By Carolyn Latta

Chapter 418 held a Membership Recruitment Dinner on April 6, 2022 at the Newport News Marriott at City Center. 

The guest speaker, Susan Reid, MBA, MSN, RN, CWCN, BCMAS is a Senior Medical Science Liaison for Organogenesis. Ms. Reid has extensive experience in providing care and consultation for patients with chronic wounds and has lectured throughout the United States and abroad on the subject of the prevention and management of chronic wounds. Ms. Reid gave an informative  l presentation entitled “Understanding the Chronic Wound Continuum: The Nurses Role in Real Wound Healing, Biofilm Based Wound Management, and Organogenesis Portfolio”.

Nine members and 12 guests attended, including Ruth Holmes, NOVA Secretary/Treasurer and Nurse Emeritus. Ms. Holmes guests were two retired VA nurses. In addition to the educational presentation, there was information provided on NOVA and membership benefits including the Annual Meeting, webinars, tuition discounts, scholarships, mentoring, networking, and legislative updates, and the activities of Chapter 418 i.e. Spirit Day, Nurses Week, and Lunch and Learn sessions. As a result, Chapter 418 gained four new members , Ns. In addition, Organogenesis reps visited the Community Living Center to provide assistance with a challenging wound of a resident.

We plan to continue these events to bring our members and potential members together!

Submitted by Thelma R. Serry, BSN, RN, NE-BC

Chanté Logan, MSN, RN

Chanté Logan, MSN, RN is currently serving as the Operating Room Acting Nurse Manager at the Central Virginia VA Health Care System (CVHCS). She manages 47 registered nurses and 5 scrub technicians. The OR team collaborates with ancillary services, including Environmental Management Services, Engineering, Anesthesia, Biomedical, IT, and the Surgical Team.

Chanté is a proud Air Force Veteran who is, “grateful to serve those with whom I share a bond."

“I like to describe myself as a wife (Tim Logan), mother of two daughters (Julia and Carmen), daughter, sister, and friend to those I come into contact with,” says Chanté. “I want to reach my fullest potential academically and personally. Pursuing higher education was my goal when I enlisted in the United States Air Force in July 1991. I served honorably for twelve years and then left service to pursue my nursing dream.”

She is a lifelong learner who is currently pursuing a DNP at Old Dominion University and completed an Associate Degree in Nursing at Weber State University in 2006. She moved with her active-duty Air Force spouse to San Antonio, Texas where she completed a BSN at the University of the Incarnate Word. After her spouse retired, the family moved to Richmond, Virginia where Chanté completed the MSN Leadership and Administration program at Walden University. While completing the Old Dominion DNP program, she mentioned that she wonders\ed what her next academic pursuit would be.

Chanté has identified many goals for herself. She published an article in the 2022 issue of the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN),  “Developing a charge nurse shadowing program to spark the interest of future leaders”. The charge nurse shadowing program was envisioned by Chanté and she brought it to fruition with the help of the OR charge nurses and the full support of the OR nurse manager. She has also presented posters at the AORN Global Surgical Conference three times, winning a process improvement award in 2017! She has also been a presenter for the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Perioperative Nursing conference in 2021 entitled “Total Body Makeover”. Along with colleagues, she highlighted ways nurses can nurture r themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chanté is an accomplished VA nurse and aspires to be a Fulbright Scholar in the future.   If anyone can achieve their goals, Chanté can and will. All the best, Chanté!

By Vivian Cruz-Jones

Vivian is a Registered Nurse with 45 years of nursing experience.  She retired, one year ago, from the McGuire VA Medical Center, after 27 years of dedicated service.  After retirement she and her husband re-located from Virginia to Florida to be closer to their son and his family.  She enjoys volunteering, reading, relaxing, and spending time with her new friends but most of all she delights in the time spent with her grandchildren.  Vivian states, today more than ever, she truly believe in the statement “The meaning of Life is to give Life meaning”.

Retirement: the action or fact of leaving one's job and ceasing to work.

Before I retired, this statement, literally, was the only thought I had about retirement. I had visions of time being my own; I was going to do what I wanted, when I wanted, without obligations to anyone. I was planning to relocate to the Sunshine State to spend lazy days on the beach and live my best life. Over the years, I crafted a sound financial plan so as not to be worried about a strict budget while on a fixed income. With all bases covered (or so I thought), I felt that life would be wonderful - I would be fulfilled and finally able to live my dream. What I am learning is that retirement, for me, has proven to be an unpredictable journey. Retirement has taken me on a deep excursion into self-reflection to determine who I am, and what I want to do with the rest of my life. Without my Nursing Career,  having the “work” routine, and the built-in socialization, I quickly discovered that I needed a balance of both labor and leisure.

