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Posted By Ashley Lovelace,
Monday, December 21, 2020
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NOVA celebrated our LPN/LVN community during October 2020 and our Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) community in November, 2020. It has been a goal of NOVA to make sure that all of our nurses feel appreciated for all of their hard work, that our LPN/LVNs and APRNs are aware of available opportunities. To celebrate we decided to host a friendly competition to help recruit LVN/LPNs and APRNs.
The rules were to recruit LVN/LPNs during the entire month of October and APRNs during the entire month of November. The nurse who recruited the most LVN/LPNs and the nurse who recruited the most APRNs would be awarded a NOVA fleece from L.L.Bean. The competition was fun and close for the majority of the months; however, we did have a winner for October and one for November! 
Carolyn Dunbar Congratulations to Ms. Carolyn Dunbar for being our top recruiter of LPNs in the month of October! Ms. Dunbar has been a faithful member of NOVA since 2002. She is currently a RN at the Southeast Louisiana VA HCS in New Orleans, LA. Thank you so much Carolyn, for all your hard work and dedication to NOVA for so many years! We appreciate your willingness to help NOVA grow and become even more great! We look forward to seeing how you will continue to help NOVA grow even larger in the years to come! 
Alma Holley Congratulations to Ms. Alma Holley for being our top recruiter of APRNs for the month of November! Alma Holley serves the Nurse Manager for the Women’s Health Clinic at the Washington DC Veteran Affairs Medical Center. She became a certified CNL in 2010. This is a role Alma truly enjoys because the role requires her to incorporate all of her nursing knowledge into practice. The road to accomplish many of her assignments is not present in most situations, so she must build it with her education and nursing experience. Alma believes as an experienced nurse it is her responsibility to give back to the new nurses. Over the past five years, she has served as a CNL Ambassador, presented at the CNL Summit and volunteered as a mentor/advisor for several CNL students. With over 30 years of RN experience, Alma has held several positions in nursing. She has worked as a Nurse Manager, Nurse Educator, Case Manager, Director of Health Services, Dialysis Nurse, CNL, Public Health Nurse, Neonatal Nurse and Pediatric Nurse. Nursing is a dynamic profession and every day the nurse is challenged to keep up with the latest evidence based information. In 2013, Alma co-authored: Changing Behavior among Nurses to Track Indwelling Urinary Catheters in Hospitalized Patients. Alma serves as the local NOVA Membership Chair for NOVA Chapter #156 in Washington DC. She is also a member of the national NOVA Chapter Oversight and Membership Development Committees where she serves as a chapter contact. In her leisure time, Alma enjoys crafting, traveling and cooking. Thank you Ms. Alma, for your passion and dedication to our nation's Veterans. We look forward to working with you to grow NOVA's membership!
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Posted By Ashley Lovelace,
Monday, December 21, 2020
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During the Pandemic, NOVA nurses have been on the frontline working at hospitals, VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics and travelling to hot spots to assist when needed. NOVA, as the only professional nursing organization dedicated to VA nurses, remained vigilant in ensuring nurses across the country had the needed resources to protect themselves and the Veterans they serve. We shared those concerns with House and Senate VA Committee staff and the Veterans Service Community through our survey results taken during March-April, May and August-September. We worked with our partners in the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) as they shared priorities for stimulus relief packages with leaders in Congress while remaining committed to the healthcare needs of the nation.
