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Posted By Ashley Lovelace,
Monday, September 21, 2020
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Cynthia Solomon Ramos, ACNP-BC Richmond VAMC, Richmond, VA NOVA Chapter 420
Hello NOVA Colleagues! I am delighted for the opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Cindy, and I am a Nurse Practitioner (NP) at the Richmond VA Medical Center and Secretary/Treasurer of my local NOVA Chapter 420. I have been working at the Richmond VA since 2009; initially in Hepatology research through McGuire Research Institute and then as a VA employee in the Hepatology Department starting in June of 2010. As a Hepatology NP, I was working under Medicine Service and noticed significant disparities with communication between my service line and Nursing Service. I learned about the Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs (NOVA) in 2014 through a nurse colleague that invited me to join. I felt this was exactly what I needed to help me better understand and build a bridge between my service line and Nursing Service. The foundation building, support, and collaboration provided by this organization far exceeded any of my expectations.
My path to a career in nursing began with a childhood dream. I owe the highest gratitude to my God, family, friends, colleagues, and community for a wealth of support and guidance allowing my dream to come to fruition. I attended nursing school at John Tyler Community College and after graduation I worked as a floor nurse on a step-down Cardiology unit at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System (VCUHS). My employer had tuition assistance which was a great incentive to continue my nursing education. However, it was sheer diligence, conviction, and the support of others that allowed me to complete an accelerated Associates degree to Master's degree program, the Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner track. Soon after passing my boards, I was afforded the opportunity to join the McGuire Research Institute as part of the Hepatology team. The primary focus was on Hepatitis C treatments and decompensated cirrhosis. This experience primed me for the transition to a Nurse Practitioner in the Hepatology Department at the Richmond VAMC. I have been privileged to lead the Liver Cancer Tumor Board, manage patients with decompensated cirrhosis, and often guide their care through their final days. This was a great joy and passion for me; however, after 10 years I felt a change was needed. Given my liver cancer background, I transitioned to the Hematology-Oncology department to help establish a Survivorship Program and assist with the daily management of Oncology patients. I heavily rely on the attending physicians, the Oncology nurses, Psych-Oncologist, Pharmacists, and Medical Support Associates to provide excellent care to our Veterans. I am grateful for the communication, guidance, and collaboration the Oncology team provides.
I feel the same way about NOVA. There were times when our system seemed so broken that I looked outside our system for other opportunities. The immense support, collegial relationships, and encouragement I receive from NOVA not only helps me stay steadfast to the population I love to serve but also propels me to continue moving forward in my career. My experiences with NOVA confirm that the organizational Mission is not simply words but rather is action in progress.
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Thanks for sharing Cynthia!
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Posted By Ashley Lovelace,
Monday, September 21, 2020
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Teresa Morris, Director, Advocacy & Government Relations
Greetings NOVA Members – September has arrived. We are in the final weeks of the 116th Congress and about 50 days ahead of the November election. As we inch closer to the 2020 Election, NOVA will be putting together an informational Get Out the Vote campaign so tune in and watch all of our social media sites in the coming weeks. Prior to the publishing of this newsletter, NOVA submitted our priorities and views on mental health legislation being considered in the House before the Veterans Affairs Committee (HVAC). As has been reported, suicide prevention and mental health has been the number one issue that the VA, Committees and the VSO community have been advocating for in this Congress. We stated in our letter to HVAC Chairman Mark Takano, and Ranking Member Phil Roe that any package must include military cultural competency and other training for community care providers – training equal to the vigorous model VA has in place for their employees. We also noted the importance of funding for any new and enhanced programs, to include monies for hiring of mental health providers, suicide prevention coordinators, and counselors. No program or service works without clinical staff to provide the care to our Veterans. The recorded hearing can be found on the HVAC website at: https://veterans.house.gov/events/hearings Our statement is on the NOVA website front page – Under Latest News I hope many of you had the chance to engage with your members of Congress while on August recess. I cannot stress how important it is for all of us to continue advocating for VA to enable them to have the tools you need to take care of all Veterans. NOVA continues to remind Congress the importance of passing a robust budget for the VA to ensure the delivery of timely, quality healthcare and other services for Veterans. We continue to support and stand by the recommendations of the Independent Budget (IB). http://www.independentbudget.org/116-congress/ The House passed their Military Construction/VA Appropriations bill in May with funding totaling $104.8 billion, of which $90 billion goes to Medical Care accounts. The Senate held its hearing on the budget in July - considerable late this year- with Secretary Robert Wilkie testifying as to what he needs to run the entire VA system (VHS, VBA, NCA). As it stands now, it is looking like that we are headed for a continuous resolution (CR) before the election to keep the government running into 2021. Although VA has fared better than most federal agencies in budget proposals and appropriations, the real measure should be how well the funding matches the demand for Veterans’ benefits and services. Funding must consider community care, emergency care and internal VA needs. NOVA believes that VA continues to be the premier integrated health care system that understands and puts Veterans first. A robust budget will assure that it can continue that work. Thank you again for all you do and for your heroism every day! Stay Tuned!
