As we move into another promising season for the Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs (NOVA), I am honored to serve as your President and continue our work to advance the voices and well-being of VA nurses and the Veterans we serve.

I want to thank every single one of you for your ongoing dedication to our mission and the veterans in our care. Our strength lies in our vibrant, growing membership, and I encourage each of you to renew your membership, invite your colleagues to join, and help us amplify the collective voice of VA nurses across the country. Membership is not just about belonging—it’s about being part of a movement that shapes the future of nursing in VA healthcare.

Advocacy remains a cornerstone of NOVA’s work. We are steadfast in our commitment to supporting VA nurses on local, regional, and national levels. Whether it’s championing workplace quality, advocating for safe staffing, or engaging policymakers, NOVA is at the forefront, ensuring your concerns are heard and your impact recognized. Through advocacy, we honor our responsibility not only to ourselves and our professional values but, most importantly, to the Veterans and patients we serve.

I am proud to announce NOVA’s support for the Nursing is a Professional Degree Act, introduced by Senator Merkley and Representative Kiggans. This important legislation recognizes the critical role of nurses and promotes competitive, equitable advancement for VA nurses nationwide. NOVA strongly believes that advances like this are essential for recruitment, retention, and the professional growth of all nurses within the VA.

Finally, I am thrilled to invite every NOVA member to our 46th Annual Conference in Providence, Rhode Island. This signature event is the perfect opportunity to network, learn, share best practices, and gain insights to fuel your passion for nursing and advocacy within the VA. Mark your calendars and make plans to join us for a truly inspiring experience!

Thank you for your ongoing commitment. Let us continue driving forward, together, in service to Veterans, VA nurses, and the entire VA system.

With gratitude and determination,
Michelle Salazar-Rodriguez, NOVA President

May /June 2026

NOVA continues to advocate for all VA nurses and encourages members to talk to Congress about meeting the needs of Veterans across the VHA network.

On May 19, NOVA participated in a Senate VA Committee roundtable discussion about workforce issues and its effect on access to care for Veterans.

NOVA discussed our views on staffing, noting the removal of key positions from organizational charts has led to unclear staffing requirements and substantial challenges in hiring. We also mentioned specialty provider shortages in radiology, cardiology, and surgical services and their effect on operating room closures, longer wait times, and further barriers to care.

As EHRM rollouts continue, we spoke about how training and system implementation including troubleshooting, issue reporting, and maintaining patient safety oversight has increased workloads and diverts staff from direct patient care.

NOVA urged Committee members to fund VA to safeguard the well-being of its workforce and the quality of care delivered to Veterans, pointing out that VA must be empowered to recruit and retain talent without barriers to hiring and staffing.

As we move into the busy summer months, we continue to advocate for passage of, S. 3466, Honoring our Promise to Veterans Act (Honor Act) and S. 4400, Optimizing the VA Workforce for Veterans Act of 2026.

Other bills like S 275/H.R.740, The Veterans’ Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025 are not supported as they look to harm future veterans’ access to health care and services throughout the VHA system.

Harmful provisions include allowing veterans increased access to community care resulting in the reallocation of funding from the VHA to private sector providers. Permitting veterans to use private sector care without VHA referral, pre-authorization, or oversight may alter the integrated care model of the VHA, shifting its primary function from a provider of healthcare to a payer for private sector services. It would also remove the VHA as the authorizer of care which in time would decrease available choices for veterans.

NOVA leaders and members are continuing to push for many policy changes and invite everyone to join us in our advocacy efforts. We will be talking about August Recess and how you can meet with members to discuss critical issues facing VA.

We need all voices to urge Congress and the Administration to support priorities that ensure Veterans receive timely access to high-quality care. As NOVA leaders and members continue to advocate for key policy changes, we encourage everyone to join our efforts.

To encourage your colleagues to join NOVA – Join - Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs

For more about NOVA and our advocacy efforts - NOVA Advocacy Toolkit

Chair, NOVA Education Committee

              NOVA provides live webinars every month and the webinars are available on the NOVA website after the presentation.  The webinars provide information on veteran healthcare topics to help VA nurses care for veterans, and to help NOVA nurses with professional advancement.  They are especially helpful for new nursing graduates and nurses new to the VA.  These webinars should be included in all nursing orientation and transition to practice programs. 

