Last month in Las Vegas, attendees at NOVA’s 43rd Annual Meeting were given the opportunity to share their stories and ask critical questions to experts and boy did they shine.

A panel of representatives from the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) to include the American Nurses Association (ANA), American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA), Association of VA Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) and the Hospice & Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA) spoke about advocacy and the importance of sharing ideas and stories with your Members of Congress. They reminded the group that nurses are the most respected profession and policy makers want to hear what you have to say – your experiences matter. 

NOVA is a member of the NCC and works with the 63-member coalition to advocate for the nursing profession in Washington D.C.

Another advocacy themed session included staff from both the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees and a member of the VSO-MSO community. Professional staff members from both sides of the aisle – minority & majority were on hand to discuss important legislation that will influence VA and how healthcare professionals provide care to Veterans. Joining the panel was Rene Campos from the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) who provided the Veterans perspective on policy moving through the 118th.

Issues like community care, staffing, salaries, infrastructure, and bills NOVA is supporting were frankly discussed. NOVA nurses and guests clearly had a lot to say about how VA is the premier provider of care for Veterans!

Advocacy was centerstage and at work throughout the meeting, and I ask all of you to join us in supporting VA and its mission.