Posted By Regina R. Bragiel, MSN-Ed, RN,
Friday, January 13, 2023
The nursing shortage has become a crisis of epidemic proportion now more than ever due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Nurses have become overworked, under paid, and less appreciated. Nurses are leaving the profession due to burnout and harsh working conditions. If these circumstances are not addressed, unfortunately, the nursing shortage will worsen and have a major impact on patient health outcomes.
Evidence has shown that by offering compressed schedules, that this can lead to increased morale in the work environment and positive patient outcomes. Employers who offer nurses the ability to set their own schedule should eventually see improvement in job satisfaction and retention rates.
Nurses are continuously on the go and rarely sit down due to the ever-changing demands that are placed on them. Nurses can maintain and sustain, but sometimes need a break before burnout ensues. Research show that offering employees the choice of alternative work schedules that this led to higher levels of work-family balance. Compressed and alternativeschedules have resulted in improved productivity and job satisfaction.In turn, this has decreased turnover rates, less call outs, decreased commuting expenses, and work-related stress. Compressed schedules have proven beneficial to employers by saving money, increasing efficiency, and overall improvement in work-life balance of their employees.
To improve nursing retention rates, employers should analyze the reasons that nurses leave their jobs. Nurses are expected to provide patient care in an environment that often lacks supervisor and peer support. There is an increasing demand for longer work hours that result in an increase in physical and psychological stress. Giving employees control over their schedule, can lead to improved sleep, less turnover, and improved work outcomes notably within the first year of employment.
In conclusion, the nursing profession has been heralded one of the most trusted of all professions. Compressed schedules can lead to job satisfaction and decrease burnout in nurses. There are less call outs when nurses are given the opportunity to work alternative schedules. These schedules are effective for nurses who have other competing priorities such as trying to maintain a work-life balance. Offering alternative work schedules can have a significant impact on the nursing shortage by improving retention rates and decreasing burnout in the nursing profession.
Posted By Teresa Morris ,
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Updated: Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Greetings NOVA Members –
The 118th Congress has begun, but before we start the new Congress and new year, I am happy to report that a FY 2023 budget in the form of an omnibus funding package passed. VA will receive its largest budget ever with $303.8 billion in FY 2023. That is up about 10% from FY 2022 levels. VA Medical Care will receive a 22% increase from FY 2022 totaling $118.7 billion, which includes:
$13.9 billion for mental healthcare to provide treatment and support for veterans receiving mental health services
$840.5 million for women’s health, to help VA deliver gender-specific healthcare services, as well as retrofit its facilities
$498 million for suicide prevention outreach
$183.3 million for substance use disorder programs
$663 million for opioid abuse prevention
$2.7 billion for Homeless Assistance Programs
The bill also includes $5 billion for implementation of the PACT Act and a NOVA supported research bill – H.R. 5721, VA Infrastructure Powers Exceptional Research Act (VIPER Act) which ensures VA researchers can continue to be on the forefront of health research and novel discoveries by allowing them to be compensated for research affiliated with other entities.
The 117th second session was busy, and I want to thank all of you who helped us in our advocacy efforts – we had many successes, but as always, more work needs to be done. I invite anyone who wants to help us advocate for VA nurses and healthcare to join us on the Legislative Committee. Information on how to add your voice to our efforts can be found on the NOVA website. We are looking for representation from all 50 States as there is strength in numbers, and we need LPN/LVN/RNs and APRNs to help us advocate for all VA healthcare professionals.
We will be hosting a Member on the Hill Day on March 9, 2023. Discussing VA issues with your legislators (House & Senate) has never been more critical. An email was sent with more information on how you can register and attend. We will also be holding a webinar on Congress and how to schedule those meetings and what to expect while you are in DC. Be assured that we will be here to help every step of the way by providing mentorship, tools of the trade, and a chance for you to partner with those from your respective states when visiting your members of congress and staff.
Stay tuned to NOVA’s website and social media for updates on the 118th Congress, leadership, legislation introduced and other items of interest which affects how you provide healthcare to our Veterans.
Posted By Carolyn Latta, MS, RN, CRRN,
Wednesday, November 23, 2022
Updated: Monday, November 21, 2022
A lot of fun and laughter illustrates Hampton Chapter 418’s Meet & Greet at Top Golf. The chapter held a casual meet and greet with the purpose of networking to build connections and cultivate relationships among the members. Our goal is to continue these events quarterly so that as we continue to grow our membership as we become more connected and recognizable within the facility.
Posted By TJ Wilcox-Olson,
Monday, November 21, 2022
It was so nice to see everyone in person again at NOVA’s 42nd annual meeting in October. I think it was one of our best events yet. You all brought so much positive energy. There was a lot of laughter and celebration along with learning. That’s really what NOVA is all about!
I remember my very first NOVA annual meeting. I was with two coworkers and didn’t know anyone else. I immediately felt among friends. We had many first-time attendees in New Orleans and I imagine they felt similarly. I also met a few nurses who had not yet joined NOVA and I have no doubt they will after the experience they had at the meeting.
The annual meeting isn’t about talking about work on your day off. It’s about remembering why you are doing what you are doing, why you started your VA nursing journey.