              In the next few months NOVA is presenting webinar topics specifically designed for VA nurses.  If you can’t see it live, watch it on the NOVA website.  Webinars are scheduled at 12:30pm ET.  On June 18, Katherine Allen RN will present ”Phototherapy.”  On July 15, Teresa Morris BS will present “Contacting Your Congressional Representatives During August Recess.”  On July 29, Heather Wallace MBA BA LPN will present “Evolution of LPNs/LVNs in the VA.”  On August 19, Alanda White DNP MSN APRBN FNP-C PMHNP-BC HIVPCP FPA PFA FADLN SANE will present “Military Sexual Trauma.”

              These webinars will be on the NOVA website after the presentation, and can be presented as in service programs in your facility.  As a NOVA member, you can register for the webinar, and then schedule a room in your facility to show the webinar.  You can send an email from your private email address to VA nurses with information about the webinar.   You can also post flyers on bulletin boards to let people know about the webinar.  Have people sign an attendance sheet, and send it to nova@vanurse.org after the webinar so people who attend can receive an evaluation and a continuing education certificate as NOVA is also an accredited provider of nursing continuing development credits (NCPD).  

               Remember that you can always access webinars on the NOVA website https://www.vanurse.org/page/memberonlywebinars.  Webinars currently available include:  Advocacy:  Congress 101-Who and What You Need to Know to Advocate Successfully, A Look into VA Community Care; Acute Pain Management;  Adjustment Disorders; Addressing Homelessness and the HUD-VASH Program; Anxiety; Aromatherapy in Nursing; Breast and Cervical Screening Updates; Caregiver Support Program; Caring for Veterans with Rehabilitative Needs; Clozapine Initiation Protocol; Eligibility for VA Care, Compensation, and Pension; Empowering Seamless Transitions:  Enhancing Care Coordination Through the VA Consult Toolbox; Evaluating Your Self-Assessment for Promotion to Nurse II with Educational Waiver, Evaluating Your Self-Assessment for promotion to Nurse III; Gulf War Illness; Guarding the Frontline:  A Powerful Approach to Preventing Workplace Violence; Hospice and Palliative Care; Managing Holiday Stress; Military Sexual Trauma/Intimate Partner Violence; Nurse Safety Proactive Personal Protection; Organ, Eye, and Tissue Donation; Phototherapy; Primary Care Virtual Diabetes Clinic; Providing Equitable Healthcare for LGBTQ+ Veterans; SAAs, SAPs, and Cash Awards; Safe Patient Handling; Substance Use Disorders; Suicide Prevention Strategies; The Power of Advocacy – NOVA Caring for Veterans and Fighting for VA Nurses for 45 Years; Understanding Depression:  Recognizing, Treating, and Supporting; VA Community Care Quality Improvement Program Train the Trainer:  Veteran Specific Population; Veterans Justice Outreach; Visually Impaired and Blind Veterans and Blind Rehabilitation Services; Waking  Up to New Science on Why You Can’t Sleep and What You Can Do About it; What is PTSD and How Do You Address it with Veterans?; Whole Health; and Wound Care.

As we celebrate Nurses Week, I want to honor each of you for your unparalleled resilience, unwavering dedication, and the countless hours you invest in caring for our nation’s heroes. The past year has tested us in ways we never imagined—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Yet, your commitment to our Veterans shines stronger than ever. We recognize the exhaustion you feel and the sacrifices you make daily—not only for your patients, but for your colleagues and your families. Your steadfast compassion is the heart of VA healthcare. It is your resilience that inspires hope, your dedication that sets the highest standards, and your care that reminds every Veteran they are valued and seen. Thank you for being the backbone of healing and support. I am grateful and proud to walk alongside you as we continue to serve those who have served our nation.

Happy Nurses Week!

With gratitude,

Michelle Salazar-Rodriguez
President, Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs

Advocating for Our 2026 Priority Goals
This year, our discussions on the Hill were guided by our core priority goals for 2026:

Staffing Concerns: We elevated the voices of VA nurses across the country, sharing real stories and data on the critical need for sustainable staffing models, enhanced retention incentives, and the resources necessary to maintain quality care for our Veterans.

Community Care: Our conversations focused on the evolving landscape of community care, emphasizing the importance of preserving VA’s expertise while coordinating effectively with community partners to ensure timely and comprehensive care for Veterans.

VA Reorganization: In the face of ongoing reorganization within the VA, we shed light on the ambiguities and potential impacts for care delivery, access, and workforce morale—reiterating our commitment to be active partners and problem-solvers during this transition.

