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Posted By Ashley Lovelace,
Thursday, July 22, 2021
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Teresa Morris, Director, Advocacy & Government Relations
Greetings NOVA Members – It has been a busy July – NOVA submitted testimony to both the House and Senate VA Committees on pending legislation. Bills discussed at HVAC hearings would enhance CPE tuition and fees (HR 3693, VA CPE Modernization Act), improve the hiring and onboarding process (HR 3027, Veterans Improved Access to Care Act), require an independent assessment of health care delivery and require VA to make certain information available on a public facing site (HR 2775, VA Quality Health Care Accountability and Transparency Act), this includes staffing/vacancies, wait times, and quality of care data. The Senate VA Committee hearing included a bill “Department of Veterans Affairs Provider Accountability Act which requires VA to comply, verify and review all documentation for any healthcare provider working or employed by the VHA. It also addresses provider accountability within the VHA and proper reporting to the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) and State Licensing Boards (SLBs). NOVA commented that we strongly support updating policies and procedures and verifying credentials and licensure as oversight and accountability are important in any healthcare system. We provided some of our thoughts on how to strengthen the bill’s language. NOVA testimony can be found on the website: Congressional Statements & Letters (vanurse.org) As we move towards August and Congressional recess work period, I challenge all of you to take some time to meet with your Members (House and Senate) to discuss some of these issues and other critical VA issues important to you and NOVA. All House of Representatives and Senators have offices located in the District/State and should be hosting Town Hall meetings as well. Check their individual websites for COVID-19 guidance and when they will be available to meet. It is a great time to get in front of your members and find out what they are planning for the month while they are home working. Also, take note of any members in your state that sit on the House and Senate VA Committees as they have jurisdiction over all VA issues. For US House of Representatives: Homepage | house.gov For US Senators: U.S. Senate: Senators NOVA has provided a step-by-step “How To” schedule a meeting guide on the website. 2021_scheduling_a_meeting_wi.pdf (ymaws.com) Schedule a Meeting with Your Member of Congress (vanurse.org) Some of the issues NOVA has been actively involved include discussing pay caps, equity and the need for a review of staffing levels pre and post COVID. Recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals is our highest priority – especially in high-cost areas where shortages may affect timely access to high quality care for Veterans. For copies of NOVA letters of support sent to the Hill, visit the NOVA website. For a list of our complete 2021 legislative priority goals: 2021_nova_legislative_priori.pdf (ymaws.com) Stay Tuned!
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Posted By Ashley Lovelace,
Thursday, July 22, 2021
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Are You a Nurse Emeritus Member?
All retired VA nurses or those planning to retire in the next 6 months, are cordially invited to join Nurse Emeritus. If you, or someone you know fits this criteria please click the link at the end of this article to join.
The NURSE EMERITUS GROUP exists to support the mission and vision of NOVA through continuing engagement of nurses who have retired or have immediate plans to retire from active employment in the VA.
This group seeks to recognize and value the expertise of retired VA nurses through projects that support working VA nurses and the Veterans they serve. Nurse Emeritus members strive to recognize and celebrate the contributions of retired VA nurses through positive affirmation programs and projects. The dues for NOVA Nurse Emeritus members are $50 per year.
Two projects the Nurse Emeritus Group are currently participating in are the mentoring program
and the Mary Raymer Scholarship
. Nurse Emeritus members generously contribute to the Mary Raymer Scholarship fund to honor the legacy of this beloved NOVA member. Details about both projects can be found on the NOVA website.
Click Here to join today!
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Posted By Ashley Lovelace,
Wednesday, June 23, 2021
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2nd Quarter Membership Campaign |
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RNs- It's your turn!