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Posted By Ashley Lovelace,
Monday, September 21, 2020
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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
‘Spinal Cord Injury Day’ is celebrated on September 5th every year with the intention to increase awareness amongst the general public. This year’s slogan is “Covid-19 and SCI: Staying well”. According to
Spinal Cord Injury Facts and Figures at a Glance
, there are approximately 2,940,000 persons with a spinal cord injury living in the United States; about 17,810 new cases each year. The common causes of spinal cord injury are: motor vehicle accidents, falls, acts of violence (primarily gunshot
wounds), sports/recreational activities, and medical-surgical complications. Becoming spinal cord injured is considered one of the most traumatic and life-altering events a person will ever face. Spinal cord injury can result in partial or complete paralysis and impaired sensation below the level of the injury with little chance of recovery. There are also other physical, psychosocial, sexual and vocational consequences for the spinal cord injured person, not to mention the economic burden.
Spinal Cord Injury Prevention is a global effort. By increasing awareness and taking precautions to decrease risks, the incidence of spinal cord injury can be diminished. Please enjoy this video created by the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS). Feel free to share it with others to help spread the word.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwRdfOEy99w&feature=youtu.be
Nurses working in the specialty of Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) deserve special recognition. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the compassion and dedication of the NOVA nurses at the VA Boston Healthcare System who continue to carry-out the SCI Center Mission: To promote the health, independence, quality of life, and productivity of Veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders throughout their lives. SCI Nurses are integral members of the rehabilitation team who know the importance of promoting functional independence with this patient-population. They help the SCI Veterans live life to the fullest by encouraging them to never give up, persevere and celebrate every milestone.
Happy Spinal Cord Injury Day!
Special Shout-out to NOVA Nurses Working in SCI at the VA Boston Healthcare System
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Posted By Ashley Lovelace,
Monday, September 21, 2020
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Sharon A. Johnson, MSN, RN Past National NOVA President Nurse Emeritus
I attended my last NOVA Official Board Meeting as Immediate Past President in December 2019. During that meeting I was asked if I would speak to the AMSUS Sustaining Members in March 2020. As a new Nurse Emeritus trying to adjust to my new normal, I accepted without hesitation without knowing who or what AMSUS was. So, the research began. AMSUS The Society of Federal Health Professionals is a non-profit member based educational and professional development association serving the Department of Defense, Veterans Affairs, Health and Human Services, and Homeland Security, federal health professionals and their families, our industry partners and advocates for advancing health for all- particularly through interagency collaboration. AMSUS supports the federal health professional and honors the legacy of federal medicine’s tremendous impact in advancing and improving health for all Americans and international coalition partners. The invitation to speak was extended by John DiMaggio who is the Chairman of the AMSUS Staining Members. AMSUS created the Sustaining Member (SM) Section in 1953 to bring together private healthcare industry representatives with key Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, and U.S. Public Health Service decision makers. The members are companies providing solutions and services to the federal government that are committed to the advancement of Federal Health Professionals. Communications and education forums with presentations on a broad selection of opportunities are provided for member companies to see, hear and interact with leaders from the Federal Health System (e.g. Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, Indian Health Service, Health & Human Services) in an environment that fosters cooperation and the sharing of ideas for the betterment of both the member companies and these Federal agencies. I met John many years ago at a NOVA Annual Meeting where GlaxoSmithKline, his company at the time, was a sponsor. He served on the NOVA Foundation and has continued to be a friend to NOVA, as well as an advocate for our Veterans. Whatever transition John makes, he takes NOVA with him to ensure that we get the exposure needed to provide education about our organization. John afforded NOVA this opportunity to present at the AMSUS meeting to reach a new audience and possibly develop exciting collaborations. The COVID-19 crisis altered the delivery of the presentation but didn’t stop it. I spoke virtually to the AMSUS Staining Members on August 26, 2020. It was a privilege to once again represent NOVA and share what VA Nurses do. I continue to be proud of the work NOVA nurses do every day on the front lines to ensure that our Veterans get the excellent care they deserve. Be Well and Stay Safe!
