Dear NOVA Members,

National Leadership Day is celebrated on September 4th. It is a day to recognize leaders who strive to make the world a better place; those who add value to the lives of the people they serve. 

In August 2020, prior to National Leadership Day, I attended the virtual conference,

Nursing Alliance Leadership Academy (NALA): Educating Leaders in Nursing, with several national NOVA board members: TJ Wilcox-Olson, Ruth Holmes, Terry Acosta, Thelma Roach-Serry, Cathy Giasson, Betty Ogren, and Deb Dupnik. It was a great opportunity to develop and enhance our knowledge and skills related to governing and leading an organization effectively. Presentation topics included: “Leading with Joy”, “Leading Successful Virtual Meetings & Conferences”, “Legal & Financial Stewardship for Association Leaders”, “Leadership Styles in Times of Crisis”, “Developing an Effective Board-Executive Director Partnership”, “Coping with the New Reality as Leaders (Mental Health), and a “Virtual Sip, Laugh & Chat Closing Session”. The information presented on effective volunteer governance leadership was very valuable. I also enjoyed learning how to concoct the Mint Julep, a Kentucky classic; it was a fun way to end the program.

I came away from the NALA conference energized and inspired, but I recognize that actually staying inspired and energized after the conference isn’t so easy. Let’s face it. Leadership is hard work. Leaders are supposed to set the standard for work ethic while inspiring others to give their best. Feeling pressed for time, like there aren’t enough hours to do everything you want to do, is a reality. Everyone is so busy with personal and professional commitments these days, but having a healthy work life balance in order to maintain performance, efficiency and professional welfare is essential.

In honor of National Leadership Day, I would like to acknowledge some of our NOVA Nurse Leaders who deserve recognition. They serve in a variety of roles such as a VA Medical Center Director, VA Associate Director, Patient Care Services/Nurse Executive, Director on the national NOVA Board, Chairperson of a national NOVA Committee, and NOVA Facebook Administrator. See the photos below. These NOVA Nurse Leaders are LPNs, RNs, and APRNs who work in a variety of clinical settings and wear multiple hats. Not only are they functioning in numerous leadership positions, but they are also involved in a variety of professional nursing activities and volunteer opportunities. Through ambition and resilience, they are consistently pursuing greater goals.

To all our NOVA Nurse Leaders, thank you for your leadership and vision. These are unprecedented times, and the fact that you continue your ongoing efforts at the local, state and national level advancing the profession of nursing to ensure Veterans receive the quality care they deserve is commendable.

Stay safe and healthy!

With appreciation,

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

NOVA Nurse Leaders

VA Medical Center Director and ADPCS/Nurse Executives

National NOVA Board of Directors

National NOVA Committees Chairpersons and Facebook Administrator