Why NOVA?    

Membership provides support and resources for VA nurses.

VA nurses serve a unique population and are faced with challenges and situations distinctive to the VA patient population. Rarely are VA nurses confronting a single set of patient issues. Rather, they often deal with a combination of factors—mental health, homelessness, multi-system failures—that affect Veterans. Through it all, NOVA remains a rich forum for camaraderie and shared experiences that provide support for VA nurses, and help to build and support the programs that ensure strong services for America’s heroes. 

Support of Colleagues

When Sharon A. Johnson, MSN, RN, Nurse Emeritus and Past National President of NOVA, was tasked with opening a Flow Center at her VA facility, she called upon fellow NOVA members for help.

“I knew that the Boston VA had  a very successful flow center, so I called Cecilia McVey, BSN, MHA, CNA, Associate Director, Nursing/Patient Services, and asked for their help,” said Johnson. “I went to Boston and they showed me everything they were doing. They showed me successes and failures, all to help me build the Flow Center at my own VA facility.” Johnson also traveled to the VA Center in Tampa, Florida, to tour their flow center, as well. 

This  show of camaraderie on the behalf of better patient care is, to Johnson, the hallmark of what NOVA stands for.

“Working at the VA is not easy,” said Johnson. “That experience is shared, and our NOVA colleagues don’t hang onto what they know; they share their experiences. I have always had the support of my colleagues in NOVA, and that’s been the most valuable part of NOVA membership for me.”

Expanding Impact

NOVA was initially founded with the goal of supporting and connecting nurses working in the unique and complex VA environment. “When I first joined NOVA, it was appropriate for me to continue my membership here as the members understood the environment and the needs of the people working in the VA,” said Johnson. “People don’t understand what Veterans have been through, the issues that they are facing. It is a unique clientele and we provide a unique service.” 

Today, the organization is responsive to the VA nurses’ needs, offering continuing education and networking opportunities for members. In addition, the organization is heavily involved in advocacy work to advance the mission of the VA nurse and support those working in the VA.

“As the national President and a national officer, I had the opportunity to go on Capitol Hill and sit in on Senate and Veterans Committee meetings,” said Johnson, who is still active on NOVA’s Policy and Procedure Committee and Finance Committee. “NOVA is non-partisan, we are here for the Veterans and stay focused on who we serve.”

For the VA Nurse

VA nurses who have not yet joined NOVA have a wealth of resources awaiting for them. “The support from NOVA makes membership particularly valuable,” said Johnson. For VA nurses, the NOVA directory makes it possible to connect with members at any VA. 

“Through my experience with NOVA, I’ve been able to talk to people and validate that we have a connection that no other organization has, because we have the privilege of taking care of Veterans,” said Johnson. VA nurses in search of camaraderie and resources to help them better serve America’s Veterans, will find it by joining NOVA. 

Learn more about the benefits of NOVA membership.