Veterans of the U.S.A! by

History of Women in the Military.

nathan0925 — 2024-08-12 01:41:45 UTC

Throughout history, women typically served in non-combat and support roles in the military such as nurses, cooks, and laundresses. In 1948, women were granted veteran benefits. By 1993, women were allowed to pilot fighter jets and serve on combat ships. By 2016, all positions of the military are open to women, and they are the fastest growing veteran population. There are now over 2 million women veterans in the U.S.

Facts about Women Veterans.

nathan0925 — 2024-08-12 01:45:40 UTC

The VA reports that by 2040 the women veteran population will increase to 18%, in contrast in 2000 the women veteran population just consisted of 4%. Among women veterans, 43% belonged to a minority group with the most being African American. There were more women with urban residency, however, the rural population is now increasing.

What does being a Veteran mean?

nathan0925 — 2024-08-12 01:50:02 UTC

According to Title 38, the definition of a veteran is a person who has served among the military branches (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Space Force, Reserve) whom were discharged that is NOT dishonorable. The title of veteran also pertains to those whom have died during active service, that was NOT due to willful misconduct.

Agent Orange and its related diseases.

nathan0925 — 2024-08-12 02:00:10 UTC

What is Agent Orange and why is it significant for Veteran care?

Agent Orange was an herbicide used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War to prevent the growth of jungles, whom the Vietcong were using for cover/ambush on the U.S military. The side effects of the herbicide on the soldiers were not deeply understood nor studied at the time. Now the toxic herbicide still causes health issues for Veterans and their families today. Related diseases can be AL Amyloidosis, bladder cancer, B-cell Leukemias, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, and Hypothyroidism. There are also identified birth defects among the children such as Spina bifida. The veterans who have served in the Vietnam War have sacrificed their lives and continue to suffer through their families.

Homelessness Crisis among Veterans.

nathan0925 — 2024-08-12 02:22:09 UTC

Veterans have a difficult time to transition back into civilian life due to a numerous of reasons. Veterans often come back into civilian life with mental health issues, PTSD, and loss of purpose. Veterans often lack support and 50% more likely to be homeless than the average American. Being homeless often means it is more difficult to seek health care assistance from the VA and difficulties in making consistent health care appointments. The military also teaches a never surrender attitude instilled into our soldiers, this can lead to refusal of seeking services by the VA from veterans. Benefits and services such as housing, mental health services, health care, and employment.

Mental Health Service for Veterans

nathan0925 — 2024-08-12 02:28:48 UTC

The VA offers services for mental health care for Veterans. The 24/7 hotline for homeless veterans (1-877-4AID-VET) and will be answered by VA professional that can lead the Veteran to the nearest VA medical center for both mental and physical health care. For mental health specific services there is another hotline for Veterans (988 and then press 1). The VA also offers other programs such as HCHV and DCHV which provides medical exams, treatments, and/or referrals for disabled or disadvantaged services. It is important to continue to offer these services and make Veterans aware of the services that can be used.

Military Sexual Trauma (MST)

nathan0925 — 2024-08-12 02:38:08 UTC

Military sexual trauma is defined as any sort of sexual assault or harassment while in the military service. These can be violent, non-violent, drugged, unconscious, or while being threatened. The reason of occurrence does not matter and is always considered MST. 1/4 women in the VA health care system have experienced MST, however, half of MST victims are men. Gender, age, ethnicity, and position does not have any indicator of MST. It is important to raise awareness of MST and continue to advocate for Veterans to share their experiences and seek help and treatment.

Gulf War Illness

nathan0925 — 2024-08-12 02:46:15 UTC

The symptoms of the Gulf War Illness includes fatigue, headaches, respiratory and joint issues. The exact cause is said to be unknown and has been alluded towards exposure of vaccinations, pesticides, and burn pits. Veterans of Operation Dessert Shield and Storm are heavily impacted. The challenges of the Gulf War Illness is that the causes can not be exactly pinpointed and can often be pushed to the side and not treated. Many Veterans are seeking better health care for this illness and are still suffering to this day. The VA offers disability compensation for any illness lasting longer than 6 months without a need for cause, for those that have served during the Gulf War.

