By Teresa Morris, NOVA Director, Advocacy & Government Relations

Greetings NOVA Members –

August Recess is almost here – I urge all of you to get out there and talk about VA issues important to you and the Veterans you serve. During August recess (which runs until after Labor Day), Members of Congress will be working in their District and State offices catching up on constituent needs and hosting Town Hall meetings as midterm elections approach.

Schedule a meeting with your members (either in-person or virtually) in their office or catch up with them at a Town Hall or other community event they plan to attend. NOVA’s webinar “Contacting Your Congressional Representatives” can help you set up and plan your meeting. You can find this and other webinars here: NOVA Webinars (vanurse.org). Other information on our Advocacy Toolkit provides step by step instructions as well.

Talk about what you do – even under these most challenging times – to provide the best treatment for your patient. Ask them to support pay increases and a review of all pay scales so VA can remain competitive with the private sector and fill staffing vacancies to continue delivering the best care to our nation’s Veterans.

Remind Congress that VA is where Veterans prefer their healthcare. Use NOVA’s 2022 Legislative Priority Goals as your talking points and as a leave behind at your meetings.

Stay tuned to NOVA’s website and social media and post pictures from your congressional meetings or events.

Now is the perfect time to become familiar with VA nursing issues and to educate your members about what is important to you and how you do your job as a healthcare provider taking care of Veterans.

Stay Tuned!