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Posted By Administration,
Wednesday, September 16, 2020
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The 2020 Annual Meeting Starts October 29 Attention all NOVA nurses! The Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs 40th Annual Meeting is right around the corner, kicking off the first-ever all-virtual meeting on Thursday, October 29 at 10 a.m. EST and concluding on Friday, October 30 at 7:15 p.m. EST. The meeting is set to provide attendees with educational opportunities as well as in-depth discussions on the health and well-being of nurses, the future of VA healthcare, and more. NOVA’s Annual Meeting Planning Committee chose this year’s theme, Celebrating NOVA's Legacy and Promise of NOVA's Future, in honor of NOVA’s ruby anniversary and the many accomplishments of NOVA nurses in the last 40 years. “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,” said Kelly D. Skinner, DNP, MSN, RN, NP-C, GNP-BC, CRRN, WCC, CFCN, member of the 2020 Annual Meeting Planning Committee. “The virtual program will include dynamic presentations and speakers, award recognition, poster presentations and vendor sessions.” Annual Meeting Planning Committee Co-Chair Taryn-Janae Wilcox-Olson, MHS, RN, notes that the focus on Veteran care wouldn’t be possible without the NOVA members and partners who have made NOVA such a successful organization for so long. “NOVA members have made their voices heard and we want to highlight that. We have had many adventures and made so many memories together. This year’s theme is really about bringing that all together: our legislative achievements, educational opportunities, networking with VA Central Office to ensure the best care for our Veterans, meeting First Ladies — the list goes on and on,” said Wilcox-Olson. The celebration is an apt one for NOVA’s milestone year. The Virtual Difference Since this year’s Annual Meeting is all virtual, eliminating the need to travel for the event, the planning committee is expecting more members to attend. "Attendees get to witness the great work NOVA achieves during the year, and, hopefully, after they experience the education NOVA can provide to its members, they will attend next year's annual meeting in person," said Annual Planning Committee Chair, Catherine R. Giasson, DNP, MHA, RN, NE-BC. Indeed, attendees who have never had the opportunity to experience a NOVA Annual Meeting will finally have a chance to experience the education and networking that draw so many to the annual event. “I always encourage nurses to attend the NOVA Conferences because of the numerous educational and networking opportunities,” Skinner said. “I feel confident that they will enjoy the program, won’t be disappointed, and will have fun too. Our NOVA Chapter 226 Board Members have already started planning a Watch Party with mask wearing and social distancing!” The keynote address by Dr. Richard Stone, Executive in Charge, Veterans Health Administration, will focus on leading the VA during the COVID-19 pandemic. Other general sessions include Eyes on the Prize: Moving up the VA Career Ladder, Nursing Resiliency: Secrets for Getting Out of the Mindset Alligator Pit and Moving On, Striving for Excellence to Strengthen Your VA Nursing Practice, and more. Members also can present their practice, research, innovations, and projects through e-posters. These e-posters give viewers a concise snapshot of their work through a single slide presentation that is viewed on a computer. COVID-19 has made it a tough year for everyone, including NOVA nurses. Canceled in-person events and social distancing guidelines have affected how people connect with one another. NOVA has planned its virtual event to be a safe gathering place for those seeking community. “This year’s virtual NOVA conference will provide an opportunity for our NOVA members to stay connected with one another. During this time of crisis, a sense of purpose and togetherness is needed,” said Skinner. Haven't registered for NOVA's 40th Annual Meeting yet? Visit vanurse.org/mpage/AnnualMeeting to preview the schedule, programming and more.