As a Registered nurse, I was proud to be included in one of the most respected and trusted fields, as a great portion of my nursing career was spent as an employee of the Department of Veteran Affairs.  Not only was I proud of being a nurse, but my most satisfying work was also as a VA Nurse. I enjoyed working with Veterans, hearing their stories, and making a difference in their lives - going to work every day gave me a purpose. Not only did this work give me a sense of satisfaction, but I also found a sense of camaraderie amongst my peers and managers. There was built-in socialization, support, and encouragement; the people in my workplace easily became not just my friends, but also part of my family. Together we were able to share both pleasant and challenging times. In retirement, both my purpose (work) and security (family/friends) were lost. My time, each and every minute of it, was my own but…how was I going to give my life meaning? 

After the brief period of rest and relaxation ended, I began to feel anxious and listless. One day blurred into the next and I was no longer happy or enjoying my life. I definitely was not excited about being retired - my idea of retirement was no longer my reality. I knew what I had planned my retirement to be but life and circumstance had other ideas. When I first started planning my retirement, there was no COVID-19. I had plans of continuing to use my nursing experience volunteering with the Red Cross, where I would travel, spend lazy days at the beach, continue membership with the American Legion and NOVA (Nurses Organization of Veteran Affairs) as an Emeritus.  With COVID, everything changed - Red Cross was not accepting new volunteers and was even cutting back on some of their programs. There were many precautions and restrictions regarding travel, so I was not eager to go to the beach or be around new people. 

I began soul-searching my retirement goal(s). . I paused, took the time to reflect, and found out a few important things about myself. I didn’t have to fill each day with business and I don’t have to feel guilty about it.  I know that I still have something to give and have found a way that uses my nursing skills without being obligated to the everyday routine of “work”.  By slowing down, I have gained a deeper connection with my spirituality which has calmed me.  I joined a neighborhood walking group not only for socialization but also for exercise. 

This unpredictable journey of Retirement has taken me in many different directions. It has taken me out of my comfort zone, allowing me to experience new adventures and opportunities.  I have learned to embrace this new life and its possibilities. I have learned to relax and enjoy – without guilt.  Most importantly I have learned to appreciate and be grateful for each and every moment.

By Nancy Claflin, DNP, MS, RN, NEA-BC, CENP, CCRN-K, CPHQ, FNAHQ

NOVA’s 27th Annual Legislative Roundtable was held Friday, March 11, 2022 at DAV Headquarters in Washington, DC.  Participants were welcomed by TJ Wilcox-Olson, MHS, RN, NOVA President. 

Thelma Roach-Serry, BSN, RN, NE-BC, Chair, NOVA Legislative Committee, presented NOVA’s legislative agenda, assisted by Co-Chair Kelley Saindon, DNP, RN, CHPN, and Cecilia McVey, BSN, NHA, FAAN, Expert Advisor.  This was followed by presentations from staff from the Office of Nursing Services (ONS) in the Department of Veterans Affairs, representatives from Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), national nursing organizations, and professional staff members from the House VA Committee.  The following topics were discussed:

• Successful passage of HR 5575, The VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act was applauded, which will provide Title 38 healthcare providers (RNs, APRNs, PAs, CRNAs) with a pay raise and assist with staffing, recruitment, and retention; thanks to all supporting and helping with passage of bill 

• Asset Infrastructure and Review (AIR) Act, including information released and impact on veterans and families

• Budget, including passage of on-time budget; reform dysfunctional federal budget process to enable VA facilities to accurately plan and deliver care, support modern staffing models and enhance ability to recruit and retain qualified workforce

• Appropriate funding for Community Care that doesn’t interfere with internal medical care funds

• Adequate funding for nursing research 

• Support for Independent Budget

• Authorizing VA to receive reimbursements from TRICARE and Medicare

• Properly implementing VA and DOD health IT systems, including electronic health record

• Concerns regarding proposed nomination for Under Secretary for Health with need to maintain consistency and stability with leadership

• Improving access, strengthening VA’s capacity to delivery timely, high quality health care

• HR modernization, including repositioning HR staff back at medical centers, status of clinical shortages due to delays in recruitment and onboarding, time to hire metrics, processes used during COVID-19 to expedite hiring and onboarding, ensuring staffing to review policies and improve communication to speed hiring process, mandatory training of HR personnel on locality pay and Congressional authorities to enable VA to remain competitive with projected nursing staffing shortages

• Reviewing qualifications standards and pay levels for LPNs and NAs, providing hiring incentives to keep VA competitive, providing opportunities for career advancement and professional development at all levels

• Ensuring nursing workforce practices at full extent of education, training, and certification

• Development and implementation of national standards of practice within VA to ensure standard practice across state lines and virtually to meet patient care needs

• Further collaboration between DOD and VA

• Simplifying work environment and reducing employee burnout within VA; mental health support for nurses

• Workforce violence prevention

• Support for VA Crisis Line

• Correcting disparity between educational benefits for nurse practitioners and physicians

