Posttraumatic Growth in Women Who Have Experienced Intimate Partner Abuse.

The purpose of the current qualitative descriptive study was to describe the experiences of women who have endured intimate partner abuse using the theoretical framework of posttraumatic growth (PTG). Women (N = 14) who reported emotional and/or physical abuse by their male partners were interviewed. Five themes were identified: Acknowledging the Abusive Relationship; Fear of Him: Threats, Control, Pain, and Isolation; Accepting Support: Grabbing the Life Preserver; Rediscovering Myself: Digging Deep; and Appreciating Life and Helping Others. Findings have practical implications for nurses who are in pivotal positions to educate and influence others about the possibility of PTG following partner abuse. Nurses can help women find their way through this trauma and teach others about coping, healing, and recovery. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 61(8), 34-41.].

An Education Intervention to Improve Knowledge of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms and Treatments Among U.S. Women Service Members and Veterans.

INTRODUCTION: Due to decades of prolonged combat operations, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is widely discussed and generally well conceptualized. The objective of this study was to determine if an educational program on the signs and symptoms of PTSD and an explanation of the current treatments utilized by the Veterans Administration is effective in increasing the knowledge levels of women service members and veterans, leading to seeking treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The design of this study was a quantitative pretest/posttest interventional study. The educational program was conducted at a Senior Citizen Center. The population was a purposive sample of 44 women service members and veterans from a military base in New Jersey. A 25-item PTSD Knowledge Questionnaire developed for the earlier Web-Based Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Education for Military Family Members (2012) study was used as the pretest and posttest. RESULTS: The knowledge level of PTSD among women service members and veterans who participated in this study was significantly higher after completing the educational program with 43% indicating that they would seek mental health care. CONCLUSIONS: Women service members and veterans were ill-informed on the signs, symptoms, and treatment options of PTSD. If the results of this survey are an indicator of the knowledge level of women service members in broader populations, there is a need to restructure how those who are at risk of developing PTSD are educated. Through better educational programs, women and men could seek care with increasingly favorable long-term outcomes.

Women's Experiences of a Close Brush With Death and Posttraumatic Growth.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the experiences of women who have had a close brush with death and the elements of posttraumatic growth as a result of their experiences. DESIGN: Using a theoretical framework of posttraumatic growth, we conducted a qualitative descriptive study with interviews of women who have had a close brush with death. SETTING: Women were interviewed in the environment of their choosing: in their home, at a coffee shop, or over the telephone. PARTICIPANTS: Twelve women ages 35 to 79 years from the United States participated in the study, all of whom reported having a close brush with death. METHOD: Interviews were conducted using a semistructured interview guide derived from the theoretical framework. RESULTS: Five themes emerged from the data: My Trauma Experience, My Will to Live, SupportWas Important, Putting the Pieces of My Life Back Together, and Near-Death Experiences. Participants reported having experienced various elements of posttraumatic growth. Many attributed their posttraumatic growth to a myriad of factors such as having a supportive network, their belief in God as a source of strength, and the will to live. Others credited health care professionals for quality care and encouragement. CONCLUSION: Knowledge development regarding posttraumatic growth can enhance nursing practice in the care of women as they navigate life after trauma. Nurses and other health care providers are in strategic positions to educate women about the possibility of posttraumatic growth after adversity. They can help women find their path with a strong voice after trauma. Women who have experienced posttraumatic growth can teach others about healing, coping, empathy, compassion, and the importance of human connection.

Posttraumatic growth in women who have experienced the loss of their spouse or partner.

BACKGROUND: The loss of a spouse or long-term partner has a significant impact on a woman's well-being; psychological, physical, social, spiritual, and economic. Women dealing with loss are faced with numerous stressors which place them at risk for a variety of health challenges. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe the experiences of women who have lost their spouse or partner to death using the theoretical framework of posttraumatic growth (PTG) developed by Tedeschi and Calhoun. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted with semi-structured interviews of 15 widows. Purposive sampling was employed using the researchers' nursing network of colleagues through their academic institutions, hospital affiliations, and professional organizations. FINDINGS: Six themes emerged from the data analysis: (1) Listen to my story of loss, (2) Pushing through the sadness, (3) Anticipated versus unanticipated loss, (4) A new depth of compassion and empathy, (5) My strength grew over time, and (6) My view of myself changed. Participants experienced varying degrees of PTG evidenced by a greater appreciation of life, personal strength, improved relationships, new possibilities, and spiritual growth. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Knowledge development in this sphere enhances nursing practice in caring for women as they navigate life without their significant other. Nurses are in pivotal positions to educate others about the grieving process and the possibility of PTG. They help women find their way through trauma and teach others about healing, coping, empathy, compassion and the power of being connected to other human beings.

