- This poster highlights key lessons from a TriService Nursing Research Program (TSNRP) funded study examining the experiences of 20 military nurses from the U.S. Air Force (n=5), U.S. Army (n=10), and U.S. Navy (n=5) who cared for patients with severe burn injuries during deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan between 2001 and 2021. - Using semi-structured interviews and qualitative content analysis, participants shared detailed, firsthand accounts of both successes and challenges in high-acuity, austere environments. These narratives revealed critical insights into areas for improvement and identified strategies to strengthen readiness for future large-scale combat operations (LSCO). - The study’s findings provide actionable recommendations aimed at enhancing training, resources, and competencies for military nurses preparing for similar scenarios. Participants emphasized the importance of targeted, scenario-based training in burn resuscitation, prolonged casualty care, fluid resuscitation, wound care, psychosocial support for patients and families, and more. Beyond technical skills, nurses highlighted the value of interdisciplinary collaboration, communication, and leadership in optimizing outcomes under stressful and resource-limited conditions. - Several participants described being unprepared for the number of local national pediatric burn patients they would care for, reporting that their only pediatric knowledge came from foundational nursing education rather than specialized training. They stressed the importance of including pediatric burn care in future preparedness programs. The participants also described developing creative innovations and problem-solving strategies to overcome resource limitations in austere settings, demonstrating adaptability and resilience in the face of unpredictable challenges. A recurring concern was balancing resource allocation – especially burn supplies – between local nationals and U.S. service members, emphasizing the need for logistical planning and ethical guidance in supply-constrained environments. Participants underscored the importance of maintaining competencies in wartime triage and burn care, noting that such skills cannot be learned solely from textbooks but require hands-on experience at facilities such as the Burn Center at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) or through partnerships with civilian burn centers. - The study also identified gaps in human and equipment resources that can hinder care delivery, including access to specialized personnel, functional equipment (e.g., feed bags, tubing, pumps, and liquid nutrition formulas for enteral feedings), and efficient supply chains. By translating the experiences of military nurses into actionable guidance, the study informs military nursing education, reinforces evidence-based practices, and strengthens the readiness and confidence of the workforce for future missions. Overall, these findings underscore the critical role of military nurses in severe burn care, illustrating how specialized skills, clinical experience, and access to resources are essential to effective patient management. By integrating lessons learned from past deployments into structured training, resource planning, and clinical partnerships, military nurses can be better prepared to meet the complex demands of future LSCO while ensuring optimal patient outcomes and sustained operational effectiveness. - Disclaimer Statement: This poster is sponsored by the TriService Nursing Research Program (TSNRP) (Award HU00012320091), Uniformed Services University (USU). The information, content and conclusions herein do not necessarily represent the official position or policy of, nor should any official endorsement be inferred by, the TSNRP, USU, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.