Posted By Teresa Morris,
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
As we continue to tally up election results – a few House races have yet to be called at the deadline for this issue, it is a wonderful time to thank all of you for your advocacy and continued work supporting NOVA and those who care for Veterans.
Just a few final notes on the 118th Congress: It held over 150 hearings related to VA/Veterans and introduced more than five hundred Veterans bills with minimal policies clearing both House and Senate.
In recent years, instead of passing singular bills, larger Veterans packages (omnibus) containing provisions from many bills are put together which makes it a bit more difficult to reach an agreement, not to mention securing the votes to pass both House and Senate.
As I write this, this year’ omnibus package of Veterans bills included in the “Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, is still being negotiated. NOVA, alongside our partners, objected to a couple of provisions that we believe could erode internal funding and further jeopardize the VA healthcare system. The bill could pass if said provisions were modified to have clearer guardrails for community care providers seeking to join or remain part of the VA network.*
We continue to advocate for the inclusion of these guardrails and things to help healthcare providers within the VA- staffing, recruitment, and retention benefits.
I remind all of you of the importance of your advocacy and influence as the most respected profession. As nurses what you say matters and educating your lawmakers – both House & Senate – as to what you need to provide timely access to quality healthcare is critical.
I ask you to consider joining the NOVA Legislative Committee for 2025 and to meet us in Washington for our Annual Hill Day on March 20, 2025.
We will meet with members of the 119th Congress and remind them that VA remains the only Federal health system that provides the highest level of coordinated care. VHA also trains 70% of U.S. doctors as well as providing critical research that helps not just Veterans but the population at large.
You can volunteer for the Legislative, or any NOVA committee, here.
I have provided the links to both the House and Senate VA Committees so that you can review all hearings and legislation as we close out this Congress and move onto the next session:
Keep advocating for yourselves, Veterans, and the VA System!
*ALERT: On Monday, November 18, the House passed the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act. The bill includes several critical provisions that will expand healthcare services and benefits for veterans.
Posted By Administration,
Monday, September 30, 2024
We had a grand time! Comedian Team Fred (US Army Veteran) was hilarious! The food was plentiful and delicious. Christopher Hancock, Chapter 418-Hampton and Nurse Emeritus Linda Droste, Chapter 420-Richmond were recognized for their phenomenal service to the VA and Veterans with Nursing Excellence awards. There were plenty of door prizes and DJ Juan kept us entertained and on the dance floor. Photographer Shawn Connors and his team captured all of the memories made throughout the evening. Thanks to everyone who attended, made donations and/or other contributions! What a night to remember! Kudos to both Chapter 418 and Chapter 420 for a wonderful GALA! Thank you to the National NOVA Board for donating 2-50% off giveways on the 44th Annual Conference and as a result we have two winners, Tamara King (418) and Claudia Kem-Bumbala (420).
Submitted by: Jacquelyn Claude, President of NOVA Hampton Chapter 418
Posted By Teresa Morris,
Thursday, September 19, 2024
Congress returned to DC earlier this month with a hectic schedule and many priorities. At the top of the list is passing a continuing resolution (CR) to keep the federal government open as current funding is set to expire September 30. October 1 is the start of the 2025 fiscal year.
Speaking of funding, there is a critical issue facing the Department of Veterans Affairs. In July, VA reported that they are facing a budget shortfall in both its VBA and VHA accounts. According to reports, For FY24 VBA has a $3 billion in disability compensation, pension, and education benefits shortfall and an additional $12 billion is needed for FY25 for medical care.
Congress - particularly the House and Senate VA Committees - have questioned how this happened and held hearings to hear directly from VA leadership on an explanation.
Over in the House, HVAC Chair Mike Bost deemed that “lack of accountability has caused the Department to completely lose control of its budgets and its information technology (IT) projects, which have ballooned in cost. This resulted in the $3 billion hole in disability compensation and education funding, and the $12 billion hole in VA health care next year. The VA “has no excuse” for failing to budget appropriately for the PACT Act.
Ranking Member Mark Takano focused on the importance of fully resourcing the VA’s in-house provision of care. He noted that the VA routinely outperforms the private sector in meeting Veterans’ needs, and it is cheaper than community care. He noted that unchecked growth of for-profit health care in the community will weaken the VA and eliminate Veterans’ choices.