Deadline is June 30th
This quarter’s spotlight is on RN recruitment. Here are just a few of the benefits available and opportunities to network with other NOVA members:
The individual who recruits the most RN members by the end of June will win a NOVA embroidered fleece vest from LL Bean! |
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Forward this email to your colleagues and ask them to include your name on their application when they join so you will get credit. |
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Posted By Ashley Lovelace,
Wednesday, June 23, 2021
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Lynette Short, MSN, RN
Central Virginia VA Health Care System, Richmond, VA President, NOVA Chapter 420 Chapter 420 celebrated our nurses the entire month of May 2021! We indulged in Self Care during Week 1 by participating in a Nurses Walk. While we walked, we promoted our chapter by wearing NOVA Chapter 420 masks. During our Spring Membership Drive, we presented the masks as a gift to all those members who have paid their local dues. We recruited or received interest from at least 36 people. Week 2 was a week of appreciation and recognition. Our Secretary/Treasurer, Cynthia Solomon MS, RN, ACNP-BC was recognized as the “Outstanding NOVA Member” for Nurses Week. Week 3 focussed on education with two continuing education presentations focused on COVID-19. The first was the personal perspectives of two Richmond VA nurses, Haneefah Omega Henry Rhodes MSN, AAS, RN, FNP-BC and Emily Hayes-Jones, BSN, RN, who presented “Nursing on the Front Line of COVID-19.” The second webinar, “COVID-19 Frontline Therapies” was presented by Med Learning Group. The last week in May we closed out our celebrations by delivering donations to the Homeless Veterans Shelter. We continue to appreciate our nurses every day. 
Left to Right: Thelma Roach-Serry, BSN, RN, BC-NE, Immediate Past President of NOVA; Lynette Short, MSN, RN, Chapter 420 President; Taiwo Akinsanya, MSN, RN, PC#2 Nurse Manager; and Marva Griffin, MSN, RN, Chapter 420 Board Member
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Posted By Ashley Lovelace,
Wednesday, June 23, 2021
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Kelly D. Skinner, DNP, APRN, NP-C, GNP-BC, CRRN, WCC, CFCN
VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA NOVA Chapter 226
Nurses Week T-shirts NOVA Chapter 226 nurses wore their NOVA 2020 - 2021 Year of the Nurse t-shirts with pride!
Left to Right Top Row: Theresa Presley. Nacha Pierre, Kelly D. Skinner, Sherry Clement, and Tom Savage Left to Right Middle Row: Valentina Ward, Anastasia Aryee, Danielle Newman, Julie Szegda and Mindy Shackelford Left to Right Bottom Row: Molly Maloney, Nancy Brooks, Kattie Davis and Kelley Nunes
Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Nursing Congratulations to Jessica Ash on being awarded the Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Nursing – RN Expanded Role category! She is the Nurse Recruiter at the VA Boston Healthcare System and continues to use her vast administrative and clinical knowledge to advance the hiring practices and recruitment of the best qualified candidates for the Nursing Service. Jessica was publicly recognized for being the recipient of this prestigious award during Nurses Week.
Jessica Ash, BSN, RN
Nurses Week Raffle Carol McTavish, LPN, May Park, BSN, RN, WCC and Chizoba Nwosu, PhD, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC are looking fabulous sporting their NOVA fleeces they won from the Nurses Week Raffle!
Left to Right: Carol McTavish, May Park and Chizoba Nwosu
Line Dancing Event NOVA Chapter 226 coordinated a Line Dancing Event which took place on Saturday, May 15, 2021 in Marshfield, MA. Two-stepping together outdoors was so much fun! We seized this opportunity to get some exercise, relieve stress, recharge, learn new dance moves, and raise money for scholarships for NOVA nurses. Valentina Ward, Ellen McCarthy, Kelly D. Skinner, Theresa Presley, Mindy Shackelford, Sandra Terry, Gilda Cain, Marie Pizziferri, Joan Clifford, Anjana Phuyal, Nancy Connors, and Jessica Cunningham were just some of those who were shimmying and shaking that day. Sorry, but I am not at liberty to disclose who were the beginners and who were the boot scooters in this group. You will just have to go to the next Line Dancing Event in September to find out for yourself. Stay tuned for details!
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Posted By Ashley Lovelace,
Wednesday, June 23, 2021
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Marilyn Simpson, MSN/Ed, RN Health Promotion Disease Prevention Case Manager, CBOC VA North Texas HCS, Abilene, Texas NOVA Chapter 384
Scenario: You are leaving the canteen with your refilled drink and the unthinkable happens. Through the glass door of the giftshop you see someone lying lifeless on the floor. For a split second you are paralyzed with the reality that she is now your responsibility since you are the trained professional. You hope that she may have only fainted and did not die. You look right, then left, but see no one. Tag you’re it! Somewhere in your brain you have the training and know what to do, but all that practice does not come to you as quickly as your instructors said it would. What now?
