Nursing Publications
Canadian Military Transitioning to Civilian Life: A Discussion Paper
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-2011
Journal
Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
Volume
18
Issue
3
First Page
198
Last Page
204
URL with Digital Object Identifier
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2850.2010.01652.x
Abstract
The purpose of this discussion paper is to explore the existing literature from Canada on transitioning from military to civilian life for veterans of recent deployments. A number of topics relating to the transition experience emerged: interpersonal readjustment, emotional including mental health needs, school needs, and social needs. Implications for nursing will be discussed in terms of veterans as a cultural group and culturally competent nursing care. Recommendations for future nursing research include how well current services are meeting the needs of the younger, more recent veterans transitioning to civilian life; conducting longitudinal studies on the impact of transitioning to civilian life for veterans and their families; comparing the transition experience at an international level; developing a transition model that situates the veteran culture as the overarching framework for testing and understanding the experience of transitioning to civilian life.
