Physical and psychosocial impact of activation and deactivation on Army Reserve nurses

Reserve mobilization training focuses on specialty skills and soldiers' common tasks, but does not prepare individuals for the physical and psychological realities of activation. The purpose of this descriptive, multiphasic research was to systematically examine, as it was experienced, the impact of activation and subsequent de-activation on 81 Army Reserve nurses. The variables measured included somatic symptoms, psychosocial effects, stressors, coping strategies, and positive aspects of the experience. Some nurses experienced physical and psychosocial symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder. Lessons learned from this study will help Army Reserve units to be more proactive in mobilization preparation and training.