High-Level Legislative Engagement
I am proud to report that NOVA’s board met directly with the legislative leaders and teams of both majority and minority members in the House and Senate. These meetings provided valuable opportunities to present the insights, challenges, and solutions VA nurses bring to the table. It was clear that our perspectives are respected and sought after, and I am confident that our relationships on Capitol Hill have never been stronger.

Collaboration with Veteran Service Organizations
A highlight of Hill Day 2026 was our successful roundtable with leading organizations, including Office of Nursing Services (ONS), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), as well as members of the Senate and House Minority and Majority Legislative teams, to name a few. This dynamic exchange reinforced our shared mission to advocate for policies that advance the health and well-being of all Veterans. Together, we explored collaborative strategies and strengthened alliances that will serve us well in the months and years ahead.

Looking Forward: Our advocacy does not end with Hill Day. Every conversation moved us closer to our goals and reaffirmed NOVA’s influence as a trusted source for Veteran care policy and practice. Please stay engaged, share your stories, and support our efforts—your voice is vital in shaping the future of VA nursing and Veteran care.

Thank you for your dedication to our Veterans, your professionalism, and your commitment to each other. We are, together, NOVA strong.

With respect and gratitude,

Michelle Salazar-Rodriguez,
President, Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs (NOVA)

Veterans who are struggling with trauma, anxiety, and depression have been referred to the SKY Resilience Training program.  Veterans who complete the program have consistently seen meaningful changes.  Veterans who were grappling with intrusive memories, chronic worry, low mood, and sleep problems often report better sleep, improved focus, and a greater ability to manage triggers in their daily lives after these sessions.  Several have shared that the breathing techniques give them a practical tool they can use in the moment to calm racing thoughts, ease anxiety, and stabilize their mood, whether they are at home, at work, or in a crowded public space.  Over time, individuals move from feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and burdened by trauma, anxiety, and depression to expressing more hope, engagement, and a renewed sense of purpose in their recovery journey.

To check out the program, read the research, see videos of Veterans talking about their experiences, and have veteran register for workshops in their area, see the following link: https://projectwelcomehometroops.org/

Chair, NOVA Education Committee

              NOVA provides live webinars every month and the webinars are available on the NOVA website after the presentation.  The webinars provide information on veteran healthcare topics to help VA nurses care for veterans, and to help NOVA nurses with professional advancement.  They are especially helpful for new nursing graduates and nurses new to the VA.  These webinars should be included in all nursing orientation and transition to practice programs. 

              In the next few months NOVA is presenting webinar topics specifically designed for VA nurses.  If you can’t see it live, watch it on the NOVA website.  Webinars are scheduled at 12:30pm ET.  On April 23 Cyrus Hancock will present “Federal Retirement Made Simple.”  On May 6, Shiphrah Williams-Evens RN, APRN, PhD, PMHNP- BC, FNP-BC will present “Gimme Time.”  On May 20, Julie McLendon DNP RN will present “Clozapine Initiation Protocol.”  On June 18, Katherine Allen RN will present “Phototherapy.”

              Remember that you can always access webinars on the NOVA website https://www.vanurse.org/page/memberonlywebinars.  If you’re seeking promotion to Nurse III, you can view “Evaluating Your Self-Assessment for promotion to Nurse III.”  The “Anxiety”  webinar will not only provide you with information on the topic but will also include a breathing exercise to help you cope with stress. 

              These and other webinars will be on the NOVA website after the presentation, and can be presented as inservice programs in your facility.  As a NOVA member, you can register for the webinar, and then schedule a room in your facility to show the webinar.  You can send an email from your private email address to VA nurses with information about the webinar.   You can also post flyers on bulletin boards to let people know about the webinar.  Have people sign an attendance sheet, and send it to nova@vanurse.org after the webinar so people who attend can receive an evaluation and a continuing education certificate as NOVA is also an accredited provider of nursing continuing development credits (NCPD).  