We provided COVID-19 Resources page and posted Survey Results on our Website – the information on our continuing efforts can be found here: NOVA COVID-19 RESOURCE CENTER - Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs (vanurse.org)
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Posted By Ashley Lovelace,
Monday, December 21, 2020
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Teresa Morris, Director, Advocacy & Government Relations
Greetings NOVA Members – Well, we made it to the end of the year – a year that fittingly was named the “Year of the Nurse and Midwife” in honor of Florence Nightingale – All I can say is, I think she would be proud of all of you. Through all of the chaos and crisis, you have shown your strength and resilience during this once in a hundred-year pandemic that has encompassed everything about 2020. NOVA nurses were on the frontlines – taking care of Veterans and those in their communities. We continued our advocacy on Capitol Hill to make sure healthcare workers had what they needed during COVID/coronavirus. We fought alongside our partners in the Nursing Community Coalition to ensure any stimulus/relief packages included the VA. We sent surveys to find out how you felt during the height of the virus and continue to follow PPE, staffing and treatment news as the nation sees surges in all parts of the country. As we close out the 116th and move into a new Administration and Congress in January, we will continue the fight. As December ended, Congress cleared another Continuing Resolution (CR) extending the current federal funding levels through December 18. Both Senate and House Appropriations leaders are working towards reaching an agreement on a $1.4 trillion omnibus spending package before the end of the session. (As this was published, details of the funding package were still being worked out.) I am watching as House and Senate VA Committees looked to prepare a few more bills for passage prior to heading home for the Holidays and the close out of the session. I will have this and more on the new Congress in NOVA’s January newsletter. NOVA’s thoughts on legislation this year can be found on our website at: https://www.vanurse.org/page/congressionalstatements A list of the bills and all VA Committee legislative activity can be found on the HVAC and SVAC websites - https://veterans.house.gov/ https://www.veterans.senate.gov/ I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for your advocacy and all of your hard work in discussing our legislative goals with Members of Congress and staff. A group effort definitely makes the difference. As we move into 2021, please keep an eye out for our Legislative Priority Goals and critical issues. I will be hosting a Congress 101 Webinar, and sending out new names and faces for the 117th Congress as well as changes within the Administration at VA. As always, I look forward to expanding our advocacy team and to those willing to educate and mobilize other members on the best way to advocate for the VA Nursing community. Stay Tuned!
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Posted By Ashley Lovelace,
Monday, December 21, 2020
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Cathy Wogamon, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CWON, CFCN Lake City VA Medical Center, Lake City, FL NOVA Chapter 160
To celebrate Pressure Injury Awareness Day, the Wound/Ostomy Team at the Lake City VA Medical Center once again rolled out the mobile education cart to provide educational awareness, but this time the topic was pressure injury prevention. The Team provided educational materials from the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP) with descriptions and photos of the various pressure injury stages. The mobile cart was decorated with the “STOP” theme, and taken to units for the nurses and staff to review. The Wound/Ostomy Team provided information on the products that are used throughout the facility. The name of each participant was entered for a drawing for a gift card. The staff were very appreciative to receive this education that was provided.
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Posted By Ashley Lovelace,
Monday, December 21, 2020
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The election officially ended on December 2, 2020. Open positions included three (3) Director positions and the officer positions of Secretary/Treasurer and Membership Secretary. Individuals submitting applications for the Board of Directors must be voting members in good standing for a minimum of two (2) years prior to their nomination. Individuals submitting applications for the position of Secretary/Treasurer or Membership Secretary must have completed a full term of service which is two (2) years on the Board of Directors. Members who have served on the board as a Director in the past are eligible for an officer vacancy. Directors currently serving a first term or appointment are eligible for a Board vacancy. The following nominees have been elected to serve a two-year term beginning January 1, 2021. Membership Secretary Catherine Giasson, DNP, MHA, RN, NE-BC Secretary/Treasurer Ruth A. Holmes, MSA, BSN, RN Directors Steven D. Powell, MSN, RN-BC, CRRN Miriam Rogers Holy, MSN-PH, RN, ACM Cynthia Solomon, MSN, APRN, ACNP-BC Betty M. Ogren, LPN - appointed to fill a one-year term
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Posted By Ashley Lovelace,
Monday, December 21, 2020
