A survey of U.S. Air Force flight nurses' adaptation to service in Vietnam.

This descriptive study reports the experiences of a voluntary sample of 20 Air Force nurses in the San Antonio, TX area, who served in the Vietnam theater of operations at various times during the Vietnam War. Of the sample, 65% were assigned to flying squadrons, 15% to aeromedical evacuation staging units, and 20% to combat support hospitals. Indepth interviews concentrated on individual perceptions of wartime experiences, coping skills used, and significant events remembered. Thematic content analysis was used to describe, summarize, and classify data. Each nurse responded to this professional challenge in a unique way. Reactions to a combat environment and resolution of experiences from the Vietnam War confirmed Horowitz's Stress Response Theory. Findings confirmed the notion of intensity and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Of those in this sample who served during the Tet Offensive 25% reported symptoms of PTSD. Respondents reported strong social support, maturity, nursing experience, humor, religion, and relaxation as crucial survival skills. Of the nurses interviewed, 60% cited patient care situations and threats to survival as the most significant events remembered. Serving in the Vietnam War proved their most rewarding professional experience.