I encourage everyone who attended this year to come to Las Vegas in October 2023 for NOVA’s 43rd Annual Meeting. I challenge each of you to bring as many nurses from your VA facility as you can. Let’s have a healthy competition to see which facility has the most nurses in attendance.
Increasing membership is NOVA’s number one goal for 2023 and by engaging in events that celebrate nursing and each other, I know we can end 2023 with the most members NOVA has ever had. One way to kick off recruiting new members from your VA is to take part in the Hill Day Challenge. Recruit five or more nurses (LPN/LVN/RN/APRN) to become new NOVA members between September 10, 2022, and January 5, 2023, and you can earn a one-night stay in Washington, DC, during NOVA’s Hill Day in March. You can find more details on the Advocacy tab located on NOVA’s website.
NOVA is the only professional nursing organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for VA nurses. The more of us who come together, the stronger we will be. NOVA’s future it bright and I am excited to see what we accomplish next.
Posted By Maggie Rowe,
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
On November 2, 2022, VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System (VA CWM HCS) Chapter 232 presented a donation of more than 500 non-perishable food items to their Voluntary Service Department’s food bank. The food bank opened at their main campus in Leeds on June 1, 2022 serving all Veterans every Wednesday.
Many food banks rely on outside donations to support their mission as they face the possibility of dwindling supply. The Chapter took pride in this generous opportunity to collect items over the previous weeks from not only the members, but other VA CWM HCS staff to stock the shelves. Some of the items included: a variety of vegetable cans, soup/stew cans, crackers, pasta, juice, peanut butter/jelly, stuffing, dessert mixes, and more. NOVA Chapter 232 looks forward to other events in 2023, such as this, to support both our members and Veterans.
by Thelma R. Serry, BSN, RN, NE-BC - A NOVA Past President and Nurse Emeritus
“A Lifelong Calling”
Florence Jones-Clarke, MS, BSN
NOVA Nurse Emeritus Member, Florence Jones-Clarke has been a nurse for more than 50 years. She received her BSN from North Carolina A&T State University and an MS in Gerontology and Health Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Her nursing career started at Petersburg General Hospital in Petersburg, Virginia where she worked for 2 ½ years as a staff nurse. In 1967, Florence was hired for their Diploma Nursing Program as the first African American Instructor. She then worked for the American Red Cross serving Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, and Europe. Upon her return from Europe, she joined SouthSide Regional Medical Center and later worked at VCU/Medical College of Virginia Hospital.
In 1984, Ms. Jones-Clarke joined the VA Hunter Holmes McGuire VAMC in Richmond, Virginia where she excelled from Clinical Nurse Coordinator to the position of Interim Associate Chief Nurse of Geriatrics. After working at McGuire, she obtained a position with the Office of the Medical Inspector in Washington, DC where she was a Clinical Program Manager until her retirement in 2006.
For several years, Ms. Jones-Clarke also worked part-time as a clinical instructor at Virginia State University (VSU). She has been a mentor and coach for hundreds of nurses throughout her nursing career.
Ms. Jones-Clarke has been an advocate for the nursing profession. She served as president of the Virginia Nursing Association and vice president of the National Black Nurses Association, Central Virginia Chapter, and the Virginia State Board of Nursing. In addition, she served on the American Nurses Association Board of Directors. She continues to be an active member of these nursing organizations and her local community supporting health initiatives for everyone especially the underserved including the homeless and the elderly. She was instrumental in starting the Health and Wellness Consortium for Petersburg in 2012. The consortium includes health professionals from the Crater Health District, VCU, VSU, professional organizations, local churches, and citizens.
Ms. Jones-Clarke has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades. These recognitions include the Virginia Nurses Association/Virginia Nurses Foundation Nancy Vance Award for prestigious service to the nursing community and the March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Award.
Ms. Jones-Clarke is a member of First Baptist Church in Petersburg and is the President of the Health & Wellness Committee, Program Coordinator, and member of the women’s day and Veteran committees.
Angela Marie Harris, LPN, CDN, is a Clinical Technician/LPN at McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) of the Central Virginia VA Healthcare System. She has been working in the role since January 2019. She supports clinical telehealth encounters for both patients and providers. She is an imager, providing patient education and technical and/or administrative support telehealth operations. She recently became a certified Diabetes Navigator.
Angela Marie Harris, LPN, CDN
Prior to working in telehealth, Angela worked in the Surgical Specialty Clinics for three years performing clinical duties for patients seeking consultation, follow-up, surgical wound care and ambulatory ENT procedures. Prior to join McGuire, she was the Soldier Readiness Coordinator/LPN at Kenner Army Hospital, Fort Lee, Petersburg, Va. from 2009 to 2015. There, she was a subject matter expert for medical readiness of military and civilian personnel for deployment. In addition, Ms. Harris completed plans, coordinated and executed administrative and logistical requirements. She also worked for McGuire VAMC from 2006 to 2008 at the Fredericksburg CBOC performing intake of Veterans in preparation for provider visits.
Ms. Harris has a background in corrections. She worked for the Greensville Correctional Facility for more than one year from 2005 – 2006.
