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Posted By Ashley Lovelace,
Thursday, November 19, 2020
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Rockne Jacque, BSN, RN
VA Central Western MA Health Care System, Leeds, MA
NOVA Chapter 232
NOVA member Rockne Jacque, RN is a Nurse on the PTSD Specialized Inpatient Unit (SIPU) at the VA Central Western MA Health Care System. The idea for the project of “Art Therapy: Mask Making” came from the Walter Reed Medical Center and was published in the National Geographic February 2015 edition “Healing Our Soldiers”. Rockne piloted the project and worked with an advocacy group to obtain supplies that would allow Veterans to become more creative in expressing what it looks like to live with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). After three years, Voluntary Services began to fund the project and the Research Department began to take interest. Veterans are now able to be more creative through different mediums (clay, paint, fabric, glitter, feathers, stickers, beads, etc.) to express how they feel, manage, and live with PTSD.
Rockne, in conjunction with Recreational Therapy staff, co-facilitate a group of Veterans from the SIPU to work alongside and help Veterans of the Community Living Center. This allows Veterans of all eras to come together and express their invisible wounds through art.
While creating their masks, Veterans go through many emotions. Some reflect, become anxious, cry, smile, laugh etc. Occasionally, Veterans like to work on their mask independently; however most enjoy working in groups and reminiscing about their time in service. When their projects are complete, the Veteran is asked to fill out a survey to convey their level of satisfaction while engaged in this program. Veterans find that the project can be powerful, triggering, and full of mixed emotions. Most Veterans feel they would complete the project again and recommend it to other Veterans. One Veteran told Rockne, “It was difficult when I was making my mask. It brought up many emotions and memories, but It was nice to actually see my PTSD so I can show it to others in hopes they will understand too”.
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Posted By Ashley Lovelace,
Thursday, November 19, 2020
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Penny Kaye Jensen, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, FAAN, FAANP
VACO/ONS, National APRN Program Manager
NOVA APRN Committee Chairperson
Dear APRN Colleagues,
Happy Veterans Day! Today is time to remember that our freedom isn’t guaranteed. Our freedoms are protected by the men and women in our Armed Services. To those who have served, we thank you! We are privileged to care for our Nation’s heroes each and every day. Thank you to all for the outstanding care you provide to our Veteran patients, especially during the COVID pandemic. This has been a very challenging year for all of us.
In honor of Florence Nightingale's 200th birthday, the World Health Organization has chosen 2020 as the Year of the Nurse and Midwife. The Office of Nursing Service (ONS) and the National Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Council have selected November as APRN month. In addition to APRN month, the VA also celebrates National Nurse Practitioner (NP) Week this week, November 8-14, 2020!
The National APRN Council is launching APRN E-Cards as a way to thank your colleagues for their contributions to APRN practice and Veteran care. Special thanks to Carlene Ferrier, MPH, RN, NEA-BC, Nurse Recruiter for spearheading this endeavor. She contacted me in late July and felt this would be a wonderful way to acknowledge our colleagues during “NP Week,” as was done during “Nurses Week” when over 10,000 E-cards were exchanged. We have the opportunity to include all APRNs and highlight their contributions as we celebrate the Year of the Nurse and Midwife during the month of November. Take this opportunity to acknowledge your APRN colleagues!
Please access the E- Cards using a VA device at https://leaf.va.gov/NATIONAL/10A1/aprn/report.php?a=Main_Page
Celebrating National Nurse Practitioner (NP) Week
November 8–14, 2020
NP Week is a time to celebrate the professional accomplishments and raise awareness of the extraordinary contributions NPs make to the health and well-being for millions of Americans including our Nation’s Veterans. This week affords the us the opportunity to reflect upon the important role NPs play in today’s healthcare environment and the critical roles NPs will play in the future. NOVA wishes to acknowledge and thank the dedicated 6,625 NPs who tirelessly care for our Nation’s heroes.
As the VA continues to make great strides in improving access to healthcare, NPs have long been on the forefront, providing access to care through face-to-face appointments and quickly adapting to virtual platforms in order to connect with their patients throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Significant and positive advancements in ensuring that 100% of the VHA Healthcare Systems have updated their medical staff bylaws to grant NPs “full practice authority” has demonstrated the critical role NPs play throughout the VA Healthcare system, and has extended VA’s ability to provide the timely and quality care our Veterans expect and deserve! Happy NP Week!
Ordering Home Health
Per my Legislative Update, which was included in the September/October APRN Newsletter, I reported the following information. My last bullet point stated that the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) was compiling a list of states that allow NPs to order home health. CLICK HERE to access the list. I have recently received this information from AANP and have attached the list to this email. Please contact me if you have additional questions.
