Situational Transitions and Military Nurses: A Concept Analysis Using the Evolutionary Method

BACKGROUND. Situational transitions in nursing remain a significant issue for both new graduates and experienced nurses. Although frequently discussed in current nursing literature, nursing research has exclusively focused on the transition experience of civilian (nonmilitary) nurses. With differing role and practice expectations, altered practice environments, and the risk of deployment, the outcome of negative transition experiences for military nurses is significant. PURPOSE. The purpose of this analysis is to clarify the concept of transition, in a situational context, as it relates to military nurses by investigating the attributes, antecedents, and consequences. METHODS. Rodgers' evolutionary method served as the framework to this study. The sample included 41 studies, published in English, between 2000 and 2013. Data were retrieved from the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Medline, ProQuest, Ovid, and PsycINFO databases. CONCLUSION. Antecedents of situational transitions include any change in work roles or work environments. Attributes of situational transitions include journey, disequilibrium, finding balance, conditional, and pervasive. Consequences of transition range from successful to unsuccessful. Additional research that investigates the specific needs and challenges unique to nurses practicing in a military environment is needed.