Happy New Year NOVA Nurses!

As we begin a new year, we find ourselves with opportunities for change and new beginnings. I would like to welcome our newest board members. Melinda Conville serves as the Associate Chief Nurse of outpatient and specialty clinics at VA Boston Health Care system. Rockne Jacque MSN, RN is the Assistant Nurse Manager for the PTSD residential rehabilitation treatment program at VA Central Western MA and John Templeton MSN, RN Nurse Manager for the PTSD residential rehabilitation treatment program at VA Central Western MA.

As I reflect over the past year, I am so proud of the accomplishments of NOVA. 2024 saw the rebranding of our organization. The new logo represents NOVA well with a shining star that represents all of you and the great work you do every day. Encompassed by the heart for all the compassion you have everyday for the veterans you care for as well as your love and passion for NOVA. 

Our strategic plan remains the same for the upcoming year with our goals set on increasing membership, engaging and supporting chapters, ensuring diversity and inclusion within NOVA, and greater transparency to stakeholders. We look forward to working on new ways to meet our strategic plan.

With the new year also comes the transition of leadership in Washington DC. NOVA welcomes the 119th Congress and looks forward to communicating and working with the 119th! NOVA’s 2025 Legislative goals have been posted to our webpage and we look forward to a year of advocating for our goals which include funding and staff recruitment. We are already working on advocating for VA nurses and the care we provide will continue to support NOVA’s mission to educate, communicate and advocate for the Department of Veterans Affairs nurse professionally, NOVA on the Hill is March 20th,2025 and we will once again come together to advocate for critical issues that impact nurses like staffing and salary. Join us in this opportunity to meet with members of the 119th Congress and have your voice heard.

You will get the chance to talk with Members of the 119th Congress and their staff about how these issues affect you and the care you provide Veterans. Now is the time to register and help us advocate for all VA nurses and the issues facing health care within VA. Register today.

Wishing you a Happy and Healthy new year!

Pictured below from left to right: Melinda Conville; Rockne Jacque; John Templeton