The VSO community has come out strongly that VA must make this right which means Congress will have to pass a separate supplemental for both VBA and VHA to fill the gaps.
Senate VA Committee Members also questioned VA at their hearing (9/18). Asking why the supplemental was requested four months after the Administration submitted its proposed budget, and immediately after appropriators in the House and the Senate reported their bills, when it was too late for this to be included. Many voiced concerns about the funding shortfall caused by the VA’s miscalculations and called for greater transparency between VA and Congress. Others applauded the success of the PACT Act and acknowledged that it is bringing more Veterans into VA facilities., and research shows how much better the VA cares for Veterans than the community.
NOVA believes that it is important to prioritize Veterans care, and that funding must be evaluated and monitored for all accounts to remain solvent.
With limited time left on the legislative calendar, it does not look likely the omnibus or any substantial Veterans’ legislation will be passed. The House VA Committee continues to introduce bills, and NOVA alongside its partners at the American Psychological Association, Association of VA Psychologist Leaders, Association of VA Social Workers, National Association of Veterans Affairs Physicians and Dentist, and the Veterans Healthcare Policy Institute submitted testimony to the Subcommittee on Health (9/11/24) which detailed our concerns with some of the bills.
As we move into the final months of the 118th Congress, we must continue to speak up and advocate by reminding policy makers that VA remains the only Federal health system that provides the highest level of coordinated care. VHA also trains many doctors as well as providing critical research that helps not just Veterans but the U.S. population writ large.
Posted By Nancy Claflin DNP MS RN NEA-BC CENP CCRN CPHQ FNAHQ,
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
NOVA’s Education Committee plans and presents webinars each month, including presenting programs as part of the three-year program of webinars on Veteran healthcare topics, the “Caring for Veterans” webinar series. VA nurses do an amazing job in caring for veterans every day and this series of webinars was developed to assist VA nurses in providing that care. The Caring for Veterans webinars are focused on providing information about veterans and veterans’ healthcare to new graduate nurses and nurses new to the VA and to all of the VA nurses who care for veterans every day. These programs provide an excellent foundation for nurses who are caring for veterans, and NOVA recommends that they be included in Nursing Orientation and Transition to Practice programs.
The three-year Caring for Veterans series includes twelve webinars presented each year. Each webinar provides 1.0 contact hour of Nursing Continuing Professional Development (NCPD) credit, and completion of each 12-month series, and all three series provide a certificate. Outstanding webinars were presented in 2023 and 2024 in the Caring for Veterans Program and on other topics. Webinars are scheduled at 12:30 pm EST time. Upcoming webinars include A Look into VA Community Care, Substance Use Disorders, Managing Holiday Stress, Polytrauma and Spinal Cord Injury Programs, Military Sexual Trauma/Intimate Partner Violence, and Evaluating Your Self-Assessment for Promotion to Nurse II with an Educational Waiver.
As a NOVA member, please register for the current webinars. You can also schedule a room in your facility to view a webinar. Communicate with Nursing Education and Education departments about the upcoming webinar and send an email from your private email address to VA nurses with information about upcoming webinars. You can also post a flyer in break rooms and/or on educational bulletin boards, etc. with information about the webinar. During the webinar, have people sign an attendance sheet with name and email address, and send that to nova@vanurse.org after the webinar so people who attend can receive an evaluation and a certificate for nursing continuing professional development credits. Share information on NOVA’s webinars including the Caring for Veterans series with your colleagues. Webinars are currently available on the NOVA website here.
NOVA’s Education Committee administers NOVA’s Empower Mentorship Program to help NOVA nurses meet professional goals, including professional advancement within the Department of Veterans Affairs. This program helps guide a mutual relationship between experienced NOVA members who serve as mentors, and mentees who benefit from their expertise and experience. This program provides resources to help meet requirements for advancement related to proficiency, education, evidence-based practice and research, and professional development. NOVA chapters can benefit from mentoring regarding chapter development and potential programs. Should you become a mentor? Have you worked in the VA for a year or more? Do you know things now that you wished somebody told you when you first started in VA? Do you like helping people? Do you want to enrich your time in VA? Do you want to help people navigate the sometimes-confusing routes to promotion and career development in the VA? Do you want to answer questions from VA nurses who would like help with a situation they’re encountering at work? Do you want to help VA nurses start a NOVA chapter or help make a NOVA chapter better? Do you want to make a difference? If you answered yes to any of these questions, sign up to be a mentor here!