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Posted By Administration,
Friday, August 21, 2020
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As the new school year starts, parents of school-age children are facing increasing uncertainty when it comes to their children’s education. Some states allow all-virtual learning, some have opted for in-person education, and still others are implementing hybrid solutions that combine virtual and reduced-capacity in-school learning. At the same time, parents whose children are too young for school but require child care are navigating limited options while trying to make the best choices for their families. The gravity of these situations is particularly taxing on healthcare workers.
The following are options that NOVA nurses may explore as you explore your family’s education and child care needs.
See What the VA Can Do For You
As a member of the VA, some NOVA nurses have access to the Office of Human Resources Management’s VA Child Care Subsidy Program Service
. The service assists families in paying child care costs for children under age 13 who can not attend public school during the part of the day when public education is available, or
for children with special needs under age 18.
Visit va.gov to find VA-sponsored child care centers in your area and complete the necessary paperwork for the program.
If there aren’t any sponsored child care centers in your area, a link is provided to the U.S. General Service Administration, with additional federal centers across the nation.
Our NOVA president noted that sharing your situation with colleagues and supervisors may help uncover additional resources that could be available to you. “I suggest being honest and upfront with your supervisors, colleagues, family, and friends,” Kelly D. Skinner, DNP, APRN, NP-C, GNP-BC, CRRN, WCC, CFCN said. “Share with them what your current challenges are but be flexible in return. Keep the lines of communication open and take advantage of the available resources to minimize your stress and anxiety amid these times of uncertainty.”
Alternatives
If there are no VA-sponsored child care centers in your state, there are some alternatives to help you balance your work life and the educational needs for you children.
YMCA
The YMCA of the USA is offering child care due to COVID-19-related school closures and to help the needs of essential workers.
According to the YMCA’s website: “In response, the Y – one of the nation’s largest and most trusted providers of child care services – is offering emergency child care at more than 940 locations for families of medical personnel, essential employees, and first responders.”
All YMCAs have different fees and work with parents if they need financial assistance. Visit ymca.net to find a child care site near you. Note that this information is always changing, so contact your local Y for the most up-to-date information.
Tutors and Child Care Providers
Virtual tutoring is on the rise, helping keep kids engaged in the learning process while parents manage working from home or, if for healthcare workers working outside the home, partnering with childcare providers to ensure children’s learning stays on track outside the classroom. An online search for “virtual tutor” yields a variety of online tutoring services.
Pair Up with Neighbors
Some parents are teaming up with other families to create “pods.” These pods can come in different forms, some families will rent out space to make DIY schools, while others hire virtual tutors as a companion to online teaching.
Call on Family
Finally, it’s also possible to ask a family member to watch your children while you’re at work. Now during the COVID-19 pandemic, this may be a difficult thing to ask a family member, especially if they are more susceptible to the virus, like older parents or grandparents. If they are willing to help, they could help get them ready to go to school or get them ready for virtual classes.
When it comes to childcare and schooling you do have options. Explore benefits available to you through the VA and talk to your supervisors and tell them what is happening. If needed, consider what child care and education alternatives might work for you and your family in your area.
Connect with your NOVA Community for More Resources
Now more than ever, communities are rallying to support each other. Join the NOVA community at the Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs 40th Annual Meeting, being held virtually from October 29-30, 2020.