• Equitable compensation models for CRNAs and pharmacists; pay for LPNs

• Full practice authority for CRNAs; would automatically double workforce in VA with no additional funding; enhance implementation of advanced techniques for pain management

• Reviewing and enhancing CRNA education funding

• Supporting Title VIII nursing workforce funding

• Supporting education for palliative and hospice care clinicians; providing equitable access to in-person care for palliative care and hospice veterans

• Providing placement and support for nursing students

• Providing benefits, health care, and justice for veterans of all eras exposed to toxic substances; comprehensive toxic exposure reform

• Improving claims process; consider treatment of presumptive conditions as claim for disability compensation, implement modernized appeals process, reinstate pre-decisional review period, require VA to accept private medical evidence; enhance digital claims processing; improve accuracy of disability compensation related to military sexual trauma

• Enhancing veterans survivor benefits

• Ensuring access to long term care for aging veterans and veterans with service connected disabilities; expanding nursing home eligibility and long term care options

• Promoting equity in health services and benefits for women veterans, including equal access to contraceptive care; underserved, and minority veteran populations

• Providing resources for homelessness; improving mental health services and suicide prevention efforts to reduce veteran suicide

• Strengthening care and research for mental health and traumatic brain injuries

• Providing oversight of transition assistance program pathway attendance for veterans after leaving military service; improving education benefits

• Supporting automatic enrollment in VA

• Supporting the STRONG (Supporting The Resiliency of Our Nation’s Great Veterans) Veterans Act of 2022, H.R. 6411 (training to support veterans’ mental health, veterans’ crisis line, outreach to veterans, mental health care delivery and research)

• Assessing Vet Centers to ensure adequate staffing, resources, and funding

• Addressing extremism in veterans

• Further developing and expanding telehealth

• Supporting Nurse Cadet Corps recognition

• NOVA members included: Board of Directors members President Taryn-Janae Wilcox-Olson, MHS, RN, VA Portland Health Care System; President-Elect Catherine Giasson, DNP, MHA, RN, NE-BC, VA Central Western Massachusetts Health Care System; Secretary/Treasurer Ruth Holmes, MSA, BSN, RN, Office of the Medical Inspector (Retired); Immediate Past President Kelly Skinner, DNP, APRN, NP-C, GNP-BC, CRRN, WCC, CFCN, VA Boston Health Care System; Membership Secretary Theresa Presley, MSN, RN, CNL, CCRN, VA Boston Healthcare System; Director Eula Davis, MPH, MSN, RN-AMB, Michael J. Crescenz Medical Center Hospital Philadelphia; Director Miriam Rogers Holy, MSN, RN, ACM; VA Maryland Health Care System, Director Betty Ogren, LPN, Northern Indiana VA Health Care System; Cynthia Solomon-Ramos, MS, RN, ACNP-BC, Central Virginia VA Healthcare System; and Kelley Saindon, DNP, RN, CHPN, Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial VA Bedford, and Executive Director Deb Dupnik.  Also attending were Past President Thelma Roach-Serry, BSN, RN, NE-BC, Chair Legislative Committee; Past President Cecilia McVey RN, MHA, FAAN, Expert Advisor, Past President Nurse Emeritus Nancy Claflin, DNP, MS, RN, NEA-BC, CENP, CCRN-K, CPHQ, FNAHQ; Teresa Morris, Director, Advocacy and Government Relations, and Erica Lazarow, Meetings Coordinator.

By Thelma R. Serry, BSN, RN, NE-BC

Barbara A. Zello, BSN, RN

Barbara Zello works at the Central Virginia Health Care System (CVHCS) in Richmond, Virginia as the Clinical Coordinator for the Electrophysiology (EP) Department. Barbara is dedicated to her nursing practice at the VA, in her community, and at home. Barbara joined CVHSC in 2010 and has been a member of NOVA, Chapter 420 for many years, bringing a devotion to volunteerism, and community service. Barbara believes that charity is the foundation for service to others.

In February, Ms. Zello was recognized by Greensburg Catholic High School in Pennsylvania, from which she graduated in 1979, with the 2022 Distinguished Centurion Service Award. Through the years since graduating, Ms. Zello has been involved in serving her parish community in Hopewell, Virginia. She says that her life’s mission incorporates “faith, moral responsibility, critical thinking skills, and service to the community.” She mentioned that the principles of accountability, discipline, and honesty were instilled by her teachers while attending high school. She believes in service with humility and prefers to work behind the scenes.

In addition to working at CVHCS and serving her community, Ms. Zello loves the Pittsburg Steelers and is a devoted wife and caretaker for her husband, Joe who suffers from Muscular Dystrophy – Charcot Marie 2.  She says “I balance my life through serving him and others”. 

Congratulations Ms. Zello achieving a noteworthy recognition for your service to others!