Veteran nurse offers advice on caring for service members

“Have you ever served in the military?” This is one of the most important questions a nurse can ask patients no matter where they practice, according to Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jennifer A. Korkosz, DNP, APRN, who served in the U.S. Air Force. With more than 20 million veterans in the United States, nurses are likely to encounter patients who serve or served in the military, no matter where they practice. Knowing about the demands of military service and the associated risks can help clinicians identify health concerns that may have originated from military service, says Korkosz. These range from physical demands producing musculoskeletal injuries to environmental contaminants that increase the risk for cancer. Service members also are at risk for post-traumatic stress and other less visible health concerns. The American Academy of Nursing Have You Ever Served in the Military? initiative provides information to help nurses and other providers better care for veterans. (Nurse.com story, 11/6/19)