Introduction
Vanessa, a 31-year-old woman, was injured on a motorcycle and was taken to the hospital with a broken leg. She had been a medic in the National Guard for six years. Vanessa was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, which resulted in many medical issues, including PTSD and sleep difficulties, as well as persistent back pain, hearing loss, migraines, and knee pain. She actively participates in her discharge planning and is currently taking medication for her anxiety, sadness, and sleep issues.
Vanessa, a sophomore in a nursing program, finds it difficult to focus and retain information. She is adamant about finishing the program and wants to work in an emergency room. Veterans’ experiences in combat, such as physical injuries, hearing loss, sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, and symptoms of PTSD, can significantly impact their daily lives and require comprehensive medical and mental health support for recovery.
Applying the NAW Ethical Standard of Self-Determination to Vanessa’s Discharge Plan
It is crucial to take into account Vanessa’s unique circumstances in this instance, including her medical issues, her resolve to finish her nursing education, and her desire to work in an emergency care situation. According to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) ethical criterion of self-determination, clients should have the freedom to decide on their own lives in an educated manner (O’Donoghue & O’Donoghue, 2019).
Regardless of her choice, it is essential to evaluate her ability to perform daily activities. This is important, especially in light of her many health concerns, and ensuring she has enough support to deal with potential problems. The medical team should consult with Vanessa and take into account her expressed preferences when discussing the possible need for in-home help. However, as an employee of the medical services, I would not prescribe Vanessa as she has a wide range of health problems.
Identifying Five Combat-Related Elements in Vanessa’s Presentation
Vanessa’s presentation includes elements that seem to be connected to her time in combat. She experiences chronic pain in her back and knees and headaches, which are common among veterans who have been in combat and may be due to physical injuries sustained during deployment. Vanessa also has hearing loss and trouble hearing through stethoscopes, which is a typical injury for veterans in combat.
Vanessa has trouble sleeping, which is a common symptom of PTSD and something veterans who have been in combat may experience. Vanessa takes medication for anxiety and depression, which are mental health issues often reported by veterans who have been in combat and may stem from exposure to traumatic events. Finally, Vanessa is easily agitated and jumpy in the hospital, especially when she hears loud noises or objects falling, which are symptoms of PTSD and may be triggered by reminders of traumatic experiences.
Understanding Excitement-Seeking Behaviors and Their Connection to Combat Experiences
Vanessa may have used her combat experience as a coping mechanism for her trauma. For those who have post-traumatic stress disorder, seeking excitement can be a way to regain the adrenaline rush and combat-related excitement they were accustomed to while on duty. It is critical to talk to Vanessa about these behaviors in a compassionate and understanding way and to support her in identifying other coping skills for handling her symptoms. Additionally, the medical team should advise her to seek out evidence-based PTSD treatment, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or exposure therapy, which can assist her in managing these symptoms and enhance her quality of life.
Benefits and Services Available Through the VA and VHA Hospital System
Veterans like Vanessa, who are coping with physical and psychological problems due to their combat experiences, can receive a variety of benefits and assistance from the VA and the VHA Hospital system. These services may include but are not limited to medical attention, disability benefits, vocational rehabilitation, financial aid for schooling, and mental health services (Gordon, 2018). The VA can assist veterans in making connections with a variety of community resources and support initiatives that can help with their recovery and general well-being.
Vanessa may be able to get a range of advantages and services from the VHA Hospital system to meet her needs in terms of her bodily, psychological, and social well-being. The given services would be customized to her particular requirements and circumstances to give her the support and care she requires to reach the highest level of health and well-being (Weeks & West, 2019). Vanessa might be assisted with daily living activities and rehabilitative services, such as home care and assistive technology.
Exploring Alternatives for Long-Distance Access to VA Services
If Vanessa told me she would have to travel at least 50 miles to receive services from the VA and she could not drive there regularly, there are several options that I could explore with her. One option is to find out if there are any VA facilities or community-based outpatient clinics closer to her home that she can visit. I could look into telehealth options, where she can receive some services via video conferencing or phone calls, so she does not have to travel.
Another option is to explore partnerships with local organizations and non-profits that may provide transportation assistance to veterans. I could connect her with local VA volunteer organizations that may provide transportation to medical appointments. Overall, the goal would be to ensure that Vanessa can access the care and services she needs to support her physical and mental well-being.
Conclusion
The implications for support and care for veterans like Vanessa are numerous and complex. Vanessa’s experiences as a combat veteran with physical and psychological injuries highlight the need for comprehensive care that addresses these individuals’ complex and interrelated needs. In conclusion, supporting veterans like Vanessa requires a complete and interdisciplinary approach that addresses their physical, psychological, and social needs. This may involve a range of services, resources, and support programs within the VA and VHA hospital systems and in the community.
References
Gordon, S. (2018). Wounds of war: How the VA delivers health, healing, and hope to the nation’s veterans. Cornell University Press.
O’Donoghue, K., & O’Donoghue, R. (2019). The application of ethics within social work supervision: A selected literature and research review. Ethics and Social Welfare, 13(4), 340-360. Web.
Weeks, W. B., & West, A. N. (2019). Veterans health administration hospitals outperform non–veterans health administration hospitals in most healthcare markets. Annals of Internal Medicine, 170(6), 426-428. Web.