My military: a navy nurse practitioner's perspective on military culture and joining forces for veteran health.

PURPOSE

This article responds to the need for improved integration of veteran health considerations across the broader community. A focus of the Joining Forces initiative is to foster partnerships between veterans and their communities through enhanced education, knowledge, and commitment of resources and support.

DATA RESOURCES

Data and resources on known threats to veteran health are widely available in the literature. Personal perspectives on military culture and experience expand the body of knowledge and lead to improved outcomes in both established and evolving care delivery models and best practices for veteran health.

CONCLUSIONS

The need for veteran health care outside of military and Veterans Affairs facilities is vast and expanding. Enhancing resources for health care of veterans is of critical importance. An understanding of military culture offers a basic reference for nonmilitary care providers to consider when providing and facilitating care across the continuum of veterans' health.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are ideal providers of care for veteran and military family healthcare needs. NP practice incorporates cultural sensitivity, prevention strategies, and wellness-focused care while delivering and facilitating optimal patient, family, and community outcomes. The NP will be of critical community value in joining forces for veteran health.