioning to civilian life. • Culturally specific nursing interventions and care plans should be tailored to meet the needs of veterans as a cultural group in regards to their practices and beliefs which in turn, will improve client outcomes. • Future research is needed to assess the efficacy of current services in meeting returning veterans' and the families' needs; to adapt existing programs and services to current circumstances; to aid veterans and their families over the long term; to help veterans transition to the workforce effectively; to compare the transition experience at an international level; to develop a transition model that situates the veteran culture as the overriding framework for testing and to understand the experience of transitioning to civilian life within the context of the veteran culture.Abstract The purpose of this discussion paper is to explore the existing literature from Canada on transitioning from military to civilian life for veterans of recent deployments. A number of topics relating to the transition experience emerged: interpersonal readjustment, emotional including mental health needs, school needs, and social needs. Implications for nursing will be discussed in terms of veterans as a cultural group and culturally competent nursing care. Recommendations for future nursing research include how well current services are meeting the needs of the younger, more recent veterans transitioning to civilian life; conducting longitudinal studies on the impact of transitioning to civilian life for veterans and their families; comparing the transition experience at an international level; developing a transition model that situates the veteran culture as the overarching framework for testing and understanding the experience of transitioning to civilian life.