According to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)2 Certification for Payment of Medicare Home Health Services: As required under section 3708 of the CARES Act, CMS is allowing nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists and physician assistants to certify the need for home health services as defined under 42CFR § 424.507(b)(1) payment requirements for covered Part A or Part B home health services.
- Plans of Care and Certifying/Recertifying Patient Eligibility: In addition to a physician, section 3708 of the CARES Act allows a Medicare-eligible home health patient to be under the care of a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or a physician assistant who is working in accordance with State law. These physicians/practitioners can: (1) order home health services; (2) establish and periodically review a plan of care for home health services (e.g., sign the plan of care), (3) certify and re-certify that the patient is eligible for Medicare home health services. These changes, effective March 1, 2020, provide the flexibility needed for more timely initiation of services for home health patients, while allowing providers and patients to practice social distancing. Specifically, for Medicare, these changes are effective for Medicare claims with a “claim through date” on or after March 1, 2020.
- Although the CARES Act allows NPs, CNSs and PAs to certify and recertify home health orders, the law defers to the state of licensure, therefore, the ability to authorize home health orders falls under the scope of state practice laws.
- APRNs ordering home health are encouraged to check with their state Board of Nursing if unsure of state statue.
- Currently, AANP reports that they have seen positive movement on the state level with 5 states permanently updating their regulations, 10 states in the process of permanently updating their regulations, and 13 other states having taken temporary action during the COVID pandemic. A list of states is being compiled and will soon be available.
Best Regards,
Penny Kaye Jensen
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Posted By Administration,
Monday, November 16, 2020
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Healthcare workers are used to the holiday juggling act; while so many others take vacation time during the holidays, healthcare workers fit holiday preparations and celebrations in between shifts. This year, the holidays take on a new meaning and, with it, new stressors as we navigate the obligations of work, patient care, family, traditions, and a pandemic. Here, some NOVA nurses share how they cope with stress during the holidays, and how they keep their spirits high during the happiest time of the year. Find What is Stressing You Self-awareness is just one way to anticipate and combat stress before it gets out of control. What’s currently stressing you? What do you anticipate will cause stress as the holidays draw nearer? Set a plan in place to start tackling some of your holiday to-dos in advance. If the sheer number of to-dos is overwhelming, enlist others to help by asking them to bring a dish to a holiday dinner, help with wrapping gifts, or manage shopping lists. Be proactive and look ahead to what you can do to beat stress before it begins. If work stress is mounting, have a conversation with your supervisor or boss to explore potential accommodations. If leadership isn’t able to intervene, call on your work family and fellow NOVA nurses to work together for relief. If that relief includes time off, make the most of that time off by planning something in advance to do with loved ones and friends. “I make sure on off days to plan exciting things for my family and I to enjoy and remember,” said Chrystal Judge, LPN. Time off during the holidays can be difficult to manage in some healthcare settings. Rather than stress about working around the holiday, make the holiday work around you. NOVA nurses reported that adjusting the time they celebrate the holidays with their families based on their work schedule helps relieve schedule-related stress. Keeping It Fun Even as we socially distance, NOVA nurses still find a way to enjoy time with their colleagues and make the holidays a bit more fun. Even something as simple as decorating a workspace can ignite a spark of happiness in uncertain and stressful times. “I stay hopeful by putting all positive energy into my work and residents,” said Judge. “Decorating the units on down time also keep me in the holiday spirit.” Some safely socially distanced workplace holiday celebration ideas: - An anonymous gift exchange among coworkers
- Brunch-mas—a holiday-themed brunch for a small group
- A wreath- or ornament-making party to decorate your workplace
- A cookie swap
- Dress-up days, if permitted, to wear themed accessories or clothing; and give out awards for best dressed or most creative!
Focus on the Positives Despite the stress of 2020, it’s important to recognize all of the wonderful things that are worth celebrating. Working during the holidays is a unique opportunity to make the holiday truly special for someone else. “I celebrate holidays with my patients, especially ones who don’t have friends or family visit,” said Genevieve LeMay, RN. Knowing how much they appreciate having someone there to celebrate the holidays with them is enough to brighten anyone’s day. LeMay’s sentiment is shared by other NOVA nurses who enjoy the special time with their patients. “It’s hard to leave my loved ones at home during the holidays, but I’m happy to share that day with my patients that don’t have family to spend that time,” said Norma Torres Maldonado, BSN, RN. In addition to quality time spent making patients’ holidays special, NOVA nurses reported that they stay motivated through the holidays by thinking about the time they do get to spend with friends and family, singing, and even meditation during scheduled breaks. Words of Wisdom An overwhelming amount of NOVA nurses said that during the holiday season, you should take the time to celebrate each day, be kind and compassionate to yourself, celebrate your work with your colleagues, and make your patients feel important and cared for.