Here is a little rhyme to help you get started. TAP HIM – CALL THEM. Now, read the rhyme out loud.
Compose yourself in that same split second, approach the lady and start the Basic Life Support (BLS) assessment which is coming back to you.
Tap her firmly on the shoulders ~ you get no response. Now yell! “Help!” Raise enough commotion that someone comes to you. This is no time for your elevator voice. The clock is ticking, and you do not know how long she has been down. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), for the best outcome the first AED shock must be given within the first three minutes.
Someone noticed your situation and ran for the AED/911. Now what? Tick, tick, tick. High quality compressions are the key to the best outcomes per the AHA. Every time compressions are interrupted, the heart stops; the first few compressions are not as effective as later compressions. The more often the compressions are interrupted, the lower the victim’s chance of survival. Compressions that are too deep are better than too shallow. You will break ribs – from which she can recover.
Long ago the AHA taught ABC – Airway – Breathing - Compressions. That has changed with the latest directions being CBA, compressions first, (then when help arrives) work on breathing and airway.
You have help on its way, now finish your initial BLS assessment. Check for a pulse at least 5 seconds, but no longer than 10 seconds. Quickly move her outer jacket so you can count respirations during those same seconds.
As you palpate for heart beat in her carotid artery down her neck, turn your head to watch her chest. Tick, tick, tick. No pulse, no breaths? Start compressions immediately. Stay on the chest until help arrives ~ you can do this.
Reference: AHA Instructor Network Home - American Heart Association
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Posted By Ashley Lovelace,
Wednesday, June 23, 2021
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Anjana Phuyal, BSN, RN VA Boston Health Care System, Boston, MA NOVA Chapter 226
My name is Anjana Phuyal, and I work at the VA Boston Healthcare System in West Roxbury as the Accreditation Specialist. Throughout my nursing career, I have worked on various inpatient and outpatient units as a staff nurse. Prior to joining the VA in 2017, I did some travel nursing in Massachusetts. Prior to March 2020 I was working in the outpatient PACU; however, the COVID-19 pandemic transformed health care priorities and in the last week of March 2020, I was detailed to an inpatient COVID unit for 12 weeks. It was a momentous event in my life both professionally and personally. The biggest adjustment to the new detail was providing care under the unfamiliar guise of COVID-19 while ensuring my own safety and the safety of my loved ones. I was not forthcoming about which unit I was working on to protect and prevent people from “freaking out.” With all of the uncertainties and fear came a sense of duty to the Veterans to whom I felt obliged. I wrote this reflection to remember that working on the COVID unit had a silver lining. In the midst of the unknown, I met with many instances of the known human element. I looked into my patients’ eyes and those of my fellow co-workers with a different intensity; their eyes told the story. I held my patients’ hands more intently; they so needed human touch. I spent more time with each patient as I was not sure if I would see them the next time I worked (some were really sick and passed away). We all worked as a team even more than before as there was no other option and survival was on the line. We also experienced the fear of diminishing PPE supplies which added to our angst. “Call my wife and tell her that I love her!” yelled Mr. X fighting the tears in his eyes yet smiling. I held his cold hands and said “I will, and you can too when I bring the iPad over. I can call her, and you can say that to her, okay?” He was my new admission to the COVID unit, a transfer from the Bedford VA. He was extremely hard of hearing, unable to help himself, had wounds on his buttocks and legs, was feverish and had trouble with his memory. I went into the room to do my admission assessment with the doctor. Because the patient was hard of hearing, I had a hearing device with me, but the patient did not want to wear it. I attempted to tell him that it was a hearing device that would facilitate our conversation. I put it around his ear and held it. After introducing himself, the doctor started to ask, “How are you doing, sir?” The patient looked at the doctor and then looked at me and said, “Call my wife and tell her I love her!” The doctor and I smiled underneath our N-95 mask; the eyes gave away the smile. “Are you in pain, sir?” asked the doctor. “Call my wife and tell her I love her!” stressed the patient. “Are you breathing okay, sir?” I yelled through my N-95 mask and the face shield unsure if my muffled voice reached his ears. I leaned over and the patient started to cry and said, “Call my wife and tell her I love her!” The doctor and I decided that we would proceed with the interview later because the patient was upset. I stayed with the patient, held his hand, and listened to him as he talked about his wife. The patient did not care about his pain, his shortness of breath, or his wounds, but cared about what was most important to him... his wife and telling her, “I love you!” His biggest concern was that his wife knew he loved her. Love is powerful I thought, and I am seeing a living, breathing example. Love gets us through the worst of times! Mr. X is a fighter. He beat COVID last year and still comes to the hospital for treatments and procedures. I wonder if it is the love that he has for his wife that helped him to fight and survive. Essentially, I wrote this piece to remember how much stronger (physically and mentally), kinder and wiser I emerged from the COVID detail. I was also thankful that when the whole world had to shut down and many people were not allowed to leave their homes that I had a reason and purpose to leave mine. It may have only made small differences in my patients’ lives but it has made a major one in my life. Thank you for this opportunity to share my story.