Posted By Catherine Giasson, DNP, MHA, RN, NE-BC, CPHQ,
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
NOVA continuously invests in its board members to promote strategic vision. On August 24-25, 2024, the Nursing Organizations Alliance held their annual Nursing Alliance Leadership Academy in Louisville, KY. I had the pleasure of attending with President-elect Michelle Salazar-Rodriguez and Executive Director Gina Pileggi.
The Nursing Organizations Alliance provides this wonderful opportunity for board members of professional nursing organizations to learn about consistent, effective governance and leadership development. The content provides leaders the knowledge and skills to govern and lead their organization competently. Topics included financial stewardship, legal challenges, artificial intelligence, and communication to strengthen organizations. and this great educational opportunity will assist with increasing innovation and improve board performance.
With less than a month until NOVA’s 44th Annual conference, the planning committee has been very busy planning this year’s event. If you have not registered yet there is still time!
Come join us in beautiful Virginia Beach and learn about NOVA’s new strategic plan to continue strengthening NOVA and its mission. Presentations will include the keys to success for promotion, updates from the Office of Nursing Service, High reliability journey, nurse safety and innovation!
Posted By Celeste Dealino-Perez ,
Tuesday, July 23, 2024
The annual All Employee Survey (AES) highlighted the potential benefits of evidence-based mentors in our organization. It specifically identified areas for improvement, including nurse engagement, relationships with leadership, and work environments. Our overarching goal was to bolster our EBP proficiency through mentorship and a culture of shared governance, which will significantly enhance our nursing staff's work experience and engagement.
Recognizing the crucial role of our frontline staff in implementing EBP, we have taken a significant step forward. We have demonstrated our commitment to their professional development by sending eight members to the FULD immersion class. This intensive program, a testament to our dedication, focused on problem-solving methodologies that align with our organization's mission and goals, underscoring our commitment to enhancing their EBP proficiency and valuing their contribution to our organization.
The improvement project was initiated with the PICO question, 'Does the implementation of an evidence-based practice council using a shared decision-making model improve staff engagement, empowerment, leadership relationships, and work environment?' This question, crucial to our research process, was formulated and guided by the EBP council in a series of collaborative meetings, highlighting the importance of shared decision-making in our organization. CINHAL, PubMed, Cochrane, and Joanna Briggs were used to search for scientific studies, with key terms including participation, engagement, acceptance, and compliance.
A significant milestone in our journey was the design and implementation of a clinical inquiry tool. This tool serves as a direct line for staff to engage EBP mentors in clinical questions, using a systematic process for EBP research. The tool is conveniently located on the hospital intranet site. When a frontline nurse has a clinical question, they enter the information on the form, which is then forwarded to EBP council members. During the EBP council meeting, members evaluate and rate the evidence and send the results back to the unit council/nurse who inquired. Mentors work with staff to develop a PICO question and define the steps for research implementation. The tool's design has been effective, with 10 inquiries using the current intranet process. Dissemination of the use of EBP mentors through quarterly newsletter publication highlighting the changes will help increase awareness and usage of the EBP access point, paving the way for more evidence-based practice in our organization.
The AES survey called for improvement in nurse engagement in EBP. The establishment of the EBP council and mentors and an internet access point for clinical inquiry has already started to support nursing staff. The EBP council has provided a platform for staff to voice their concerns and suggestions, fostering a culture of shared governance. Through this platform, the frontline staff recognizes that changes in nursing practice can be realized by utilizing EBP mentors guiding this process, focused on clinical expertise, scientific research, and patient preferences and values. The internet access point has allowed staff to seek guidance from mentors on clinical questions, enhancing their EBP proficiency. These initiatives continue to build sustainable practices and develop lifelong relationships with mentors and staff.
