Sharon A. Johnson, MSN, RN

Past National NOVA President

Nurse Emeritus

I attended my last NOVA Official Board Meeting as Immediate Past President in December 2019. During that meeting I was asked if I would speak to the AMSUS Sustaining Members in March 2020. As a new Nurse Emeritus trying to adjust to my new normal, I accepted without hesitation without knowing who or what AMSUS was. So, the research began.

AMSUS The Society of Federal Health Professionals is a non-profit member based educational and professional development association serving the Department of Defense, Veterans Affairs, Health and Human Services, and Homeland Security, federal health professionals and their families, our industry partners and advocates for advancing health for all- particularly through interagency collaboration. AMSUS supports the federal health professional and honors the legacy of federal medicine’s tremendous impact in advancing and improving health for all Americans and international coalition partners.

The invitation to speak was extended by John DiMaggio who is the Chairman of the AMSUS Staining Members. AMSUS created the Sustaining Member (SM) Section in 1953 to bring together private healthcare industry representatives with key Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, and U.S. Public Health Service decision makers. The members are companies providing solutions and services to the federal government that are committed to the advancement of Federal Health Professionals. Communications and education forums with presentations on a broad selection of opportunities are provided for member companies to see, hear and interact with leaders from the Federal Health System (e.g. Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, Indian Health Service, Health & Human Services) in an environment that fosters cooperation and the sharing of ideas for the betterment of both the member companies and these Federal agencies. 

I met John many years ago at a NOVA Annual Meeting where GlaxoSmithKline, his company at the time, was a sponsor. He served on the NOVA Foundation and has continued to be a friend to NOVA, as well as an advocate for our Veterans. Whatever transition John makes, he takes NOVA with him to ensure that we get the exposure needed to provide education about our organization. John afforded NOVA this opportunity to present at the AMSUS meeting to reach a new audience and possibly develop exciting collaborations.

The COVID-19 crisis altered the delivery of the presentation but didn’t stop it. I spoke virtually to the AMSUS Staining Members on August 26, 2020. It was a privilege to once again represent NOVA and share what VA Nurses do.

I continue to be proud of the work NOVA nurses do every day on the front lines to ensure that our Veterans get the excellent care they deserve.

Be Well and Stay Safe!