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managing back to school and covid
nova
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va nurses
work life balance
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work life balance pandemic
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Posted By Ashley Lovelace,
Thursday, August 13, 2020
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Posted By Ashley Lovelace,
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
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Teresa Morris, Director, Advocacy & Government Relations NOVA has been a member of the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) for over 10 years (12 to be exact). The NCC is composed of 63 national nursing organizations that represent a cross section of education, practice, research, and regulation within the profession. Its membership includes over four million licensed registered nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, and nursing students. The coalition was formed to advocate for the nursing profession and its passion is to continually improve care for patients, families, and communities across the nation. As a member, NOVA has valued its partnership and helped to move nursing issues to the forefront of the healthcare discussion in Congress. We have signed on in support of legislation and appropriations that provide improvements in Title VIII funding, research, and affordable, accessible, high quality healthcare for all. Some of the past issues of importance include advancing APRN practice within VHA facilities by advocating for regulatory changes that would allow all APRNs to practice to their full authority and license. More recently, the NCC urged Congress to include critical legislative priorities like the need for more PPE, safety of nursing workforce, and additional investments in nursing to be included in the coronavirus stimulus package. Throughout the last decade and beyond, NOVA has been proud to stand with our fellow nursing organizations as part of one NCC. We plan to continue in the years ahead to use our collective voices and advocate for one of the most respected and trusted professions in America! To see what NOVA and the Nursing Community Coalition has accomplished in 2019/2020 – read the latest report: 2019-2020 NCC Fiscal Year Report
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Posted By Ashley Lovelace,
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
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Susan Furlong, BSN, RN NOVA Chapter 226 VA Boston Healthcare System
Jennifer Jones, LPN
Jennifer Jones, LPN, works in the Podiatry Clinic at the VA Boston Healthcare System. The Podiatrists, Veterans and her co-workers appreciate her professionalism, expertise and kindness and consistently sing her praises. Therefore, it wasn’t surprising when the COVID crisis hit that Jennifer was willing to provide her top-notch level of nursing care wherever she was needed. She was assigned to 7-2-C, the COVID Unit at the Brockton Campus, from April 15, 2020 - June 5, 2020. Upon arriving to the unit, Jennifer could hear one of the patients loudly voicing their displeasure about being sick, elderly and bedridden. She was apprised by one of her fellow nurses that caring for this particular patient was challenging. Without hesitation, Jennifer entered the patient’s room and introduced herself. Jennifer was surprised when the yelling ceased and the Veteran stated: “Thank you for coming. You have beautiful eyes”. In an instant, a bond was created, the yelling stopped and a more cooperative patient emerged. Jennifer requested to care for this patient every shift she worked. Using gentle, kind words Jennifer was able to get the Veteran to share her life story; her career as an interior decorator, the book she wrote, her life in the Army during World War II and many other memorable moments. Jennifer reached out and touched the soul of a lonely, dying female Veteran and as a result, the Veteran found the comfort and solace she required.
It is with sadness that I inform you that the Veteran did succumb to illness and passed away. However, this Veteran was comforted in her final moments of life and went to her Peace holding the hand of this beautiful heart, Jennifer Jones.
Thank you, Jennifer Jones, for reminding all of us why we went into Nursing in the first place.
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Posted By Ashley Lovelace,
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
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The NOVA Journal Club is set up as an online forum on the NOVA website where members can read an article and participate in an online discussion.
Each month, an article will be added to the forum for participants to read. In addition to a moderator posting questions, participants can also post questions and engage in a lively discussion with the author (or one of the authors, as appropriate) of the article and other participants! Our very first article to discuss will be: Academic Practice Partnerships: Key to the Future of our Profession Judy A. Beal, DNSc, RN, FNAP, FAAN Marsha L. Maurer, MS, RN Cecilia McVey, MS, RN, FAAN It's all about relationships...relationships that start at the top and transcend all levels of the partnering organizations. Mutual trust and respect are the cornerstones of this relationship. If you would like to sign up to participate in the online NOVA Journal Club, follow the instructions below: Log in to the NOVA Website Under Members Only Tab- Select "The Journal Club" Click on Thread Actions to “Subscribe to the Forum” so you will get notifications of posts that are made. Read the article Participate in the discussion!
Journal Club
Academic Practice Partnerships: Key to the Future of our Profession
Monday, September 14, 2020 at 1:00 PM EST 
Presenter: Cecilia McVey, MS, RN, FAAN
REGISTER NOW
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