She obtained her Practical Nursing diploma from Richmond School of Health & Technology in Richmond, Virginia and later obtained an Associate Degree in Health Science in June 2017 John Tyler Community College Chester, Virginia.
Angela is a member of Lambda Psi Nu, Incorporate, a professional organization for LPNs. She serves as president of CHUMS, INC., Petersburg Chapter, enriching the lives of children by helping them to develop to their fullest intellectual, moral, emotional, physical, and social potential. She is a long-standing member of the Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs (NOVA) and promoted education and advocacy for nurses within the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Angela understands the importance of giving back to the community. She is not only involved in service to others through her church and through local organizations. She is a volunteer with the Central Virginia Medical Reserve Corp, Volunteer and the Tri-City Area Health & Wellness.
Angela has received many recognitions including the Secretary award and Veteran Affairs Service to the Citizen Award.
Thank you, Ms. Harris for your service to Veterans through advancing the use of technology through telehealth and serving those in need in your community.
Posted By Kira Jones,
Thursday, September 22, 2022
Updated: Monday, September 26, 2022
By Teresa Morris, NOVA Director, Advocacy & Government Relations
Greetings NOVA Members –
Both Chambers of Congress (House and Senate) are back in session with a busy fall agenda – in particular, is the urgency to pass fiscal year funding to keep the government running after September 30.
VA funding for FY 2023 was included in a mini omnibus (HR 8924) passed by the House in July. The Senate Appropriations Committee released the text of their bill in August. VA's budget for Medical Care for FY 2023 is $122.7 billion, and the FY 2024 Advance Appropriation is $132.1 billion. As both sides continue to debate funding, it looks like negotiations on a continuing resolution (CR) are in play to fund the government until December.
As we look ahead, I thought it would be the perfect time to review some of the legislative accomplishments made so far this year. All these bills have been enacted into law and were supported by NOVA.
H.R. 1276, the VA Vaccine Act - enacted as part of the Save Lives Act, allows VA to provide COVID vaccines to caregivers, spouses, and others in the community.
H.R. 2441, Sgt. Ketchum Rural Veterans Mental Health Actestablishes new Rural Access Network for Growth Enhancement (RANGE) programs through the VA and supports additional research on rural veteran mental health care needs.
H.R. 5575/S.3820, VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act - enacted as part of the FY 2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act moved Title 38 RNs to Level II and APRNs, PAs to Level I, and allows CRNAs to move above the Level I cap where they currently stand.
H.R. 4794/S.2533, Making Advances in Mammography and Medical Options for Veterans Act provides updated mammogram and breast cancer treatment at VA.
H.R. 3967/S.3373, The Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2021(PACT Act), which contains WISE Act provisions. The historic legislation adds 23 toxic and burn pit exposure conditions to the VA's database, while expanding care for post-9/11 veterans who were exposed to burn pits. It also contains provisions (Title IX) that expands HR and looks to improve staffing vacancies by allowing some elimination of caps on bonuses, and other incentives within VA.
Other bills of interest still awaiting action include:
HR 3693, the VA CPE Modernization Act, which would expand and increase tuition and course fees for all VA clinicians allowing nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and others to be eligible for educational benefits. If passed, it will provide full-time healthcare professionals to include RN, APRN, LVN/LPN to receive $2,000 annually for education expenses.
A larger Veterans legislative package continues to be negotiated and more critical expiring authorities await debate before the final gavel falls on the 117th Congress.
Stay tuned to NOVA’s website and social media for updates on legislation and other items of interest that affect VA healthcare.
Posted By Kira Jones,
Wednesday, September 21, 2022
The Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs (NOVA) is tying a membership campaign to our 2023 Hill Day event to help increase our voice on Capitol Hill.
Current members participating in the Hill Day Membership Challenge can earn a free night stay in Washington DC during NOVA’s Hill Day event planned for March 2023.
To qualify for the free night stay, a member must sign up a total of five new APRN, RN or LPN/LVN members. Renewals do not count. The membership challenge will run from September 10, 2022 to January 5, 2023.
This is a fantastic way to bolster membership while also encouraging participation in our advocacy work and attendance at our Hill Day event.
In January 2023, we will begin a new Congress (118th) with changes to leadership and members on critical committees like the House and Senate VA Committees. We need your voices to continue advocating on behalf of nursing and VA healthcare professionals working across the country.
Join us and participate in the Hill Day Membership Challenge today!
We are pleased to share that the Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs (NOVA) has been honored with a 2022 Power of Associations Silver Award!
One-third of all Americans are part of the association community, whether as employees, members or volunteers. The American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) created the Power of Associations Awards to celebrate and promote the invaluable contributions that associations make to America and the world. Click here for a full listing of this year’s award recipients. The recipients were selected by ASAE’s Power of Associations Awards Committee.
NOVA received this recognition for our advocacy work related to the VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act, which passed as part of the FY 2022 appropriations package and was signed into law in March.
Thank you to everyone who participated in our advocacy efforts!
Interested in joining NOVA’s Legislative Committee? Help us reach our goal of getting a member from all 50 states to serve on this committee. Click here to learn more and apply.
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