Posttraumatic Growth in Women who have Experienced Loss of a Child.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe and explore the experiences of women who have lost a child and the degree of posttraumatic growth revealed by the experiences. STUDY DESIGN AND METHOD: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted with interviews of mothers and grandmothers of children who died using the posttraumatic growth framework. FINDINGS: Participants included 11 mothers and 2 grandmothers. The posttraumatic growth framework was useful in examining their experiences. Seven themes were identified through data analysis: When my child died, I lost part of myself; Anticipated loss versus unanticipated loss; Picking up the pieces of my life; Support, kindness, and compassion helped; Moving on while still broken; Never forgotten, always in my heart; and Holding my loved ones close. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Nurses are in strategic positions to help women who have experienced the loss of a child by building rapport, establishing trust, and demonstrating empathy.

A Positive Side of Deployment: Vicarious Posttraumatic Growth in U.S. Military Nurses Who Served in the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars.

PURPOSE: To describe vicarious posttraumatic growth in U.S. military nurses who served in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. DESIGN: A cross-sectional descriptive design was used. METHODS: Respondents were asked to complete the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Core Beliefs Inventory (CBI), and six open-ended write-in questions as an electronic survey. FINDINGS: Appreciation of life and Personal strength were the strongest dimensions on the PTGI. This was also evident in participant responses to the open-ended questions. The five dimensions of the PTGI were significantly correlated, indicating as growth increased in one dimension, growth increased in all dimensions. The CBI showed moderate to strong positive correlations with all items. Thus, the relationship between the total PTGI scores and the total CBI scores showed a strong, positive correlation, which indicated higher overall core belief scores associated with more growth in total PTGI scores. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided initial evidence that some nurses who served in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars experienced posttraumatic growth. While healthcare providers need to be educated about their vulnerability when exposed to trauma, they also need to be aware of potential growth when caring for casualties. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Nurses preparing to serve in war, as well as those returning, need to pay attention to their physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual health. Following return from war deployment, the military services need to take deliberate and careful measures to ensure that no returning personnel "fall through the cracks" in getting the help they need.

After the parade: military nurses' reintegration experiences from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

The purpose of the current study was to describe reintegration experiences of U.S. military nurses returning from deployments in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. A qualitative study using a phenomenological method was conducted. The population comprised nurses who served in the U.S. Army, Navy, or Air Force in Iraq or Afghanistan during 2003-2013, including Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve nurses. Purposive sampling with Veteran and professional nursing organizations yielded a sample of 35 nurses. Nine themes emerged from analysis: (a) homecoming; (b) renegotiating roles; (c) painful memories of trauma; (d) getting help; (e) needing a clinical change of scenery; (f) petty complaints and trivial whining; (g) military unit or civilian job: support versus lack of support; (h) family and social networks: support versus lack of support; and (i) reintegration: a new normal.

The lived experience of nurse-parents deployed to war.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to describe the lived experience of military nurse-parents separated from their children during deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan, 2003-2010. DESIGN AND METHODS: A qualitative study using a phenomenological approach. Semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 20 military nurse-parents deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan. Three data-generating questions guided the study: (1) What was the experience of leaving your children during your wartime deployment? (2) How did you stay in contact with your children while deployed? (3) Is there anything else you want to tell us about separation from your children? Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data saturation was achieved, and analysis procedures were adapted from Colaizzi. RESULTS: Four themes emerged from the data: (1) Impact with Reality: Leaving My Children Behind; (2) Childcare Arrangements: Putting the Puzzle Together; (3) Will They Remember Me: Staying in Touch; and (4) Caring For War-Injured Children: Reflections of Home. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Insight into the experience of nurse-parents deployed to a war zone provides a framework for additional research on parental separation in war. Interventions need to be tailored to meet the needs of military families.

Women's health and hygiene experiences during deployment to the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, 2003 through 2010.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to describe women's health and hygiene experiences during their deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan during the war years, 2003 through 2010. METHODS: A phenomenological method described the essential structures embedded in the women's health and hygiene experiences. Colaizzi's method of data analysis was used to guide the discovery of themes. Interview data were gathered from 24 interviews with military nurses who served in the war zones. Female military nurses were specifically selected for this study because of their insight, awareness, and knowledge base. RESULTS: Seven themes emerged from the data and captured the essence of the women's experiences: 1) bathroom trips and facilities: a walk on the wild side; 2) shower challenges: lack of privacy, water problems, and location issues; 3) menstruation: to suppress or not to suppress; 4) staying clean: a monumental task; 5) various infections: annoying distractions; 6) unintended pregnancies: wartime surprises; and 7) safety issues: enemy attacks and sexual assaults. DISCUSSION: In the current military structure, more women are being deployed to combat zones and will endure the challenges and hardships described in this study. The health and hygiene experiences of deployed women are an important part of their daily lives in combat zones. Educational programs and clinical services need to be tailored to this cadre of women, with focused attention on preparation and anticipatory guidance prior to deployment. Access to health promotion and appropriate clinical services during deployment is critical. Finally, as these women return home as veterans, it is important for all providers to understand the contextual framework of their service and its impact on their lives.