               Other webinars currently available include:  Advocacy:  Congress 101-Who and What You Need to Know to Advocate Successfully, A Look into VA Community Care; Acute Pain Management;  Adjustment Disorders; Addressing Homelessness and the HUD-VASH Program; Aromatherapy in Nursing; Breast and Cervical Screening Updates; Caregiver Support Program; Caring for Veterans with Rehabilitative Needs; Eligibility for VA Care, Compensation, and Pension; Empowering Seamless Transitions:  Enhancing Care Coordination Through the VA Consult Toolbox; Evaluating Your Self-Assessment for Promotion to Nurse II with Educational Waiver, Gulf War Illness; Guarding the Frontline:  A Powerful Approach to Preventing Workplace Violence; Hospice and Palliative Care; Managing Holiday Stress; Military Sexual Trauma/Intimate Partner Violence; Nurse Safety Proactive Personal Protection; Organ, Eye, and Tissue Donation; Phototherapy; Primary Care Virtual Diabetes Clinic; Providing Equitable Healthcare for LGBTQ+ Veterans; SAAs, SAPs, and Cash Awards; Safe Patient Handling; Substance Use Disorders; Suicide Prevention Strategies; The Power of Advocacy – NOVA Caring for Veterans and Fighting for VA Nurses for 45 Years; Understanding Depression:  Recognizing, Treating, and Supporting; VA Community Care Quality Improvement Program Train the Trainer:  Veteran Specific Population; Veterans Justice Outreach; Visually Impaired and Blind Veterans and Blind Rehabilitation Services; Waking  Up to New Science on Why You Can’t Sleep and What You Can Do About it; What is PTSD and How Do You Address it with Veterans?; Whole Health; and Wound Care. 

• Provide sufficient and timely funding to maintain access to care and support hiring healthcare staff so VA operates effectively
• Ensure that any legislation or funding of Community Care does not diminish the high standard of care VHA offers to Veterans, and require comparable quality and training standards for community providers
• Evaluate proposed reorganization for enhanced coordination and transparency, ensuring leadership and staff are informed and equipped to meet veterans’ needs
• Review staffing levels and vacancies, and hire in all settings so VA can delivery timely access for all Veterans seeking care; support VA meeting all four missions
• Ensure salary surveys are performed annually for all nursing workforce (APRN, RN, LPN) so VHA remains competitive in local markets
• Support and revise qualifications and pay levels for LPNs
• Ensure entire workforce is offered ongoing opportunities for career advancement and professional development by providing continuing education and tuition support for all nursing levels
• Sustain continuous funding for existing RN and NP residency programs and include essential infrastructure to support growth of future nursing workforce
• Implement and support full practice authority for CRNAs
• Effectively use artificial intelligence (AI) to improve veteran care
• Support scholarships for nursing students to ensure adequate staffing
• Support Title VIII and Nursing Research funding
• Support nursing as a professional discipline
• Reauthorize funding for Medicaid
• Support NP’s providing worker’s compensation care, signing death certificates, and providing disability ratings
• Improve VA transparency and responsiveness to Congress
• Evaluate ongoing reduction in VA workforce effects on quality of care
• Provide protections against workplace violence
• Restore collective bargaining rights for VA employees
• Support HONOR Act and STAR Act
• Fully implement Eliabeth Dole Act which is only one-third implemented
• Revise ACCESS Act due to lack ofrequirements for VHA pre-authorization, training, and shifting funding away from VA hospitals, impacting care
• Support infrastructure improvements and increased Long Term Care beds
• Support benefits bill so spouses don’t lose benefits with remarriage
• Support disabled veterans with Dignity Act
• Support proclamation for Dayton VA Chapel on National Historic Registry
  
  

NOVA thanked everyone who attended and will continue to advocate with our partners in the VSO, Nursing Community Coalition, and others to protect VA healthcare and Veterans access to all VA services. 

Link to Photos             

Legislative Round Table Attendees

Congressional legislative staff members attending from the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs included Hunter Thompson, Senior Policy Advisor (Majority), and Theresa (Tess) Wrzesinski, Senior Policy Advisor (Minority).  House Committee on Veterans Affairs staff included Matt Telford, Research Assistant, Subcommittee on Health, (Majority), Alexis MacDonald, Staff Director, Subcommittee on Health (Minority), and Abbie Killian, Professional Staff Member (Minority).  The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) was represented by Legislative Representative Lisa Swirsky, Director Government Relations.  Health Policy Source was represented by Cynthia Oliver, Health Policy Analyst.  The National Association of Veterans Research and Education Foundation (NAVREF) was represented by Hawk Tran, Chief Operating Officer. VA Office of Nursing Services staff included Heather Arredondo, Associate Director of Policy, Legislation, and Professional Standards; and Penny Jensen, Associate Director, National APRN Practice/Liaison National APRN Policy.

