Teresa Morris, Director, Advocacy & Government Relations

NOVA has been a member of the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) for over 10 years (12 to be exact). The NCC is composed of 63 national nursing organizations that represent a cross section of education, practice, research, and regulation within the profession. Its membership includes over four million licensed registered nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, and nursing students.  

The coalition was formed to advocate for the nursing profession and its passion is to continually improve care for patients, families, and communities across the nation.

As a member, NOVA has valued its partnership and helped to move nursing issues to the forefront of the healthcare discussion in Congress. We have signed on in support of legislation and appropriations that provide improvements in Title VIII funding, research, and affordable, accessible, high quality healthcare for all.

Some of the past issues of importance include advancing APRN practice within VHA facilities by advocating for regulatory changes that would allow all APRNs to practice to their full authority and license. More recently, the NCC urged Congress to include critical legislative priorities like the need for more PPE, safety of nursing workforce, and additional investments in nursing to be included in the coronavirus stimulus package.

Throughout the last decade and beyond, NOVA has been proud to stand with our fellow nursing organizations as part of one NCC. We plan to continue in the years ahead to use our collective voices and advocate for one of the most respected and trusted professions in America!