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Posted By Ashley Lovelace,
Wednesday, June 23, 2021
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Yvette M. Twum-Danso, PhD, RN, CCRN-K Director, National NOVA Board Columbia VA Healthcare System, Columbia, SC NOVA Chapter 362
Greetings NOVA Members!
I entered the University of Phoenix’s PhD doctoral program, as a full-time VA nurse, when my children were young and I was active in church and NOVA. I was admitted to the hospital with a deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary emboli, during my first year in the program. I realized the severity of the diagnosis, yet I remained prayerful and hopeful as I endured numerous procedures and multiple admissions. I had biopsies (lymph node and bone marrow) to rule out Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, and ultimately, I was diagnosed with Protein C/S Deficiency (an inherited blood clotting disorder). Even though this was a tumultuous ordeal, I received support from my biological and church families who were phenomenal, encouraging and caring.
Throughout it all, I never lost hope and I continued to persevere through the doctoral program and moved along as a part-time student. I endured the worst experience when my dad was diagnosed with cancer. He fought the good fight; however, he passed away. My fellow NOVA Chapter 362 members supported me through-out the funeral and grieving process. After a short pause, I returned to complete my doctorate degree, not only for myself, but for my dad as well.
During the journey, I was a recipient of NOVA’s Educational Scholarship and NOVA’s Professional Nurse Award for Clinical Excellence. I was recognized for my efforts related to a $1.2 million dollar grant approval for the Mobile Heart and Vascular Unit at the Columbia VA Health Care System, that provides cardiovascular services for rural Veterans.
In 2019, Chapter 362 received the Distinguished Chapter award for outstanding performance and contributions to NOVA. Additionally, I was the recipient of NOVA’s President Award for Chapter 362. I continued to be passionate about NOVA. I ran for office and was elected as a Director on the national NOVA Board. I am currently serving as chair of the Education Scholarship Committee, and am a member of the Education, Legislative and Membership Committees.
I transitioned from my role as a Cardiology Nurse Case Manager to the Cardiology Assistant Nurse Manager in 2018 at the Columbia VA Health Care System. In this role, I strive to improve Veterans’ outcomes related to the cardiovascular field. I was the 1st place recipient of the VA Goes Red Challenge for the Columbia VA Health Care System to educate and promote awareness of heart disease among women Veterans. I have remained an active member of the ONS Cardiovascular Field Advisory, Infection: Don't Pass It On (IDPIO), and the facility’s IRB Committee.
