Description

Nurses providing care in nonpsychiatric settings may require supplemental education regarding the complexities of the care of patients that have an addiction co-occurring with a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Miller et al. (2013) explored the risk for addictionrelated disorders occurring after active-duty United States airmen sustained a mild brain injury. They concluded that components of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from the event the TBI was acquired and the difficult transition from military service to civilian life frequently left veterans feeling fearful and alone.The latter resulted in intensification of the symptoms of TBI experienced by the veteran, and increase use of drugs and alcohol. Addiction is a global health problem. As nurses providing care to patients that have addictions to such substances as cocaine or heroin, it is necessary to be informed of the causes of addiction and its implication in the resolution and or stabilization of physical and emotional problems experienced by our patients.

Learning Outcome:
After completing this continuing nursing education activity the learner will have increased knowledge regarding co-occuring disorders within the veteran population, be able to identify their health promotion needs and advocate for them within the healthcare team to achieve optimal health.

Learning Engagement Activity:
Understanding the dynamics of homelessness among veterans can contribute to our understanding of their health needs. Review the information from the CDC “Preventing Chronic Disease Prevalence and Risk of Homelessness Among U.S. Veterans” available at https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues...

Contact hours available until 4/30/2020.

Requirements for Successful Completion:
Complete the learning activity in its entirety and complete the online CNE evaluation.

Authors Conflict of Interest Disclosure:
The author(s), editor, editorial committee, content reviewers, and education director reported no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this continuing nursing education article.

Commercial Support and Sponsorship:
No commercial support or sponsorship declared.

Accreditation Statement:
This educational activity is jointly provided by Anthony J. Jannetti, Inc. (AJJ) and AMSN.

Anthony J. Jannetti, Inc. is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation (ANCC-COA)

Anthony J. Jannetti, Inc. is a provider approved by the California Board of Registered nursing, Provider Number, CEP 5387.

This article was reviewed and formatted for contact hour credit by Rosemarie Marmion, MSN, RN-BC, NE-BC, AMSN Education Director.

Member: FREE Regular: $20