Summer on the Hill is always hectic. The 118th Congress is coming to an end with many legislative priorities still on the table. For NOVA, we continue to advocate for VA healthcare and what you as healthcare providers, need to take care of Veterans.
As I have reported the last few months, a Veterans package has been introduced after months of negotiations between House and Senate VA committees - H.R. 8371, the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act contains provisions that would expand access and services to the most vulnerable Veterans, and strengthen benefits and health care for families, caregivers, and survivors.
NOVA supports most of the bill but has serious concerns about provisions that would erode internal funding and further jeopardize the VA healthcare system. We sent a letter to both House and Senate VA Committee Chairs and Ranking Members noting our concerns. Sections 101 and 105 of the bill would further expand use of community care with NOVA President Catherine Giasson saying, “we believe that funding should be utilized to hire critical staff, rebuild infrastructure, and strengthen the VA’s healthcare system.”
The bill has some opposition and negotiations continue as others – AFGE, APA and several VA organizations have noted similar concerns. Secretary McDonough in testimony and at several press conferences since the bill was introduced has continued to argue that “there are a series of mandates in the bill that do not come with any funding.” Our partners in the VSO community have urged quick passage and continue to speak out against the politics that will erode Veterans care.
As we move into the final months of this session of Congress, we must continue to speak up and advocate by reminding policy makers that VA remains the only Federal health system that provides the highest level of coordinated care. VHA also trains many doctors as well as providing critical research that helps not just Veterans but the U.S. population writ large.
I have provided the links to both the House of Representatives and United States Senate so that you can locate the District/State offices closest to you.
Keep in mind that with the November election just a few months away – most legislators will be hosting Town Hall meetings which is another wonderful opportunity to discuss VA and NOVA priorities.
Keep advocating for yourselves, Veterans, and the VA System!
Did you know that NOVA started in 1980, when there was a nationwide shortage of registered nurses? Similar to current times, nurses were leaving the profession, enrollment in schools of nursing had decreased, and there were significant staffing shortages in the VA nursing system. When Public Law 96-330 was passed by Congress without the benefit of direct input from VA nurses giving a raise only to physicians, VA nurses from American Lake, Tacoma, Washington; Long Beach, California; Palo Alto, California; and Hines, Illinois had been meeting to share concerns about VA nursing. Registered nurses at Hines VA Hospital spearheaded the action for VA nurses nationwide to start their own professional nursing organization.
In the spring of 1980 a group of Hines RNs were enrolled in a management course taught by Chief Nurse Jennie Umbel McKoy. Barbara Chambers, Chuck Naparalla, and Tom Fiala wrote a proposal for a nationwide professional nursing organization with an educational and legislative thrust. The name of the organization would be the Nurses Organization of the Veterans Administration or NOVA. NOVA was chosen as an abbreviated title because of its definition as a new brightly shining star. NOVA’s first interim board members were President Barbara Chambers, Vice President Thomas Fiala, Corresponding Secretary Vivian John, Membership Secretary Nancy Schliefer, Treasurer Janet Norton, and Board Members Janet Paice, Cathy Gawron, and Isaac Wilson. National dues were set at $12.00 per year, and the first issue of News from NOVA was published. Information was mailed to every Chief Nurse and one other Registered Nurse at every VA healthcare facility. The mailings generated an overwhelming response with 600 RNs representing 90 VA facilities joining NOVA.
In 1981 a highly successful reception was held at the Rayburn Building in Washington, D.C. for Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committee Members and their staff. NOVA members from. The NOVA Board spent three days in Washington consulting with the Senate and Congressional staff members; VA Central Office staff including Dr. Donald Custis, Chief Medical Director and Vernice Ferguson, Deputy Assistant Chief Medical Director for Nursing Programs; Veterans Service Organizations including the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the American Legion, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars; and Dr. Paul Schaefer, President of the National Association of VA Physicians On September 21, 1981, NOVA President Barbara Chambers welcomed VA nurses to an Annual Meeting at the Bismarck Hotel in Chicago. National election results were announced: President, Barbara Chambers (Philadelphia, PA); Vice President, Thomas Fiala (Hines, IL), Treasurer, Tom Adamski (Manhattan, NY); Corresponding Secretary, Vivian John (Hines, IL); Membership Secretary Catherine Gawron (Hines, IL); Directors, Marilyn Abraham (Tucson, AZ), Betty Beardmore (Miami, FL), Verdelle Bellamy (Atlanta, GA), Jerry Freeman (Manhattan, NY), Elaine Lloyd (Palo Alto, CA), and Alice Tulanowski (Lyons, NJ).