Representatives from Veterans Service Organizations included Andrew Petrie, Health Policy Analyst, American Legion; Logan Barber, Legislative Associate, American Legion; Jon Retzer, National Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans (DAV); Naomi Mathis, Deputy National Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans (DAV); Ashley Byrnes, Deputy National Communications Director, Disabled American Veterans (DAV); Kevin Miller, Assistant National Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans (DAV); Rene Campos, CDR, U.S. Navy (Ret.), Senior Director, Government Relations, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA); Morgan Brown, National Legislative Director, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA); Jennifer Hunt, Associate Legislative Director, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA); Meggan Coleman, Associate Director, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW); and Adrian Attizado, TriWest Healthcare Alliance.

Representatives from national professional organizations included Madeleine Rohrbach, Policy Manager, American Academy of Nursing; Josh Adams, Director of Policy, American Association of Colleges of Nursing; Jean Cornell, Government Affairs Manager, American Nurses Association; Matthew Thackston, Senior Director Congressional Affairs, American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology; Gregory Craig, Senior Associate Director, Regulatory Affairs, American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology; Jessica Talbert, Director Federal Advocacy, American Association of Nurse Practitioners; Alec Stone, Health Policy Liaison, Association of VA Hematology/Oncology;  Carrie Cromwell, President, Association of VA Nurse Anesthetists; K. Conwell Smith, Deputy Chief, Military and Veterans Health Policy, American Psychological Association, Kristin Rodzinka, President, Association of VA Psychology Leaders, Dave Mason, Senior Policy Consultant, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners/National League for Nursing; Cyndy Oliver, Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association; Kenya Williams, CEO, National Student Nurses Association; Shirley Quarles, President, Foundation of the National Student Nurses Association.

NOVA members included Board of Directors members President Michelle Salazar-Rodriguez, RN, MSN, VA Black Hills HCS; Past President Catherine Giasson, DNP, MHA, RN, NE-BC, VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System; Secretary/Treasurer Tiffany Keller-Hale, DNP, BBA, RN, RN-C, Dayton VAMC; Directors: Michella Savoy-Carter, MSN, RN-BC, CDECS, VA Maryland Healthcare System; Melinda Conville, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CNML, VA Brockton HCS; Rockne Jacque MSN, RN, Northampton VAMC; Kelly Skinner, DNP, APRN, ANP-C, BNP-BC, CRRN, WCC, CFCN, CPHQ, VA Boston HCS; John Templeton Jr., MSN, RN, VA Central Western Massachusetts HCS; and Director Advocacy and Government Relations Teresa Morris.  Additional attendees included Past Presidents Nancy Claflin, DNP, MS, RN, NEA-BC, CENP, CNEcl CCRN, CPHQ, FNAHQ, Nurse Emeritus; Margaret Kruckemeyer, MSN, MA, RN, FNP-C, Nurse Emeritus; and Taryn-Janae Wilcox-Olson, MHS, RN, VISN 20 Northwest Network. 

March/April 2026

NOVA held its annual Hill Day on March 19 in Washington D.C. Attendee advocates brought copies of our 2026 Legislative Priority Goals and talking points on two bills – S. 3466, The Honoring our Promise to Veterans Act (Honor Act) and S 275/H.R.740, The Veterans’ Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025

NOVA strongly supports the Honor Act as it directly addresses gaps in care by providing transparent real-time wait times in both VA and community care facilities, mandates training and transparency within the community care network, expands telehealth options for veterans who prefer virtual care, and assures consistent quality standards across all providers—whether within the VA system or in the community.

If enacted, this will provide a crucial benefit in helping VA compete with the private sector in hiring strong candidates for its facilities.

NOVA does not support the Access Act. If enacted, future veterans’ access to health care and services through the VHA system will suffer irreparable harm.

NOVA is advocating against several harmful provisions in Access, to include allowing veterans increased access to community care resulting in the reallocation of funding from the VHA to private sector providers. Permitting veterans to use private sector healthcare without VHA referral, pre-authorization, or oversight may alter the integrated care model of the VHA, shifting its primary function from a provider of healthcare to a payer for private sector services and removing the VHA as the authorizer of care which in time would decrease available choices for veterans.

With goals and talking points in hand, everyone headed to the Hill to meet with their Congressional delegation (both House and Senate) and discussed the importance of funding and supporting the VA healthcare system.

NOVA Board leadership engaged with professional staff members from the House and Senate VA Committees to review topics including staffing, recruitment, retention, EHRM, and community care.

