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.