VA nurses do an amazing job in caring for veterans every day and NOVA developed a series of webinars to assist VA nurses in providing that care. NOVA is in the second year of our three-year program the “Caring for Veterans” webinar series. These programs are designed to provide specific information about veterans and veterans’ healthcare. The Caring for Veterans webinars are focused on providing information to not only new graduate nurses and nurses who are new to the VA but also to all of the VA nurses who care for veterans every day. These programs provide a wonderful foundation for caring for veterans, and NOVA recommends that they be included in Nursing Orientation and Transition to Practice programs. The three year series includes twelve webinars presented each year. Each webinar provides 1.0 contact hour of Nursing Continuing Professional Development (NCPD) credit, and completion of each 12 month series, and all three series provides a certificate. Outstanding webinars were presented in 2023 and 2024 in the Caring for Veterans Program and on other topics. These webinars are currently available on the NOVA website.
Webinars are scheduled at 12:30pm Eastern time. Upcoming webinars include:
“Contacting Congressional Representatives During August Recess” by Teresa Morris BS on July 23
“Gulf War Illness” by Mercedes Moore CRNP on August 6
“Visually Impaired and Blind Veterans and Blind Rehabilitation Services” by Amy Wheeler MS OTR CLVT CAPS, Amy Rebovich OTD OTR/L SCLV CLVT, and Heather Solberg CVRT MSW on August 20
“Safe Patient Handling” by Lori Swope RN BSN MHA on September 5
“Suicide Prevention Strategies” by Samantha McCandless MSN RN CEPC on September 19
As a NOVA member, please register for the current webinars. You can also schedule a room in your facility to view a webinar. Communicate with Nursing Education and Education departments about the upcoming webinar, and send an email from your private email address to VA nurses with information about upcoming webinars. You can also post a flyer in break rooms and/or on educational bulletin boards, etc. with information about the webinar. During the webinar, have people sign an attendance sheet with name and email address, and send that to nova@vanurse.org after the webinar so people who attend can receive an evaluation and a certificate for nursing continuing professional development credits. Share information on NOVA’s webinars including the Caring for Veterans series with your colleagues. The webinars are available on demand on the NOVA website.
During the last week of June, I was honored to be invited to the American Nurse Association (ANA) Membership Assembly to represent NOVA. The Membership Assembly is the governing and official voting body of the ANA. The assembly consisted of nearly 400 nurses from state ANA chapters as well as organizational affiliates such as NOVA, all with the goal of determining the association’s positions on key issues for nurses and the nursing profession. Attending the assembly presented an opportunity for NOVA’s voice to be heard and to support NOVA's mission to educate, communicate, and advocate for the Veterans Administration nurse professionally, personally, and legislatively.
NOVA’s Director of Advocacy & Government Relations Teresa Morris and I were invited by the ANA Board to be a part of a panel that presented on improving veterans’ care. The proposal directs the ANA to improve nursing knowledge related to the unique health care needs of the Veteran population and their families. The proposal requested the ANA to work with educational institutions and credentialling bodies to incorporate the health care needs of Veterans within basic and graduate nursing educational curricula, and to coordinate with VHA to develop, implement and disseminate educational resources to prepare community nurses and other health care providers to meet the needs of the Veteran population.
Another aspect of the proposal was to reinforce the efforts to remove all restrictions and barriers to care for nursing practice within VHA – “allow all nurses to practice to the full extent of their education and training to meet the healthcare access needs of all Veterans and improve timeliness of care.” The proposal was passed by the voting members!
While summer is upon us, it is never too early to start thinking about the annual conference. This year the conference is in beautiful Virginia Beach at the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront hotel October 9-10th. Registration is currently open. Hurry as early bird rates end September 5th!
Come and join in on the opportunity to hear from Office of Nursing Service leaders as well as other VA leaders. This year also promises to be an exciting time for announcements about the future of NOVA!
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