Using a Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Simulation to Improve Communication With and Nursing Care of Veterans

The attacks on September 11, 2001, resulted in a decade-long period of military intervention in Iraq and Afghanistan. Over 2 million service members have served during this period, and 56% of those have deployed to a combat region.1 It is estimated that 11% of those deployed to Afghanistan and 20% of those deployed to Iraq return from their deployment with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).2 Unrecognized or untreated PTSD can cause untold devastation to the service member and their families, resulting in depression, anger management issues, substance abuse, homelessness, suicidal or homicidal ideation, and divorce.