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Thelma Roach-Serry, BSN, RN, NE-BC NOVA Immediate Past President Central Virginia Health Care System, Richmond, VA NOVA Chapter 420 Ms. Thelma Roach-Serry, BSN, RN, NE-BC is currently serving as NOVA Immediate Past President through December 2021. In this capacity, she is responsible for chairing the Bylaws & Policy and Nominations Committees, a member of the Executive and Finance committees, and serving with the board of directors among other responsibilities. Thelma has been a professional nurse for almost 40 years and works in VISN (Veteran Integrated Service Network) 6, Central Virginia VA Health Care System at Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center Richmond, Virginia (RVAMC). Her love of nursing started when she was five years old hearing her aunt, Mary Walden, talk about her nursing training to become a diploma nurse. Her aunt had to leave Virginia to go north to Philadelphia and then New York to complete her nursing training requirements due to the Jim Crow laws in Virginia in the 1940’s. Through perseverance and having an “I can do all things” attitude, Mrs. Walden was able to complete her training requirements and graduated from Hampton Institute – School of Nursing; now known as Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia. Hearing her aunt share her struggles and ultimate successes inspired and provoked Thelma to follow in her aunt’s footsteps to a career in nursing. Thelma was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, but grew up in Ohio where she attended high school and graduated with honors. She then proceeded to Washington, DC where she obtained a Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Howard University (HU) – College of Nursing (a historically black university). She started her nursing career at Howard University Hospital in acute surgery and trauma. After marrying her husband, Henry P. Serry, also an alum of HU, she relocated to Richmond, Virginia. In 1985, she joined the RVAMC. Thelma’s vast nursing background includes medical-surgical, intensive care, emergency and ambulatory care nursing. She is certified in nursing administration and has held a variety of leadership roles throughout her nursing career, receiving numerous accolades. She is currently the nurse manager of Surgical Specialty Clinics and is a servant leader who loves working as a frontline manager. This role affords her the opportunity to mentor and influence aspiring future nurse leaders. She is confident that her purpose is to inspire others to function to their full potential and be all that they can be as nurse professionals. Thelma firmly believes that as professionals, we should not only serve in our places of employment but we must be involved in the advancement of the profession of nursing through active membership in professional nursing organizations. She has done just that at the college, local, state and national levels. Her service to nursing organizations started at HU where she served as the HU Student Nurses Association Chapter President and pledged Chi Eta Phi Nursing Sorority, Inc. Alpha Beta Chapter and was a founder and charter member of Alpha Delta Beta Chapter while at HU. Thelma has served the local nursing community on various boards and for the past eight years, she has served as the leader of the Cedar Street Baptist Church of God Health Ministry. At the state level, Thelma served as Vice-President of the Virginia Nurses Association and served on the Board of Trustees for the Virginia Nurses Foundation. At the national level, she has continued to serve as a volunteer and a voice for nursing through NOVA starting with the national membership committee and later NOVA board of directors. Thelma was the first to serve in the combined position of NOVA Secretary/Treasurer prior to serving as President-Elect and then as the national NOVA President from 2018-2019. During the recent Nursing Organizations Alliance (NOA) Virtual Fall Summit, Thelma was elected to the NOA Coordinating Team that will now be referred to as the NOA Board of Directors. She will assume the new position January 1, 2021. Thelma is eagerly looking forward to the opportunity to work with the nursing organizations that form the Alliance.
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Posted By Ashley Lovelace,
Monday, December 21, 2020
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Deb Dupnik
Executive Director
Deb Dupnik was selected to serve as NOVA’s executive director beginning January 1, 2020. Deb has over 11 years of experience in association management, is a Certified Association Executive, and is certified by the Customer Service Institute of America. She has a very personal level of experience with the VA Health Care System. Her father, a WWII Veteran and purple heart recipient, was admitted in 1990 to the VA Boston Healthcare System, known as the West Roxbury VA at that time. He had a service-connected condition that resulted in a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed from the neck down. For the next 11 years, Dupnik and her family spent many hours in and out of this hospital and saw firsthand the remarkable work that VA nurses do everyday to provide care for our nation’s Veterans. She and her husband reside in New Jersey and are the proud parents of two adult daughters, one is a Biomedical Engineer and the other an Architect.
Gene Terry
Chief Relations Officer
Gene Terry serves as the Relationship Officer of NOVA. He has over 20 years’ experience in communications, strategic planning, governance, and operations. Gene’s career spans industries, including national charitable organizations, a university hospital system, and a healthcare public relations agency.
Currently, Gene serves as the Executive Director for the American Society of Hand Therapists, a professional organization of occupational and physical therapists who specialize in upper extremity rehabilitation. He also serves as Segment Leader for Association Headquarters’ Allied Health, Medical and Scientific business unit. In this role, Gene oversees client service delivery, and focuses on identifying tools and processes that support growth initiatives.
Gene is an active member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), holds ASAE’s Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential, serves on the board of directors for the Mid-Atlantic Society of Association Executives, and serves on the national board of trustees for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
Away from the office, Gene moonlights as a saxophonist in a community concert band and watches an unhealthy amount of British murder mysteries.
