A Proposed Model for Military Disaster Nursing

There is a dearth of literature examining models related to nursing disaster preparedness and response, particularly in military nursing. Several recent articles address lessons learned by nurses who worked through wars and disasters, and these experiences can be used as a basis for a proposed model of military disaster nursing. This article will (a) review the literature about disaster nursing, including general disaster responses by nurses, disaster responses in military nursing, and research about military nurses and disaster response, (b) describe the uniqueness of the military environment, and (c) propose a model for military disaster nursing that can be evaluated for future implementation. Research about individual nurse readiness for deployment during disasters is also incorporated into the proposed model. Future research is needed to test the model and examine its relevance to military, as well as civilian, nursing for future disasters.