Shipboard nursing on aircraft carriers: the perceptions of twelve Navy nurses

The purpose of this study was to describe the experience of shipboard nursing on aircraft carriers. Using the principles of Husserlian phenomenology, 12 Navy nurses previously stationed aboard aircraft carriers were interviewed to explore their familiarity with being a ship's nurse. Shipboard nursing was best described by the following essences: (1) experiencing the best but toughest job the Navy has to offer its nurses; (2) ensuring readiness; (3) being one-of-one; (4) operating constantly in an environment of uncertainty; (5) having 2 families; and (6) making the job better for the next generation. Since the United States is currently a nation involved in wartime activities, the findings of this study are timely and give a public voice to this extraordinary experience of military nursing. Additionally, any nurse who is a sole practitioner may recognize some commonalities.