Tags:
healthcare workers
healthcare workers work life balance
healthy work life balance
NOVA nurse
NOVA nurse work life balance
optimism at work
va nurse
work life balance for nurses
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Posted By Administration,
Friday, October 23, 2020
Updated: Wednesday, October 21, 2020
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Earn Nursing CE Credits at NOVA’S 40th Annual Virtual Meeting With just weeks to go before NOVA’s 40th Annual Virtual Meeting, NOVA’s Program Planning Committee has been working tirelessly to deliver a program that aligns with this year’s theme of Celebrating NOVA’s Legacy and Promise of NOVA’s Future, and focuses on the needs of the nurse in honor of 2020 being named the International Year of the Nurse. Continuing education for attendees is at the forefront of the committee’s efforts. The role of continuing education in the legacy and future of nursing is vital; not only does it help nurses grow their skills and advance nursing practice, it helps nurses stay on top of trends, innovations, and best practices in the rapidly-evolving healthcare industry. Skill and knowledge advancement in nursing is an acknowledgement and celebration of the critical role of the nurse, so focusing NOVA’s meeting on education was a natural choice. “Everything that we've been doing this year has been centered around the nurse,” Natascha Williams, NOVA’s meeting manager. “These continuing education courses that we're offering were all developed to help nurses advance in their professional development.” Key Sessions to Note Williams anticipates that the discussion, “Leading the VA During the COVID-19 Crisis,” by Dr. Richard Stone, VHA Executive in Charge of the Veterans Health Administration, will be a pivotal session for attendees. Dr. Stone oversees the delivery of care to more than 9 million enrolled Veterans with a budget of around $68 billion. His interview will showcase what the VA has been doing for Veterans and VA personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the “Office of Nursing Services (ONS) Town Hall: 2020 Year of the Nurse and Beyond” featuring Beth Taylor, DHA, RN, NEA-BC, Chief Nursing Officer for the ONS, will provide some valuable insight for NOVA nurses. Taylor provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the ONS as well as advising the Under Secretary for Health on nursing issues that could impact more than 98,000 VA nursing personnel nationwide. While both sessions won’t be livestreamed, four NOVA members will be asking questions on behalf of NOVA members. Additional Sessions The program features a variety of sessions covering practical topics for nurses: Kimberly Bayless, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC will lead a session about developing a transitional pain program to help Veterans reduce their dependence on opioids. Elisabeth Mack, BSN, RN, MBA, will discuss using traditional medicine and cannabis as a treatment for Veterans. Review the full program for other sessions and continuing education opportunities. After the conference, attendees will receive an evaluation and an option to earn additional free CEs. Once complete, attendees will receive 20+ CEs!
Tags:
professional development
professional development goals
professional development resources
professional development resources for nurses
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Posted By Ashley Lovelace,
Thursday, October 22, 2020
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Yvette M. Twum-Danso, MSN, RN, CCRN-K, PhDc
Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC
NOVA Chapter 362
Cynthia Dibble, MPH, BSN, RN
Health Promotion Disease Prevention, PM
#Rollupyoursleeve Campaign
Ms. Dibble coordinated the facility’s 2020 Flu Campaign for both VA Employees and Veterans. She developed and implemented a flu shot clinic for employees. This modality allowed VA employees to receive their mandatory flu vaccine in a convenient location. Additionally, Ms. Dibble instituted a drive thru employee flu clinic for VA teleworkers. Her success has reached over one thousand employees.
 2020 Employee Flu Vaccine Clinic
Veteran Drive-Thru Flu Clinics
Drive up & roll-up-your-sleeve has been a huge success for Veterans’ flu vaccination. Veterans can receive their flu shots at the Columbia VA, surrounding CBOCs, and our community partners: Costco, CVS, Kroger, and Walmart!
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Posted By Ashley Lovelace,
Thursday, October 22, 2020
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Carolyn G Dunbar, MSN, RN
Southeast Louisiana VA HCS, New Orleans, LA
NOVA Chapter 212 Carolyn Dunbar, MSN, RN Case Managers Week is in October. Case Managers work very hard. Therefore, I have dedicated this poem in honor of Nurse Case Managers. Happy Case Managers Week!
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Posted By Ashley Lovelace,
Thursday, October 22, 2020
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Yvette M. Twum-Danso, MSN, RN, CCRN-K, PhDc
Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC
NOVA Chapter 362
 Dr. James McCallum and Ashley Jacobs, BSN, RN
Ms. Ashley Jacobs, NOVA Chapter 362 Member and Infectious Disease Nurse Manager, Columbia, South Carolina VAHCS is a graduate of the VA LEAD (Leadership, Effectiveness, Accountability, and Development) Program. She graduated August 2020. Her LEAD
project title: "Cultivating a Positive Work Culture: One Unit at a Time". The VA LEAD program is a one-year developmental program for highly motivated employees who have the desire to learn and work extra hard to develop their leadership skills.Ashley is receiving a LEAD certificate from Dr. James McCallum, Chief of Education in the photo above. Congratulations, Ashley Jacobs!
