Yvette M. Twum-Danso, PhD, RN, CCRN-K

Director, National NOVA Board

Columbia VA Healthcare System, Columbia, SC

NOVA Chapter 362

Greetings NOVA Members!

I entered the University of Phoenix’s PhD doctoral program, as a full-time VA nurse, when my children were young and I was active in church and NOVA. I was admitted to the hospital with a deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary emboli, during my first year in the program. I realized the severity of the diagnosis, yet I remained prayerful and hopeful as I endured numerous procedures and multiple admissions. I had  biopsies (lymph node and bone marrow) to rule out Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, and ultimately, I was diagnosed with Protein C/S Deficiency (an inherited blood clotting disorder). Even though this was a tumultuous ordeal, I received support from my biological and church families who were phenomenal, encouraging and caring.

Throughout it all, I never lost hope and I continued to persevere through the doctoral program and moved along as a part-time student. I endured the worst experience when my dad was diagnosed with cancer. He fought the good fight; however, he passed away. My fellow NOVA Chapter 362 members supported me through-out the funeral and grieving process. After a short pause, I returned to complete my doctorate degree, not only for myself, but for my dad as well. 

During the journey, I was a recipient of NOVA’s Educational Scholarship and NOVA’s Professional Nurse Award for Clinical Excellence. I was recognized for my efforts related to a $1.2 million dollar grant approval for the Mobile Heart and Vascular Unit at the Columbia VA Health Care System, that provides cardiovascular services for rural Veterans. 

In 2019, Chapter 362 received the Distinguished Chapter award for outstanding performance and contributions to NOVA. Additionally, I was the recipient of NOVA’s President Award for Chapter 362. I continued to be passionate about NOVA. I ran for office and was elected as a Director on the national NOVA Board. I am currently serving as chair of the Education Scholarship Committee, and am a member of the Education, Legislative and Membership Committees. 

I transitioned from my role as a Cardiology Nurse Case Manager to the Cardiology Assistant Nurse Manager in 2018 at the Columbia VA Health Care System. In this role, I strive to improve Veterans’ outcomes related to the cardiovascular field. I was the 1st place recipient of the VA Goes Red Challenge for the Columbia VA Health Care System to educate and promote awareness of heart disease among women Veterans. I have  remained  an active member of the ONS Cardiovascular Field Advisory, Infection: Don't Pass It On (IDPIO), and the facility’s IRB Committee.

In May 2021, I successfully defended my PhD dissertation in Nursing, and am looking forward to my in-person graduation from the University of Phoenix on September 25, 2021 in Atlanta. My journey was not easy; however, I persevered and achieved the highest degree in nursing. I am forever grateful for my family, friends, and NOVA’s support during my doctoral journey! 

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my doctoral journey testimony.

Sincerely,

Dr. Yvette M. Twum-Danso