Understanding Post-Deployment Reintegration Concerns Among En Route Care Nurses: A Mixed-Methods Approach.

Area of Science:

• Military Health
• Nursing Research
• Post-Traumatic Stress

Background:

• Military nurses providing en route care during Operations Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom faced unique deployment stressors.
• Understanding their post-deployment behavioral health and readjustment is crucial for effective support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the post-deployment behavioral health symptoms and reintegration experiences of military nurses involved in en route care.
• To identify challenges faced by these nurses upon returning to pre-deployment roles.

Main Methods:

• An exploratory, concurrent mixed-methods design was utilized.
• Data collection involved 119 electronic surveys and 22 face-to-face interviews.
• Validated instruments and qualitative thematic analysis were employed.

Main Results:

• Nearly 74% of respondents utilized Military Behavioral Health services post-deployment.
• En route care nurses reported difficulties returning to pre-deployment roles, with behavioral health issues similar to combat warriors.
• Four qualitative themes emerged, aligning with the Post-Deployment Readjustment Inventory.

Conclusions:

• Post-deployment behavioral health and readjustment interventions for en route care nurses are essential.
• Interventions should target peer, leader, and healthcare provider levels, with embedded mental health support.
• Improving preparation for future conflicts and enhancing nurse behavioral health is imperative.