Analysis of environmental issues for nursing aboard the USNS Mercy (T-AH 19)

The USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) is a unique environment for its staff and patients. Several environmental influences distinctively affect health, medical, and nursing care. Six main areas of environmental concern for operational nursing were examined. The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Military medicine 2001-06, Vol.166 (6), p.463-469
Main Authors: BOREN, Denise M, MCKENZIE, Robin T
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Environmental Health
Food Contamination - prevention & control
Hazardous Waste
Health and social institutions
Hospitals, Military - standards
Humans
Infection Control
Infectious diseases
Medical sciences
Military Nursing - standards
Nurses
Nursing care
Occupational Health
Organization
Public health. Hygiene
Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine
Refuse Disposal
Ships
Tuberculosis
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Summary:The USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) is a unique environment for its staff and patients. Several environmental influences distinctively affect health, medical, and nursing care. Six main areas of environmental concern for operational nursing were examined. The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to the internal environment of a hospital ship were explored. Findings indicate that the USNS Mercy meets or exceeds many environmental standards. However, there is significant room for improvement and nursing involvement in issues related to the management of infectious diseases, patient transport, care of patients with nuclear, biological, or chemical agents, and management of wastes aboard the ship. Nursing implications for research and practice are proposed.
ISSN:0026-4075
1930-613X
DOI:10.1093/milmed/166.6.463