Ashley Lovelace
Membership Coordinator
Ashley is a New Jersey native and Howard University graduate with a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism that recently joined the NOVA team in January of 2020 as the Membership Coordinator. Ashley has over 10 years of customer service experience working with companies that varied from Walt Disney Company and managed top retailers such as Nordstrom and H&M. Ashley’s love of people drives her to make sure that the members of NOVA are always the top priority. Since joining the NOVA team, Ashley has helped orchestrate membership campaigns and assists with helping to make NOVA’s continuing education webinars and information for all NOVA members. Working with NOVA has a personal connection for Ashley, as her grandmother received VA nursing care until her passing this past June. Ashley is overjoyed and honored that she is a part of helping the caregivers of our nation's Veterans make a difference. She cannot wait to follow NOVA's growth in the future and is ecstatic to help in every way possible!
Natascha Williams
Meetings Manager
Natasha Williams serves as NOVA’s meeting manager. She has extensive experience developing, planning and overall operational execution of meetings, conferences, and large-scaled corporate events. Natascha is responsible for working with the Annual Meeting Committee to select the theme and develop an innovative program to address educational and networking needs of NOVA membership and is the main contact for the speakers and sponsors. She works with NOVA staff to promote and market the Annual Meeting among members and non-members. Natascha also plans and organizes NOVA’s Hill Day and Round Table events. She and her husband live in New Jersey and are the proud parents of four daughters who are elite athletes, actively involved in track. In her spare time, Natascha has served as a Tri-State Elite track club head coach.
Genesis Guevarra
Meetings Coordinator
Genesis Guevarra recently joined the NOVA team in March of 2020. With over 5 years of experience in event planning, she focuses on assisting with the Annual Meeting Logistics for NOVA. Juggling more than one association at Association Headquarters helped her build a comprehensive background that allowed her to develop, promote and execute a successful event experience. She helped execute several meetings in major cities like Miami, Philadelphia, Chicago, Orlando and Fort Worth. In addition to her experiences in meeting planning, she also has a background in Marketing. Genesis also helps people plan and coordinate dream weddings on the side. She earned a degree in Business Administration with a dual concentration in International Business and Marketing. As part of the team, Genesis helped with NOVA’s first virtual meeting and is looking forward to creating a refreshing experience in the coming years. She currently lives in New Jersey with her husband and her 4-year-old daughter.
Teresa Morris
Director of Advocacy & Government Relations
Teresa Morris spent over 25 years advocating for Veterans on behalf of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW). She began her career working at the VFW Political Action Committee and quickly moved to the Legislative Office where she wrote testimony and policy papers on various Veteran and Military issues. In 2004, she became the Grassroots Manager where she was charged with educating the VFW membership on how to advocate for critical Veterans issues. Teresa was responsible for managing their grassroots lobbying network of over 300,000 members. She has extensive knowledge of VA healthcare and benefits policy.
Teresa retired from the VFW in 2014 and joined the staff of Dove Associates, LLC where she served as Director of Advocacy & Government Relations for the Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs. She has worked as the Advocacy and Government Relations Director to NOVA for 6 years, guiding them through legislative policy and advocacy with respect to all things VA.
Teresa holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Political Science from Bowling Green State University in Ohio.
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Posted By Ashley Lovelace,
Thursday, November 19, 2020
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Teresa Morris, Director, Advocacy & Government Relations
It is early in what has become the worst public healthcare crisis in over 100 years, As the nation continued to fight against the novel coronavirus known as COVD-19, some VA nurses received orders to deploy to hard hit areas as part of the Disaster Emergency Medical Personnel System (DEMPS) program.
Many VA healthcare workers were called to action to help in areas with large numbers of COVID-19 cases or “hot spots.” One of those hardest hit areas were Native American communities in the western United States. In May, its per capita infection rate was
one of the highest in the country
.
As part of the CARES Act (passed in March), the federal government provided $8 billion to tribal nations of which each tribe was given $600 million in relief, but for most places the money did not arrive until May.
VA was asked to step in as part of its fourth mission and healthcare workers began deploying to several Native American areas.
Many of the tribal members do not speak English and translators were often used, but VA has reported that some nurses deployed to the Native communities began learning the language and the various customs.