Discussions also focused on VA reorganization plans and their anticipated impact on the overall structure and operation of the VA.

For those unable to attend but interested in advocacy, I encourage you to contact your Members of Congress regarding what is happening at your VA facility and continue discussions about how these changes affect care and services provided to Veterans.

A reminder that NOVA’s 2026 Legislative Priority Goals for second session of the 119^th Congress is on the NOVA website and available to use as a guideline for talking with Members and staff – in the District or State.

NOVA leaders and members are continuing to push for critical policy changes and invite everyone to join us in our advocacy efforts. We will be scheduling a District Hill Day in the future. We need all voices to urge Congress and the Administration to support priorities that ensure Veterans receive timely access to high-quality care. 

2026 Legislative Priority Goals –- 2026 NOVA Legislative Priority Goals 2026 .docx^.

Nancy Claflin DNP MS RN NEA-BC CENP CNEcl CCRN CPHQ FNAHQ

Chair, NOVA Education Committee

              NOVA provides live webinars every month and the webinars are available on the NOVA website after the presentation.  The webinars provide information on veteran healthcare topics to help VA nurses care for veterans, and to help NOVA nurses with professional advancement.  They are especially helpful for new nursing graduates and nurses new to the VA.  These webinars should be included in all nursing orientation and transition to practice programs. 

              In the next few months NOVA is presenting webinar topics specifically designed for VA nurses.  If you can’t see it live, watch it on the NOVA website.  Webinars are scheduled at 12:30pm ET. On February 25, Nancy Claflin DNP MS RN NEA-BC CENP CNEcl CCRN CPHQ FNAHQ will present “Evaluating Your Self-Assessment for promotion to Nurse III.” On March 25, Rachel Sprunger BA MSW LCSW will present “Anxiety.”   On April 22, Julie McLendon DNP RN will present “Clozapine Initiation Protocol.”  These webinars will be on the NOVA website after the presentation, and can be presented as in-service programs in your facility.  As a NOVA member, you can register for the webinar, and then schedule a room in your facility to show the webinar.  You can send an email from your private email address to VA nurses with information about the webinar.   You can also post flyers on bulletin boards to let people know about the webinar.  Have people sign an attendance sheet, and send it to nova@vanurse.org after the webinar so people who attend can receive an evaluation and a continuing education certificate as NOVA is also an accredited provider of nursing continuing development credits (NCPD).  

              Remember that you can always access webinars on the NOVA website https://www.vanurse.org/page/memberonlywebinars.  Webinars currently available include:  Advocacy:  Congress 101-Who and What You Need to Know to Advocate Successfully, A Look into VA Community Care; Acute Pain Management; Adjustment Disorders; Addressing Homelessness and the HUD-VASH Program; Aromatherapy in Nursing; Breast and Cervical Screening Updates; Caregiver Support Program; Caring for Veterans with Rehabilitative Needs; Eligibility for VA Care, Compensation, and Pension; Empowering Seamless Transitions:  Enhancing Care Coordination Through the VA Consult Toolbox; Evaluating Your Self-Assessment for Promotion to Nurse II with Educational Waiver, Gulf War Illness; Guarding the Frontline:  A Powerful Approach to Preventing Workplace Violence; Hospice and Palliative Care; Managing Holiday Stress; Military Sexual Trauma/Intimate Partner Violence; Nurse Safety Proactive Personal Protection; Organ, Eye, and Tissue Donation; Phototherapy; Primary Care Virtual Diabetes Clinic; Providing Equitable Healthcare for LGBTQ+ Veterans; SAAs, SAPs, and Cash Awards; Safe Patient Handling; Substance Use Disorders; Suicide Prevention Strategies; The Power of Advocacy – NOVA Caring for Veterans and Fighting for VA Nurses for 45 Years; Understanding Depression:  Recognizing, Treating, and Supporting; VA Community Care Quality Improvement Program Train the Trainer:  Veteran Specific Population; Veterans Justice Outreach; Visually Impaired and Blind Veterans and Blind Rehabilitation Services; Waking  Up to New Science on Why You Can’t Sleep and What You Can Do About it; What is PTSD and How Do You Address it with Veterans?; Whole Health; and Wound Care.

