Dear NOVA Members,

For the President’s Message this month, I would like to share with you a slightly modified version of my Welcome Remarks from NOVA’s 40^th Annual Meeting which took place virtually on October 29-30, 2020.

NOVA’s Annual Meeting Planning Committee chose this year’s theme: Celebrating NOVA's Legacy and Promise of NOVA's Future . NOVA’s ruby anniversary is a special one. It is a reason to celebrate the numerous accomplishments NOVA has had over the years. A perfect time to Honor NOVA’s Past, Celebrate NOVA’s Present and Embrace NOVA’s Future!

As we entered 2020, a new year with new beginnings, an important milestone for NOVA, the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife, Florence Nightingale’s 200^th birthday, and an election year, nobody could have predicted the devastating impact of the coronavirus outbreak.

Attending a NOVA Annual Meeting is a great opportunity to renew our commitment and passion for caring for America’s heroes. Therefore, after thoughtful consideration, the NOVA Board pivoted to a virtual conference allowing us to come together in a time of crisis when a sense of connection is needed during these unprecedented times. Your support and understanding as we adjusted to the challenges of this global pandemic is very much appreciated.

I would like to commend the Chairpersons of the NOVA Annual Meeting Planning Committee: Cathy Giasson and TJ Wilcox-Olson and all the committee members. Due to their efforts, this year’s annual meeting will be an informative and memorable two-day event – all focusing on providing outstanding care for our Nation’s Veterans. 

NOVA is fortunate to have such a high performing national board that are making valuable contributions to the advancement of VA nurses and the health care of Veterans. They continue to step up as leaders in the face of COVID-19.

I would like to recognize and thank NOVA’s Past Presidents for their tremendous service to NOVA and VA Nurses. It’s wonderful to have so many of you in attendance for NOVA’s 40^th Annual Meeting. Special thanks for your ongoing support!

NOVA highly values the ongoing relationship and communication with the VHA and Office of Nursing Services. Thank you for your leadership, expertise, participation on our regularly scheduled calls and willingness to present at NOVA’s 40 ^th Annual Meeting.

Sincere thanks to our dedicated Nurse Emeritus Members! The Nurse Emeritus Members promote the mission and vision of NOVA through continuing engagement of nurses who have retired or have immediate plans to retire from active employment in VA. Their passion, experience and enthusiasm deserve special recognition.

To all the NOVA members who are Veterans, I am sincerely grateful for your sacrifice. Thank you for your service!

Thank you to our exhibitors for their sponsorship to help create a stronger future for VA nursing and support quality health care for America’s heroes. Their participation has helped ensure that our conference was a virtual success.

The Staff at NOVA National Headquarters have worked so diligently behind the scenes creating NOVA’s virtual conference. The way they handled this endeavor has shown resilience, patience and flexibility. It was truly a team effort and a labor of love. They have really gone above and beyond.

2020 is the “Year of the Nurse”, therefore, I would like to acknowledge your ongoing fortitude and unyielding commitment. More than ever, you should be celebrated for your good work and sacrifices, feel appreciated, and have your spirits lifted whenever possible. You continue to risk your personal safety in order to provide exceptional care to our Veterans. You are heroes on the front lines of the coronavirus outbreak.

Please enjoy this 2020 Year of the Nurse: Celebrating NOVA Nurses Video which was created as a tribute to every one of you. 

Save the date for NOVA’s 41^st Annual Meeting October 21-22, 2021! Hopefully, we will be together in Las Vegas. However, the uncertainty of how long travel restrictions and social distancing due to the pandemic still remain in place so we will be sure to have a virtual contingency plan.

A big thank you to everyone who attended NOVA’s 40^th Annual Meeting! This is a year unlike any other in our lifetimes, and nobody can say how long this crisis is going to last, but I know I am looking forward to seeing you in-person next year…fingers crossed. Please stay well and take care of yourself.

With appreciation,

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