The Experiences of Care by Women Veterans Who Utilized Veteran Health Administration Services

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine women veterans’ experiences of care with Veteran Health Administration (VHA) services. The study aimed to (1) explore women veterans’ overall experiences of care with Veteran Health Administration (VHA) services and (2) to explore women veterans’ experiences of interactions with nurses who cared for them while using VHA services. This study provides a nursing perspective on challenges surrounding women veterans who utilize VA medical center services. This would significantly add to the state of science given the limited amount of research on women veterans in the discipline of nursing. This was a qualitative study. Twelve women veterans were interviewed. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Analysis of data revealed three themes and related subthemes: (1) the VA is not fully prepared to care for women veterans; (2) the VA has room for improvement in providing care for women veterans; and, (3) women veterans are satisfied with care from nurses at the VA. Study results revealed that participants have negative experiences of care at VA medical centers so there are improvements that need to be implemented. Despite these negative experiences, participants still believed the nursing care they received was good and even felt some of the nurses who cared for them were exceptional. These findings indicate a need for further examination. Incorporating education focused on the health care need of women veterans, for both practicing nurses and for students in prelicensure and graduate nursing programs, may help to improve care for women veterans.