Dear NOVA Members,

Entering the new year offers exciting opportunities for fresh starts and new beginnings. I would like to welcome our newest NOVA board members: Steven Powell, MSN, RN, RN-BC, CRRN, Cynthia Solomon, MSN, APRN, ACNP-BC and Miriam Rogers Holy, MSN-PH, RN, ACM. Steven is a Spinal Cord Injury Nurse and People With Disabilities Program Manager at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, TX. Cynthia (Cindy) is an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in the Hematology and Oncology Department at the Central Virginia VA Health Care System in Richmond, VA and Miriam Rogers Holy is an Inpatient and Emergency Department Case Manager at the Baltimore VA Health Care System in Baltimore, Maryland.

I would like to congratulate Ruth Holmes, MSA, BSN, RN from the Office of the Medical Inspector, VA Central Office as our Secretary/ Treasurer and Catherine Giasson DNP, MHA, RN, NE-BC from the VA Central Western Massachusetts Health Care System as our Membership Secretary; both were elected to serve two-year terms. I am also honored to have Betty Ogren, LPN from the VA Northern Indiana Health Care System appointed as Director to fill a one-year term. Click here to view the updated list of NOVA board members.

While we do not know what the future holds, most of us are eager to return to some sense of normalcy. The COVID-19 vaccine will decrease our risk of contracting the virus; thereby, decreasing the rates of transmission and allowing some semblance of normalcy to return. Yet we must remain diligent in our actions of social distancing, hand washing, and wearing face masks to ensure our safety and that of those around us until herd immunity has been achieved.

Please enjoy this video of NOVA Nurses who have received the COVID-19 vaccine. Thank you to all VA Nurses who are trying to do their part to help protect themselves, their families and our Veterans during this coronavirus outbreak.

NOVA continues to accept photos of NOVA nurses. After you receive the COVID-19 vaccine, send a message to NOVA via Facebook Messenger or email NOVA at nova@vanurse.org with your photo, name, and VA facility. Your photo will be displayed on the COVID-19 Vaccinations scrolling banner on the NOVA website: https://www.vanurse.org. 

I would like to thank you for continuing to provide exceptional care to America’s Veterans during this ongoing global pandemic. Your passion is commendable.

Stay safe and healthy! Happy New Year!

With appreciation, 

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