NOVA recognizes the exceptional work being delivered by nurses and other providers using their talent and expertise to help Native American communities during the pandemic
.
Tracey Bent
Tracey Bent, an RN from the VA Boston Healthcare System with twenty years of experience in the ED received her orders to Show Low, Arizona and immediately had to Google the location. After
a five-hour drive from Phoenix she arrived at what would be her home for two weeks in July and August. Tracey worked at Summit Healthcare Regional Medical Center, where she treated
patients from nearby Navajo and Apache Reservations. She recalled that the hospital lacked infection control measures and PPE, as well as strong COVID-19 testing and treatment. Patient testing often took 5-10 days to return results.
Staff worked 12 hour shifts with few breaks while providing additional manpower and expertise to the only hospital within hundreds of miles. Complicating things even more were the unique health challenges facing some Native American patients. “I saw patients in their 30's with pulmonary issues, liver disease, obesity and emaciation. There is a lot of poverty in the area and alcohol consumption begins at an early age,” Bent said.
At the end of her deployment, Bent believed they made a difference – “we gave the overworked nursing staff some much needed help and advocated and addressed issues with COVID-19”. When asked if she would do it again, Bent replied, “I would do it all again in a heartbeat!”
Kathy Pham
Kathy Pham, an RN from the VA Long Beach Health Care System, was deployed to Tuba City, Arizona to assist the Tuba City Regional Health Care System which is a part of Indian Health Services (IHS). VA has long worked with IHS collaborating and sharing resources to
improve the health status of American Indian and Native American Veterans. The goal is to foster an environment that brings together the strengths and expertise of each organization to actively improve the care and services provided by both.
During COVID-19, Pham assisted the local communities, nursing homes and Navajo and Hopi Natives. She found the people in the community to be humble and
modest. She commented that they value and respect their elders and do not like to ask for help. “It was an honor and a privilege to be a part of the DEMPS team that went in to help the Navajo Nation in Arizona.” Pham said.
Justin Chamberland
Justin Chamberland, an RN from West Palm Beach VA Medical Center had the unique challenge of deploying to Gallup, New Mexico – which is surrounded by the largest Indian Reservation in the country. He
worked during June and July at the Gallup Indian Medical Center (GIMC) as a healthcare provider in the ED. The ED at GIMC had tents set up outside that would screen patients and treat COVID-19 patients. Chamberland was stationed at the tents for his entire deployment. While serving the Navajo Indian Nation, he asked and found out why COVID-19 was so devastating among the Navajo people. He put together information to better understand and help the unique population. Chamberland found that “most of the population live in nuclear households that includes multiple generations all living in a small area. They lack electricity and running water which makes washing their hands difficult, and many have to drive over 50 miles just to get clean water.” During his stay in New Mexico, Chamberland learned some of the language, ate blue mush and mutton and found “the Navajo were some of the most appreciative people I ever met.” Mr. Chamberland has worked at the VA for over 6 years and is currently a Clinical Nurse Coordinator for the ED.
VA continues to work in these hard-hit communities and many healthcare providers have stepped up to help. NOVA thanks these nurses for going above and beyond to take care of our nation’s Native American communities.
Photos from Native American Communities in Tuba City, AZ
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Posted By Ashley Lovelace,
Thursday, November 19, 2020
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The 2020 Nursing Leadership Scholarship in Honor of Catherine J. Rick
Recipient: Jonlyn Glenn, BSN, RN
I want to extend my sincerest gratitude to the NOVA Scholarship Committee and to all who generously support this wonderful organization making these scholarships possible. I am so thankful to NOVA for its commitment to supporting the growth and success of VA nurses. Over the years, NOVA has provided me with mentors and role models who have inspired me to further my education. Now, NOVA is making that goal even more attainable by providing additional support with an educational scholarship. Answering NOVA’s essay questions provided a great opportunity for me to reflect on my last five years with the VA healthcare system and to appreciate, all over again, what a privilege it is to serve our nation’s Veterans. It helped me to clarify my nursing goals and put to words the ways in which I hope to give back to an organization that has already given me so much.
