Kelly D. Skinner and Catherine Giasson

Dear NOVA Members,

After thoughtful consideration, NOVA’s 40^th Annual Meeting: Celebrating NOVA’s Legacy and Promise of NOVA’s Future is transitioning into a virtual experience. We have been monitoring the situation related to the evolving coronavirus outbreak, and don’t want to put our attendees, speakers, sponsors and staff at risk. Your health and well-being is the priority. Plus, there are still uncertainties related to the VA travel ban. We also need to be sensitive to the economic pressures individuals and institutions are experiencing which would likely impact our members’ ability to attend. This was felt to be the best and safest course of action.

We are excited about this new virtual direction that allows members to come together in a time of crisis when a sense of connection is needed. NOVA’s Virtual Annual Meeting will kick off on the same dates, October 29 – 30, 2020. The NOVA Annual Meeting Planning Committee with Chairpersons: Cathy Giasson, DNP, MHA, RN, NE-BC and TJ Wilcox-Olson, MHS, RN, have designed a sensational, engaging and informative two-day event this year – all focusing on providing outstanding care for our Nation’s Veterans. The virtual program will include the previously scheduled general sessions with the same great presentations and speakers who have already committed to present, award recognition, poster presentations, vendor sessions, and opportunities for interaction. The presentations will provide continuing education credits and be accessible on demand to maximize convenience. You'll enjoy the same innovative content, dynamic speakers, and welcoming network of nursing colleagues you’ve always enjoyed during NOVA conferences -- just all in a virtual environment. We hope you are staying well and caring for yourself, and we are looking forward to having you join us online from the comfort of your own home as we host our virtual 2020 conference. NOVA’s ruby anniversary is a special one, a reason to celebrate, and one that should not be missed!

Are you suffering from quarantine fatigue? It has been a long couple of months practicing social distancing and not knowing when the restrictions related COVID-19 will all end. Does the idea of travelling when it is safe to do so interest you? If so, here is the schedule for NOVA Annual Meetings.

2021   Las Vegas, Nevada

2022   Savannah, Georgia

2023   Washington DC – Crystal City

NOVA conferences are opportunities to connect with other dedicated VA nurses from across the nation to renew your commitment and passion for caring for America’s heroes. Are you raring to go? I don’t know about you, but I can't wait to participate in NOVA’s future events. Stay tuned for details.

Thank you for your support and understanding as we adjust to the challenges of a global pandemic!

With appreciation,

Kelly D. Skinner, DNP, APRN, NP-C, GNP-BC, CRRN, WCC, CFCN