Nurses experiences in chemical emergency departments: Iran–Iraq war, 1980–1988

Background: Nurses have played a major role in taking care of the wounded across the centuries. One of the most important roles of Iranian nurses in wartime has been working in chemical emergency departments. This study investigated the nature of nursing practice in chemical emergency departments created in the context of the Iran–Iraq War fought during 1980–1988. Method: This is a history methodology design with oral history and in-depth interview to detect nurses actual experiences in chemical emergency departments while taking care of the chemically injured military forces. Findings: Today's nurses emphasize finding new ways to fulfill the present nursing needs and to combine theory and practice in an appropriate framework. Having a retrospective approach to utilize nurses' experience can well clarify the future way to achieve this goal. Conclusion: This study revealed the way the nurses prepared to take care of the chemically injured in miserable situations and their practice in chemical emergency departments. It highlighted their awareness of wartime nursing and the challenging experiences it brings

The wartime experience of civilian nurses in Iran-Iraq war, 1980-1988: an historical research

Background: During the 8 years of Iran-Iraq war, the work of Iranian nurses was essential and efficiently performed, and played a very important role in maintaining the wellbeing of the forces. A review of nurses' activities reveals their experiences and the nature of their activities, an area of study that has not been given due consideration. Method: By adopting the oral history method and in-depth interviews with the participating nurses it was possible to demonstrate the significance and humanistic nature of their work. Findings: The majority of the health care assistants and nurses who joined the armed forces, despite not having prior training in this area of nursing, were able to adapt themselves to the situation very quickly and perform their task successfully. Conclusion: Nurses' efforts and experiences and their outstanding achievement, contributes to our understanding of wartime nursing

Long-distance parenting: The impact of parental separation and absence due to work commitments on families

Dittman, CK ORCiD: 0000-0003-0203-8785This chapter reviews the theory and research related to the impact of parental separation due to work commitments on family life, with a particular focus on two categories of parental work absences: (1) long-distance commuting; and (2) military service and deployment. There is significant diversity both between and within these categories of parental absence in terms of length and timing of separation, the context and reasons for separation, and the risks associated with the parent’s employment. However, they are characterized by challenges not generally experienced by other working families, including transitions in family routines and parenting roles and responsibilities, reliance on the functioning of the athome parent or family member, and ongoing disruptions to parent–child relationships. The impact of these transitions and disruptions is only beginning to be understood. This chapter reviews the research on the effects of parental absence due to work on parenting, family relationships, and child adjustment, and aims to identify factors that influence outcomes for families. Note that in the vast majority of the literature, the absent parent is the father, and the at-home parent is the mother; exceptions to this are noted throughout the review. The chapter also highlights areas for further research, and concludes with evidence based recommendations for policy and practice