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.