Experiences of U.S. military nurses in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, 2003-2009.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to describe the lived experience of U.S. military nurses who served in Iraq or Afghanistan during the war years 2003 to 2009, and life after returning from war. METHODS: Colaizzi's phenomenological method guided discovery. This method includes elements of both descriptive and interpretive phenomenology. The sample consisted of 37 military nurses who served in the Army, Navy, or Air Force in the Iraq or Afghanistan wars. Four data-generating questions guided the interview process. Most interviews were face-to-face and conducted in naturalistic settings chosen by the participants. Several interviews were conducted telephonically due to geographic constraints. Data analysis followed Colaizzi's method of analysis. Seven themes emerged from the data, including "deploying to war;""remembrance of war: most chaotic scene;""nurses in harm's way: more than I bargained for;""kinship and bonding: my military family;""my war stress: I'm a different person now;""professional growth: expanding my skills;" and "listen to me: advice to deploying nurses." Analysis continued until data saturation was achieved. RESULTS: Results indicated that wartime deployment was a difficult challenge, lessons learned should be shared with nurses deploying in future years, homecoming was more difficult than most nurses anticipated, and reintegration after coming home takes time and effort. CONCLUSIONS: Nursing in war is a unique experience regardless of education, preparation and training. There are a myriad of variables that enter into the experience and effect outcomes, both personal and professional. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Wartime nursing is a reality in the current clinical practice arena. War takes its toll on everyone involved, including the caregivers. Nurses returning from war can provide valuable insights to those that follow.

The lived experience of widowhood during pregnancy.

Approximately 7 million women in the United States become widows each year. It is not known how many women are pregnant at the time of their husband's death. This study describes the lived experience of widowhood during pregnancy as defined by 10 widows whose husbands were killed in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks or while they served in the US military during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Purposive sampling was used and data were generated using four core questions. The research methodology was phenomenology, and interviews were conducted until data saturation was achieved. Eight themes emerged from data analysis: (1) Denying versus dealing with reality: He's not coming home; (2) Navigating pregnancy: Flying solo while running on empty; (3) Planning for birth: Gathering my team; (4) My safety net: A band of sisters; (5) Unplanned journey: A bittersweet homecoming; (6) Being there: Network of family and friends; (7) Not being there: Let down by others; and (8) Re-creating home: A new normal. These themes described the emotions, vulnerability, challenges, and issues experienced by these women. Women's health care providers can serve as advocates for widows as well as teaching others about the grieving process. This study gave these women who became widowed while pregnant a voice.

Mid-life widows' narratives of support and non-support.

1. People who simply listened and did not try to give unsolicited advice or control the conversation were perceived by mid-life widows as "supportive listeners." 2. Nurses are in pivotal roles to educate and influence others about the grieving process. 3. Nurses can serve as advocates for widows in using, and teaching others to use, therapeutic communication. 4. Each widow's experience and grieving trajectory is unique.

Lessons learned and advice from Vietnam war nurses: a qualitative study.

AIM: The aim of this paper is to describe guidance for nurses today from the lessons learned by nurses who served in the Vietnam War. BACKGROUND: There is little research focusing on nurses' experiences in the Vietnam War. Lessons learned and subsequent advice from nurses who served in Vietnam may be helpful to those serving in current and future wars. METHODS: A Husserlian phenomenological approach was taken, using interviews with a purposive sample of Registered Nurses who were female, and had served in the United States of America armed forces in Vietnam during the war. FINDINGS: Seven theme clusters described the lesson learned and guidance offered by the Vietnam War nurses: advice about journaling, training, caring for yourself, use of support systems, talking about your experiences, understanding the mission, and lack of preparation for war. CONCLUSIONS: Much can be learned from the lessons learned and advice given by Vietnam War nurses. These lessons stress that nurses need to take a pro-active role in preparing themselves for deployment to a war zone, and that institutional training for war needs to be intensive and realistic. The environmental, cultural, technological, clinical and psychosocial demands of war nursing need to be comprehensively addressed before nurses deploy to a war.

Women's adjustment to widowhood. Theory, research, and interventions.

1. People respond differently to loss and grieve in their own time. 2. Frequently, the hardest time for new widows is after the funeral. 3. Young widows often have no peer group and generally are less prepared emotionally and practically than older widows to cope with the loss. 4. Widowhood often causes financial stress because a major income source is lost with the death of a husband.