In May 2021, I successfully defended my PhD dissertation in Nursing, and am looking forward to my in-person graduation from the University of Phoenix on September 25, 2021 in Atlanta. My journey was not easy; however, I persevered and achieved the highest degree in nursing. I am forever grateful for my family, friends, and NOVA’s support during my doctoral journey! Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my doctoral journey testimony. Sincerely, Dr. Yvette M. Twum-Danso
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Posted By Ashley Lovelace,
Wednesday, June 23, 2021
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Colleen Sibert, MSN, APRN, AGNP-C Tomah VA Medical Center, Tomah, WI Colleen Sibert, MSN, APRN, AGNP-BC is an advanced practice nurse who has worked as a nurse practitioner in the urgent care setting at the Tomah VA since 2008. She graduated from Western Technical College in 2008 with her Associates Degree; Bachelors of Science from Western Governors University in 2010, and her Master’s Degree from Walden University in 2014. Colleen is currently enrolled in the DNP program through Walden University and is expected to graduate in the fall of 2022. It is Colleen’s honor to serve our Nation’s Heroes. Her goal is to give the best possible care to all Veterans. Colleen was the 2020 recipient of the Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Nursing for the Expanded RN Role category. Colleen serves as the President of the Lacrosse Area Suicide Prevention Initiative, a community organization that promotes awareness that suicide is a public health problem and can be preventable. The Lacrosse Area Suicide Prevention Initiative sponsors a yearly education summit for the community to provide education on the prevalence and risk factors for different populations, and acquire tools for prevention, assessment and intervention. Colleen’s perspective as a VA employee has proven to be invaluable. This year, sessions on Veteran suicide and Veteran suicide prevention have been added to the Summit that will take place in September 2021. “I have been a member of NOVA for a few months and before that I did not know NOVA existed”, Colleen admits. “I love that the VA nurses have NOVA because our nursing mission is so unique compared to outside agencies. We need an organization that can influence Veteran’s health care and support the nurses that provide it, and NOVA does just that!”
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Posted By Ashley Lovelace,
Wednesday, June 23, 2021
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Teresa Morris, Director, Advocacy & Government Relations
Greetings NOVA Members – NOVA hosted the first Virtual Hill Day on June 10 where nurses gave voice to our legislative priorities to the members of the 117th Congress. Thanks to House and Senate VA Committee Chairmen Mark Takano (D-CA) and Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) for recording inspiring messages to help kick off the day. I hope those of you who participated found it to be an exciting venture into what it means to advocate for the VA and play a part in our democracy! And for those of you who could not make it this year – I look forward to seeing all of you in Washington D.C. in 2022. For more information and details to include the recorded kickoff event: Add NOVA recording to the link to the Toolkit NOVA on the Hill Day (vanurse.org) House and Senate VA Committees continue to hold hearings and pass legislation as we quickly move towards the August recess. Both House and Senate VA Committees have made toxic exposure bills a priority. House bill, the Honoring Our Promise to Address Toxics Act of 2021, and Senate bill Comprehensive and Overdue Support for Troops/(COST) of War Act of 2021, would provide generations of Veterans suffering from illnesses related to their toxic exposures benefits and healthcare at the VA. The VA at this time has not commented on the bills or the cost – VSO representatives have testified to their strong support of both bills and also held a press conference at the Capitol where Daily Show host Jon Stewart - advocate for toxic exposure (particularly 9/11 victims and first responders) spoke to the need to get this done quickly for all those suffering. NOVA has been actively involved in discussing pay caps, equity and the need for a review of staffing levels pre and post COVID-19. Recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals is our highest priority – especially in high-cost areas where shortages may affect timely access to high quality care for Veterans. We continue to voice our support for bills like the recently dropped VA CPE Modernization Act sponsored by House VA Subcommittee on Health Chairman Julia Brownley which will expand and increase tuition and course fees for all VA clinicians allowing nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and others to be eligible for this benefit. For copies of NOVA letters of support sent to the Hill, visit the NOVA website. For a list of our complete 2021 legislative priority goals: 2021_nova_legislative_priori.pdf (ymaws.com) I ask you to check out the U.S. House and U.S. Senate links on our website and talk to your Congressional members about VA issues important to you. We will be planning the best way to get in front of your members during August recess so start signing up for those congressional newsletters, get to know what your members are planning for the month while they are home working. Also, take note of any members in your state that sit on the House and Senate VA Committees as they have jurisdiction over all VA issues.
The House and Senate VA Committee members can be found at the links below: Senate VA Committee Members released - list of members: Committee Members | United States Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs House VA Committee Members list Members | About | The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs
As always, I look forward to working with all of you and thank you for your continued advocacy on behalf of VA nurses and the communities in which you live. Stay Tuned!
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