Characteristics and values of a British military nurse. International implications of War Zone qualitative research

This paper presents findings from the only British Armed Forces qualitative nursing research conducted during the Afghanistan conflict (2001–1014). It provides an insight into the characteristics and values that military nurses recognise as integral to War Zone nursing.Military nurses consciously detached themselves from any legal processes and treated each casualty as a vulnerable patient. This resulted in care, compassion and dignity for all patients, irrespective of their background, beliefs or affiliations.Findings provide military nurses with a framework for a realistic personal development plan to build upon their strengths and identify limitations.The results provide selection panels with an additional tool to help the recruitment process, where choice of the best candidates will ensure the greatest chance of future success.Placing nurses first, with a theoretical model focussed on the requirements of a good nurse should lead to better patient care. The findings have transferability to other Armed Forces and civilian practice on an international scale.