Suicide and Prevention

nathan0925 — 2024-08-12 03:17:04 UTC

Suicide can be attributed to factors of depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, alcohol and drug abuse. The crude rate per 100,000 among Veterans in 2021 was 33.9. The crude rate has been increasing over time since 2001 (crude rate of 23.3) up until 2021. Being direct about suicidal ideation is more effective than beating around the bush and not getting a direct answer. We as nurses can report suicidal thoughts and refer the hotline of 988 or call a mental health consultation. The use of language is also important when reporting a suicide, it is better to describe the death as suicide rather than be specific of the exact issue as suicide can range from mental health issues to relationship problems to financial issues. We should be respectful to the victims while also raising awareness.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

nathan0925 — 2024-08-12 03:28:46 UTC

PTSD is described as intense fear, helplessness, or horror caused by an traumatic event. Traumatic events such as sexual or physical assault, unexpected death, accidents, war, or through natural disasters. Feelings of intense fear or horror can increase over time in PTSD and become so strong that disrupts the Veteran's normal life. There can also be changes to physical and emotional reactions in everyday life such as trouble sleeping, concentrating, being on guard, easily frightened, irritability, aggressive outbursts, and overwhelming guilt or shame. Seek treatment from a doctor if you have these feelings for over a month and/or have trouble getting back to normal life.

Family Health Model

nathan0925 — 2024-08-12 03:36:32 UTC

The Family Health Model consists of 3 categories, the Contextual Domain, Functional Domain, and Structural Domain. Each domain relates to the way the family functions as a whole and within the individual parts. For instance, the Structural Domain includes the routines purposes, meanings, types, and characteristics of the family, while the Functional Domain relates to the roles each individual has in the family. As nurses, it is important to care for the Veteran with the family and often include them into care routines. Observing the beliefs, values, and resources for the family can help aid in a positive health outcome for the Veteran. As nurses, we can include the family in nurse to nurse reports, during rounds, and educate the family on how to do simple dressing changes, etc.

MOVE!

nathan0925 — 2024-08-12 03:43:35 UTC

MOVE! is a weight management program that is offered to Veterans and their families to improve the quality of one's life, reducing potential health risks, and prevention of certain diseases. Even losing 10% of weight can lead to drastic changes in someone's life and can keep the person healthy without complications for a long time. The program offers an 8-week food and physical activity log that the Veteran can use to keep track of how much calories, nutrients, and exercise they are doing per week. Using an tracker will lead to long term success as the person can see if what they are currently doing is aligned with the plan or if changes are needed. Nutritional resources are also available such as health recipes online with a veteran cookbook. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to continue to thrive and successfully transition into civilian life.

8 Keys to Veterans' Success

nathan0925 — 2024-08-12 03:50:33 UTC

This initiative from the Department of Education, Veterans Affairs, and Defense is provided for Veterans and military service members to help further their educational degrees. This program helps Veterans find the best suited schools to meet their needs and interests.

As per the Department of Education, Veterans Affairs and Defense the 8 Keys to Veterans' Success are...

Create a culture of trust and connectedness across the campus community to promote well-being and success for veterans.
Ensure consistent and sustained support from campus leadership.
Implement an early alert system to ensure all veterans receive academic, career, and financial advice before challenges become overwhelming.
Coordinate and centralize campus efforts for all veterans, together with the creation of a designated space for them (even if limited in size).
Collaborate with local communities and organizations, including government agencies, to align and coordinate various services for veterans.
Utilize a uniform set of data tools to collect and track information on veterans, including demographics, retention, and degree completion.
Provide comprehensive professional development for faculty and staff on issues and challenges unique to veterans.
Develop systems that ensure sustainability of effective practices for veterans.

Substance Abuse/Use

nathan0925 — 2024-08-12 03:56:57 UTC

Substance abuse/use is referred to individuals with problems of alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription form drugs. Abuse and use can lead to physical violence, homelessness, and can be linked towards diseases and disabilities. The VA offers 3 types of therapies for helping Veterans in substance use. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT helps users to create and develop more helpful thoughts about the individuals and their futures. This uses a problem-solving approach for substance use. Motivational Interviewing or MI is focused on conversational strength or motivation to help the Veteran look or want for change. Motivational Enhancement Therapy or MET is motivation through the conversations between the Veteran and the provider; that results in want for change. The VA website also lists medications that are often used in certain disorders like alcohol, tobacco, and opioid.

Traumatic Brain Injury

nathan0925 — 2024-08-12 04:03:29 UTC

Veterans suffering from TBIs can take years and years to recover from and often lead to life altering changes in daily living. The Veterans go through rehabilitation and the their families are left to address their newly found needs. Changes in family dynamics occur and nurses must tend to both the Veteran and the family. Nurses should ask and offer families any additional information that can be of most help to them, and communicate in a trusting manner. Rehabilitation is a slow and long process, taking baby steps each day is key towards recovery for the Veteran and their family.

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