Page 25 - QARANC Vol 14 No 11 2015

The Army Nursing Research Professoriate meet at The RCN
THE GAZETTE QARANC 23
On the 2 October 2014; RCN HQ provided the location for a committee meeting of the Army Nursing Research Professoriate (ANRP). Nurses represent the largest single registered clinical group in the British Army, and are key to delivering high quality patient care. Surprisingly, until recently, their operational role had not been defined or measured, with minimal Army academic studies detailing the quality and positive outputs in Army nursing practice from recent deployments. The challenge was to rectify this position and to initiate a medium for sharing information.
Senior nursing academics based in Universities in close proximity to Army Field Hospitals were contacted to form a military and civilian nursing scholastic network. The ANRP initiative now unites Army and civilian nursing academics from the British and USA Armies, Universities and the RCN. Thus providing a robust base to produce empirical Army nursing studies that positively influence operational and contingency planning and capability building.
The ANRP establishes a higher research expertise for leadership, development and guidance to positively influence defence nursing care. Studies and presentations are inspiring care at multiple levels. Professoriate members have contributed to: the first qualitative research nursing study completed on an operational tour; a collaborative international intervention study with US nurses regarding an innovative approach to treating psychological trauma, and an exploration of the potential benefits of outdoor physical, sporting, recreational and adventure training activities to address emotional stress in uniformed and Veteran populations.
This partnership presents an ideal platform for sustainable collaborative affiliations that will embrace other subject matter experts as opportunities arise. Examples include an agreement between the University of Chester and 208 Field Hospital that has witnessed Reservists nurses given access to the University lecture theatres and clinical laboratories to provide academic and simulation training. Similar backing has been provided by
the Universities of Stirling, Ulster and Glamorgan. Civilian Professoriate academics have introduced a tri- Service Defence Nursing Network within Northern Ireland. This has received high profile acknowledgement within the military and positive reports in clinical publications. Dissemination of information has been through conference presentations, publications and an associate membership with the RCN’s Research Society, who provide defined and easily accessible webpages.
The ANRP is a template for sustainable collaborative partnerships between: defence; international colleagues, professional bodies and Universities. It actively demonstrates commitment from our civilian leaders, improves training and research, and the high profile publicity is retention and recruitment positive. It highlights to external bodies such as business and third party organisations the benefits
to both employees and organisations of working collaboratively with Army personnel. This format could be applied to improve excellence on multiple levels and to any military career employment group, and has the potential to be developed into a multi- professional concept. It is outward facing; respecting the value, leadership and direction of our civilian leaders, whilst building enduring affiliations that have national and international civilian practice and policy implications.
Anyone wanting to find out more should access the ANRP webpages where committee members are listed and they are willing to provide further information.
http://www.rcn.org.uk/ development/research_and_ innovation/networks/clinical_focus_ or_field_of_research2/army_nursing_ research_professoriate
Col A Finnigan
Ist Row Col Alan Finnegan:
Thomas. 2nd row Maj Janet Kelly: Maj Mike Brownsell: Professor Hugh McKenna. 3rd Row Professor William Lauder: Maj Paula Mitchell: Maj Lynda Ricketts: Lt Col Jayne Cumming. 4th Row Maj Debra Ritsperis: Maj Gaby Jackson: Brigadier Tim Hodgetts. 5th Row Sergeant Pride Gaka-Chisoro; Dr Celia Hynes, Professor Roger Watson. Professor Robert Ashford. Not in the photo - Maj Pelagia Reidy; Lt Col Anthony McGrath; Doctor Peter Carter
Professor Kath McCourt: Col Sara Breckenridge-Sproat: Professor Mike