Nursing Ethics and the 21st-Century Armed Conflict

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to call attention to the lack of caregiver safety in conflict settings; to bring awareness to nurses and health care professionals of new challenges, specifically the deliberate targeting of health care professionals, that they may encounter in local armed conflict situations; and to address a gap in knowledge about the social and cultural factors surrounding 21st-century armed conflict that directly affect the provision of health care. I argue that these are of interest to transcultural nursing in that violent actors belong to a dangerous subculture, the understanding of which is important to transcultural nursing practice and caregiver safety. The article calls for increased focus on the protection of the nursing workforce and renewed attention on international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions that mandate the safety of global health care workers.

Current trends in global nursing: A scoping review

“…Anxiety about international affairs has a significant effect on global nursing practices. There have been several studies and reports on issues such as safety and health issues for immigrants in conflict zones and racism against immigrants (Moyce et al., 2016; Ogunsiji, 2016), human trafficking and organ trade among the poor (Corfee, 2016; Stevens & Berishaj, 2016; Twigg, 2017), and the lack of safety for nurses working in conflict zones (O'Connor, 2017; Taha & Westlake, 2017). These documents focus on the importance of safety and the challenging reality in satisfying the physiological, safety and social needs (affiliation and love) of people, regardless of whether they are patients or nurses.…”

“…The author argues that nursing experts must have a firm stance on health policies and human rights. O'Connor (2017) discussed the importance of warning about the lack of safety for care providers in conflict zones, particularly healthcare specialists' targeting. Healthcare practitioners need to be aware of the risks associated with local armed conflicts.…”

“…Nurses are expected to enhance their roles in respecting human rights, recovery and promoting health through practice, education and research. O'Connor (2017) showed that health professionals, including nurses, are also close to danger; thus, they will need to share their views on health policy and human rights with the world to ensure their safety and work in a better environment.…”

“…, and the lack of safety for nurses working in conflict zones(O'Connor, 2017; Taha & Westlake, 2017). These documents focus on the importance of safety and the challenging reality in satisfying the physiological, safety and social needs (affiliation and love) of people, regardless of whether they are patients or nurses.…”

Maternal Child Nursing and a New Type of War

“…shifts because care ends after dark, nurses wear masks and cover their name tags with tape to decrease being targeted as a caregiver, uniforms are not worn to decrease the risk of kidnapping, and because of the bombs and bullets, nurses feel hypervigilant and cannot focus on their patients. 3 In addition, supplies become low or nonexistent. How do you treat wounded civilians and soldiers when there is no blood, antibiotics, bandages, and clean water?…”