              I had the wonderful opportunity to round with the night shift Phoenix Assistant Nurse Managers as they visited every unit on Friday night, January 30^th.  The Phoenix Assistant Nurse Managers on the night shift do a terrific job of engaging with night shift staff, regularly rounding with a cart of goodies for staff members, such as frozen treats to let them know they are not forgotten.  Thank you for your leadership and outreach to nursing staff members!  I was able to accompany them on visits to each unit, and presented a brief in-service including information on some of NOVA's legislative victories for VA nurses. NOVA was instrumental in obtaining legislation passed that included the Nurse Pay Act which established locality pay, Saturday premium pay, eliminating restrictions on VA nurses working outside the VA, permitting nurse managed clinics, improving promotion processes requiring input from nurses, inclusion of sick leave as part of the calculation for retirement for FERS employees, ensuring the Nurse Executive is included in decision making at the facility and VISN, authorization of alternate work schedules including 12 hour shifts, and recognition for Cadet Nurses from World War II.

Nancy Claflin DNP MS RN NEA-BC CENP CNEcl CCRN CPHQ FNAHQ

Chair, NOVA Education Committee

NOVA’s Mentoring Program

             NOVA developed the Empower Mentoring Program to help NOVA nurses meet professional goals and pursue dreams for professional advancement within the VA.  NOVA’s Mentoring Program is designed to guide a mutual relationship between an experienced VA nurse who is the mentor and the mentee.  Mentorship programs can support all nurses, including new graduate nurses and nurses new to the VA.  Research based evidence demonstrates that mentoring can reduce turnover and support new graduates in their transition to practice. Mentees reported benefits including expanding their networks, gaining confidence working with management level topics, and developing professional as well as interpersonal effectiveness. Mentors reported benefits including improving their coaching skills and benefitting from learning new ideas from their mentees.  Organizations with mentoring programs demonstrated an increase in employee retention, improved recruitment of diverse employees, and more cost-effective training.

             The mentee and mentor set expectations at the beginning, including goals for mentoring relationship.  The mentor-mentee relationship is a partnership.  As with any partnership, it’s important to understand the responsibilities on each side.  The mentee is responsible for contacting the mentor and setting up a meeting schedule which can be by email, phone, or in person.  Each organization has its own culture, and the mentor can help the mentee successfully integrate into the VA culture.  Mentors can help mentees understand the informal power structure in an organization.  In successful mentoring relationships there are strong lines of communication, and both the mentor and mentee are open to feedback. 

Should you ask for a mentor?  Would you like help navigating the VA system, developing supportive and encouraging relationships, guidance in professional, personal, and interpersonal growth? Would you like to connect with seasoned NOVA members to benefit from their expertise and experience? 

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 want to help people navigate the sometimes confusing routes to promotion and career development in the VA?  Do you want to make a difference?

              If the answer to any of these questions is yes, go to the NOVA Webpage; click on Education, then select Mentorship Program. NOVA's Mentoring Program matches NOVA nurses across the country to help you learn about the VA and achieve your career goals.
www.vanurse.org

Wagner, A. L., Seymour, M. E.  (2007). A model of caring mentorship for nursing. Journal for Nurses in Staff Development. 23(5), p. 201-211. DOI: 10.1097/01.NND.0000294926.49

Dear Colleagues and Fellow Advocates,

It is a profound honor to address you as your incoming President of the Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs (NOVA). As we embark on this journey together, I am reminded of the unique bond we share—not just as nurses, but as the specialized backbone of the nation’s largest integrated healthcare system.

Our Mission: More Than a Profession

The NOVA mission is clear: to educate, communicate, and advocate for the Department of Veterans Affairs nurse professionally, personally, and legislatively. We exist to ensure that every VA nurse has the resources, voice, and support needed to deliver the world-class care our nation’s heroes deserve.

The Critical Need for Membership

Our strength lies in our numbers. We are currently navigating a landscape of significant change, including the largest VA reorganization in 30 years and ongoing challenges to nursing staffing levels. Now, more than ever, we must increase our membership to remain a powerful, independent voice.

A larger membership means more weight behind our Legislative Priority Goals, such as securing sufficient funding for staffing and protecting the VHA from policies that could fragment Veteran care. I urge each of you to reach out to a colleague today; remember, through our Member-Get-A-Member campaign, recruiting five new members can even cover your own annual dues.

Advocacy: Our Crucial Mandate

Advocacy is not just something we do; it is who we are. Our 2026 goals focus on:

• Nurse Advocacy: We are fighting for competitive salary assessments, expanded tuition support, and full practice authority for our CRNAs.
• Veteran Advocacy: We are standing firm against legislation that shifts the VHA from a provider of specialized care to a mere payer for private services, ensuring our Veterans don't lose the high-quality, integrated care they’ve earned.