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Posted By Ashley Lovelace,
Thursday, October 22, 2020
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Dear NOVA Members,
As the 2020 Election approaches, I would like to take a moment to remind everyone of the importance of your VOTE. Do you think that your one VOTE can’t make a difference? Please reconsider. Although voting is not mandatory, it is our civic duty. If nurses don’t participate, health care policy decisions will be made without nursing input. Therefore, we should make our voices be heard. There is power in numbers. After all, nursing is the nation’s largest and most trusted healthcare profession. NOVA continues to post information regarding our GET OUT THE VOTE! campaign. This year we have all faced challenges and changes in how we will VOTE due to COVID/coronavirus. NOVA has provided two comprehensive websites that review what you need to know about voting during the pandemic. The websites provide State-by-State voter information and guidelines on how to register, request an absentee, or receive a mail in ballot. Remember to check important dates and deadlines in your State. You have power. Your voice matters. I encourage you to make your voice heard. So, VOTE LIKE A NOVA NURSE! For me, this means to be well informed, politically engaged and VOTE for what you believe in. Make sure you cast your ballot on or before November 3rd! Stay safe and healthy!
With appreciation, 
Kelly D. Skinner, DNP, APRN, NP-C, GNP-BC, CRRN, WCC, CFCN 
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Posted By Ashley Lovelace,
Thursday, October 22, 2020
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Teresa Morris, Director, Advocacy & Government Relations
Kathy Pham, BSN, RN
NOVA member Kathy-Nguyet Pham has taken advocacy to a new level. A nurse for over 13 years, Kathy serves Veterans at the VA Long Beach Health Care System. She also is the Planning Commissioner for the City of Westminster. With her experience as Planning Commissioner, she is now running for the position of Municipal Water District of Orange County. Her experience on the frontline during the Pandemic and BSN/RN have given her the confidence to step up and make a difference.
Kathy is committed to “Using my nursing voice effectively to make sure that we provide the highest quality of water to our communities. I will also continue to advocate, to work hard, and collaborate with other agencies to eliminate waste properly, and safely conserve water.” Kathy was born in Da Lat City, South Vietnam and immigrated to the United States in 1984 under difficult circumstances. She found a home in California and raised her children while attending college to earn an Associates Degree in Nursing and would later go back for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 2014. She has demonstrated her passion for serving her community and Veterans and was deployed to Puerto Rico during Hurricane Maria, and more recently to Arizona to serve the Navajo Nation as they fought a COVID-19 outbreak.
Kathy continues to add to her resume. She teaches yoga at Long Beach and has received two Daisy awards and has been nominated several times for the Daisy Extraordinary Nursing of the Year Award.
As we continue to move through a stressful global health crisis, it is reassuring to have an experienced health care professional and community supporter like Kathy - NOVA is lucky to have her as member!
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Posted By Ashley Lovelace,
Thursday, October 22, 2020
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Kelly D. Skinner, DNP, APRN, NP-C, GNP-BC, CRRN, WCC, CFCN NOVA Chapter 226 VA Boston Healthcare System NOVA Chapter 226 Raffle Congratulations, Valentina Ward! She is the lucky winner of the free conference registration for NOVA’s 40th Annual Meeting. The conference is virtual and will take place on October 29-30, 2020. 
Welcome to NOVA!
National LPN/LVN Week During National LPN/LVN Recognition Week (October 4-10, 2020), the NOVA Chapter 226 Board of Directors honored LPNs dedicated to providing quality care to our Veterans at the VA Boston Healthcare System.
1st Virtual NOVA Nursing Heroes 5K Three NOVA Chapter 226 Teams have registered for the virtual NOVA Nursing Heroes 5K from VA Boston! Not Fast but Fabulous: Kelly Skinner, Theresa Presley, Anastasia Aryee, and Danielle Newman; NOVA Chapter 226 Walpole Rebels: Karen Boenig, Linda Costello, Ellen McCarthy and Kelly Skinner; and Run Like the Winded: Julie Szegda, Cory Atkins, Carolyn Blackham, and Casey Atkins have their running shoes ready for walking! Support VA nurses by joining the 1st virtual NOVA Nursing Heroes 5K. Every registrant will get a custom NOVA medal. For more information go to: https://www.vanurse.org/page/NOVAVirtual5k   
NOVA Chapter 226 Thankfulness Raffle 
Flu Warriors The mobile Flu Warriors provided flu shots at the Lowell VFW on September 30, 2020. Way to go NOVA nurses: Danielle Newman and Melinda Shackelford! 
National Case Management Week National Case Management Week 2020 was October 11–17. NOVA Chapter 226 recognized the commitment and compassion of case management professionals who are positively impacting the lives of our Veterans at the VA Boston Healthcare System. 
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