| Abstract |
The purpose of this study was to enhance the stability of the military nursing corps by providing evidence to inform policy decisions by conducting a survey of Air Force nurses to examine the positive and negative impact of deployment. The study design was a descriptive, quantitative survey method. This study follows the instrument development project that was conducted in the 'Impact of Deployment on Nurse Retention' study (TSNRP proposal No. N015-013, 2008). The study methods consisted of a written survey. The sample consisted of 143 Air Force active duty and reserve nurses who had deployed in the past 5 years from five different bases. The survey instrument for this study comes from the work completed in the first phase of this project (TSNRP proposal No. N015-013, 2008). Most of the variables used in this analysis were Likert-type items and scales. Data Analysis consisted of descriptive statistics, correlations, and factor analysis. Factors were examined for their contribution as driving (positive) and restraining (negative) forces. Twenty individuals from five different Air Force bases offered comments that reiterated the survey items and therefore provided additional content validity for the type of items included. Findings included many positive effects of deployment related to the satisfaction felt from caring for troops, the military pride and honor felt from serving, public support/respect, increased self-confidence, and the knowledge of working with other services. Negative consequences were expenses, benefits, promotions, break from home/work responsibilities, being mentored, and opportunity in one's job assignment. Nurses indicated a need for post-deployment debriefing and counseling. Those reporting more positive aspects of deployment were more likely to intend to remain in the military. Nursing Implications of this study include an evidence base for identifying strategies that policymakers can adopt to augment the positive outcomes of deployment and mitigate the negative. |
