Nursing practice in war zones and wisdom acquired

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Global Health
• Humanitarian Aid

Background:

• Nursing practice in conflict zones presents unique challenges and demands specialized skill sets.
• Understanding the experiences and competencies of nurses in war zones is crucial for optimizing humanitarian efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To delineate the scope of nursing practice within global war zones.
• To identify and describe the personal and professional skills acquired by nurses operating in conflict settings.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive research design was employed.
• Data were collected from 39 nurses working with Norwegian humanitarian organizations in conflict areas.
• A mixed-methods questionnaire gathered both quantitative and qualitative data on nursing practice and skill acquisition.

Main Results:

• Nurses demonstrated a high level of preparedness for their roles in war zones.
• Key nursing activities included direct care for war victims and the supervision and education of local nursing personnel.
• Nurses reported positive experiences and acquired significant personal and professional skills, though employers partially utilized these competencies.

Conclusions:

• Nurses are adequately prepared for practice in war zones, contributing significantly to victim care and local capacity building.
• There is a need for better integration and utilization of the advanced skills nurses gain in humanitarian settings by their employers.