Not only will the NOVA scholarship be a great help to my family financially, but more importantly it has given me a renewed sense of motivation, pride in my work and
excitement for the future of my nursing career. After receiving this scholarship, I spent some time reading about Ms. Catherine J. Rick and her years of dedicated service to the VA. In doing
so, I have become even more inspired and enthusiastic about pursuing my nursing passions and
making a tangible difference for others, as Ms. Rick has so impressively done. I am grateful to add another role model to my list and I am committed to giving my best effort in living up to the title of this scholarship. I hope to one day be able
to give back to the nursing profession, and to NOVA in particular for the opportunities it has afforded me. Thank you for helping me to continue my education and for widening my eyes to so many possibilities. Please know that NOVA has made
a profound difference in my life and I appreciate your generosity and support immensely.
Jonlyn Glenn
The 2020 Veterans Advocacy Scholarship in Honor of Anthony J. Principi
Recipient: Ashley N. Jones, MS, BSN, RN, OCN, CHPN, NE-BC
I have been a VA Nurse for almost nine years. I was also a student nurse technician at the VA for two and a half years while completing my BSN. To say the VA has shaped the nurse I am is an understatement. I have grown both professionally and personally during my career at the VA. I started as a student nurse technician and am now a nurse manager. I also completed my BSN and MS while at the
VA. I am currently in pursuit of my DNP. My VA Journey has been a fulfilling one thus far and is far from stalling. I will be starting the research and project portion of my degree soon. This award will help me evaluate the effectiveness of telemedicine in the prevention of cancer in the Veteran population. This scholarship will afford me the opportunity to complete my DNP program and fully dedicate myself to this endeavor. Words cannot express my gratitude and appreciation for this generous scholarship. Thank you for the opportunity!
Ashley N. Jones
The 2020 Commitment to Serving Veterans Scholarship in Honor of Jesse Brown
Recipient: Danielle L. Alderman, BSN, RN
Receiving this scholarship alleviates some of the stress and anxiety associated with pursuing a graduate degree. In addition to the financial burdens graduate school can place on an individual, I have been tasked with many other competing factors in the last year such as maintaining full-time employment, raising a family in a single parent household, caring for an ill parent, recovering from a COVID-19 infection, and parenting school-age children during a pandemic. However, I consider it all worth it for the value of receiving an advanced degree knowing the impact it will have on my career as a VA Nurse. A graduate nursing degree with a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) certification will help advance nursing practice and the quality of care provided to Veterans at the VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System. Veterans have sacrificed so much in service to this country that they deserve that same sacrifice and commitment from me and all VA nurses across the country. Thank you, NOVA, for your support!
Danielle L. Alderman
The 2020 Nurse Emeritus Academic Scholarship in Honor of Mary Raymer
Recipient: Kim Claude, MSN, APRN, ANP-BC
It is a privilege to be awarded with the Nurse Emeritus Academic Scholarship in Honor of Mary Raymer by the Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs. This scholarship will help me achieve my goal of completing my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from the University of Massachusetts, Boston.
I am a nurse practitioner at the VA Boston in surgical services, otolaryngology. Currently, my scholarly project is implementing a perioperative pathway for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Untreated OSA, especially in conjunction with medication that depresses respiratory drive, can lead to death. To provide safe, efficient and evidence-based care for our nation’s Veterans, implementing a perioperative clinical pathway for surgical patients with suspected or verified OSA is imperative. The goal of this project is to reduce postoperative adverse events for patients with confirmed or suspected OSA, and to improve referrals to sleep medicine for newly identified patients who fail OSA screening.
Once I receive my DNP, I will continue to examine current practices within the Veterans Health Administration and think of ways to improve the quality of care to Veterans.
Thank you,
Kim Claude
The 2020 NOVA Annual Meeting Scholarship
Recipient: Nancy Brooks, BSN, RN, WCC, CFCN
Being a NOVA member is important to me. Over the years, I have attended several NOVA annual meetings. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting San Francisco, New Orleans, Dallas and Miami where I was able to meet other VA nurses, attend many informational lectures and view poster presentations. When I saw the opportunity to apply for a scholarship for the 40th
Annual Meeting, I didn’t hesitate. I am very appreciative that I was selected to receive an annual meeting scholarship. Although it was virtual, the feeling of being a part of something as great as NOVA didn’t change. Thank you again for the opportunity
to attend this year’s annual meeting as well as the many great annual meetings over the years. I am already looking forward to attending next year’s meeting in Las Vegas!
