It is hard to believe that we are more than halfway through the first session of the 118th Congress. It has been a busy five months for NOVA and our advocacy efforts.

We continue to support legislation that will enhance VA’s efforts to bolster recruitment, retention, hiring and salaries for VHA staff.

NOVA testified in May on those very issues before the House VA Subcommittees on Health and Oversight & Investigations. Board Member and Legislative Committee Chairman, Kelley Saindon, DNP, RN, NE-BC, CHPN provided our opinions on VHA recruitment & retention and what will help improve processes in hiring a quality workforce.

In our testimony we thanked the Committee for its support of the VA workforce and its work on several legislative packages that have provided the VA with various tools needed to address hiring and retention. Congressional authorities like those found in the RAISE Act and Title IV of the PACT Act, but noted the challenges that remain as hiring delays and length of time to onboard remains high.

We highlighted HR Modernization difficulties and the need for Congress to review all levels of the VA pay scale. NOVA believes that fair and equitable pay is mandatory in the current market of healthcare shortages that is predicted to be a global health emergency by 2030. We let them know that NOVA members report that a balance of competitive pay and scheduling flexibility is necessary for work-life balance and in recruiting top candidates. The pandemic highlighted elevated levels of burnout and mental stress - more nurses are asking for schedules that accommodate their needs.

VA must be able to compete with the private sector to maintain safe staffing levels and provide the highest quality of care for Veterans.

We offered a few legislative fixes for consideration – they include:

• Offer continuing education reimbursement for all nursing staff
• Provide funding to allow for additional nursing residencies
• Require salary market analysis and transparent reporting annually to VHA leadership and Congress

For our complete testimony or to watch the recorded hearing visit: Subcommittees on Health and Oversight and Investigations Joint Oversight Hearing

For a list of bills of interest and other advocacy information, visit NOVA’s Advocacy Toolkit

As always, stay tuned to NOVA’s website and social media for updates on how we plan to encourage advocacy during August recess and continue the conversation with Congress on the importance of continuing to provide quality healthcare to our Veterans.

Stay Tuned!