Mental health nursing support during Operation Sea Signal: Cuban/Haitian humanitarian mission

Abstract

Joint military humanitarian missions provide challenges and rewards for mental health nursing not found in the garrison mission. A primary challenge is to develop and implement programs that benefit the various populations inherent in such missions. During Operation Sea Signal, several programs, such as migrant adult day treatment, halfway house, outreach, and inpatient, led to the overall enhancement of mental health nursing care for the Cuban and Haitian migrants. It also gave the participating mental health nursing team of professionals and enlisted technicians the opportunity to develop their nursing expertise and sensitivity in a culturally diverse situation.