Nancy Brooks
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Posted By Ashley Lovelace,
Thursday, November 19, 2020
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Dear NOVA Members,
For the President’s Message this month, I would like to share with you a slightly modified version of my Welcome Remarks from NOVA’s 40th Annual Meeting which took place virtually on October 29-30, 2020.
NOVA’s Annual Meeting Planning Committee chose this year’s theme: Celebrating NOVA's Legacy and Promise of NOVA's Future
. NOVA’s ruby anniversary is a special one. It is a reason to celebrate the numerous accomplishments NOVA has had over the years. A perfect time to Honor NOVA’s Past, Celebrate NOVA’s Present and Embrace NOVA’s Future!
As we entered 2020, a new year with new beginnings, an important milestone for NOVA, the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife, Florence Nightingale’s 200th birthday, and an election year, nobody could have predicted the devastating impact of the coronavirus outbreak.
Attending a NOVA Annual Meeting is a great opportunity to renew our commitment and passion for caring for America’s heroes. Therefore, after thoughtful consideration, the NOVA Board pivoted to a virtual conference allowing us to come together in a time of crisis when a sense of connection is needed during these unprecedented times. Your support and understanding as we adjusted to the challenges of this global pandemic is very much appreciated.
I would like to commend the Chairpersons of the NOVA Annual Meeting Planning Committee: Cathy Giasson and TJ Wilcox-Olson and all the committee members. Due to their efforts, this year’s annual meeting will be an informative and memorable two-day event – all focusing on providing outstanding care for our Nation’s Veterans.
NOVA is fortunate to have such a high performing national board that are making valuable contributions to the advancement of VA nurses and the health care of Veterans. They continue to step up as leaders in the face of COVID-19.
I would like to recognize and thank NOVA’s Past Presidents for their tremendous service to NOVA and VA Nurses. It’s wonderful to have so many of you in attendance for NOVA’s 40th Annual Meeting. Special thanks for your ongoing support!
NOVA highly values the ongoing relationship and communication with the VHA and Office of Nursing Services. Thank you for your leadership, expertise, participation on our regularly scheduled calls and willingness to present at NOVA’s 40
th Annual Meeting.
Sincere thanks to our dedicated Nurse Emeritus Members! The Nurse Emeritus Members promote the mission and vision of NOVA through continuing engagement of nurses who have retired or have immediate plans to retire from active employment in VA. Their passion, experience and enthusiasm deserve special recognition.
To all the NOVA members who are Veterans, I am sincerely grateful for your sacrifice. Thank you for your service!
Thank you to our exhibitors for their sponsorship to help create a stronger future for VA nursing and support quality health care for America’s heroes. Their participation has helped ensure that our conference was a virtual success.
The Staff at NOVA National Headquarters have worked so diligently behind the scenes creating NOVA’s virtual conference. The way they handled this endeavor has shown resilience, patience and flexibility. It was truly a team effort and a labor of love. They have really gone above and beyond.
2020 is the “Year of the Nurse”, therefore, I would like to acknowledge your ongoing fortitude and unyielding commitment. More than ever, you should be celebrated for your good work and sacrifices, feel appreciated, and have your spirits lifted whenever possible. You continue to risk your personal safety in order to provide exceptional care to our Veterans. You are heroes on the front lines of the coronavirus outbreak.
Please enjoy this 2020 Year of the Nurse: Celebrating NOVA Nurses Video
which was created as a tribute to every one of you.
Save the date for NOVA’s 41st Annual Meeting October 21-22, 2021! Hopefully, we will be together in Las Vegas. However, the uncertainty of how long travel restrictions and social distancing due to the pandemic still remain in place so we will be sure to have a virtual contingency plan.
A big thank you to everyone who attended NOVA’s 40th Annual Meeting! This is a year unlike any other in our lifetimes, and nobody can say how long this crisis is going to last, but I know I am looking forward to seeing you in-person next year…fingers crossed. Please stay well and take care of yourself.
With appreciation,
Kelly D. Skinner, DNP, APRN, NP-C, GNP-BC, CRRN, WCC, CFCN
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