I invite you to join us for 2026 Hill Day on March 19 to bring these issues directly to Capitol Hill. Together, we will ensure that the future of VA nursing—and the health of our Veterans—is guided by the expertise of those who know it best: you.

Thank you for your tireless dedication. Let’s make this year a turning point for our profession and our heroes.

Michelle Salazar-Rodriguez, NOVA President 

January/February 2026 

NOVA released its 2026 Legislative Priority Goals for the second session of the 119^th Congress.

The goals represent NOVA’s perspective on critical priorities for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and underscore the continued importance of ensuring timely access to quality care and services for our Nation’s Veterans.

2026 Legislative Priority Goals

Funding

• Provide sufficient and timely funding to maintain ongoing access to care and support the hiring of healthcare staff, so that the VHA continues to operate effectively for our Veterans.

• Ensure any legislation or funding of Community Care does not diminish the high standard of care provided by the VHA to Veterans and certify that community care providers adhere to equivalent quality and training requirements.

• Evaluate, plan, and budget to ensure VA facilities are modernized to meet the needs of Veterans. 

VHA Reorganization

• Evaluate the proposed reorganization for enhanced coordination and transparency, ensuring that leadership and staff are informed and equipped to efficiently meet the needs of veterans.

Staffing/Retention and Recruitment

• Review staff levels and hire in all settings so VA can deliver timely access for all Veterans seeking care.

• Conduct yearly salary assessments for the nursing workforce (APRN, RN, LPN) to ensure that VHA remains competitive within local markets.

• Continue to support and revise qualifications levels for LPNs.

• Ensure entire workforce is offered ongoing opportunities for career advancement and professional development by providing continuing education and tuition support for ALL levels of nursing.

• Sustain continuous funding for existing RN and NP residency programs and include essential infrastructure to support the growth of future nursing workforce.

• Implement and support Full Practice Authority for CRNAs.

NOVA leaders and members are continuing to push for these policy changes and invite everyone to join us for our 2026 Hill Day on March 19,2026 in Washington D.C. We need your enthusiastic voices to urge Congress and the Administration to support priorities that ensure Veterans receive timely access to high-quality care.

To Register for Hill Day/ Hill Day Toolkit - 2025 Hill Day Toolkit

 2026 Legislative Priority Goals –- 2026 NOVA Legislative Priority Goals 2026 .docx^.

Dear NOVA nurses,

In October NOVA held the 45th Annual Conference in Nashville, TN, which was another great success! While we may have been a small group , we were a mighty group. I would like to recognize and thank the Chairpersons of the NOVA Annual Meeting Planning Committee: Michelle Salazar- Rodriquez and Rockne Jacque as well as all the committee members. Over the past year they worked diligently to ensure that an informative and memorable two-day event took place to educate nurses.

A recent proposal to remove nursing from the list of professional degrees has angered nurses across the U.S. Rightfully so! The potential changes may remove some loans reserved for professional degrees, make it more expensive for nurses to attend educational institutions as well as increase the nursing shortage. These proposed changes also included physician assistants, physical therapists and social workers - all which impact the nursing care that we deliver. I want to take a moment to remind all nurses what it means to be professional. Professionalism in nursing is not just a degree. It is ingrained in our core values such as integrity, compassion and accountability that you demonstrate through your dedication, advocacy for Veterans and commitment to improving care. I ask that you consider attending NOVA Hill Day March 18-19, 2026 and advocate for nursing to remain a professional degree so that we can ensure the next generation of nurses are ready to care for veterans. This is your opportunity to speak up about the impact that this change would have on nursing and patient care!

As the year comes to a close my term as President also comes to an end. It has been my honor to represent VA and NOVA nurses over the past two years. We have faced an ever-changing landscape in how we deliver care to the Veterans. Representing NOVA legislatively has been a fulfilling part of my Presidency. But it does not end there. As the Immediate Past President, I will continue to work diligently to represent NOVA nurses and to ensure that your ability to provide quality care to the Veterans continues.

As the past year has been difficult to say the least and we do not know what the upcoming year has in store for all of us, remember the work you do every day is rewarding and makes a difference in the lives of the Veterans you care for!

Best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season

Cathy Giasson

NOVA President

December 2025

Teresa Morris

We are officially in the last few weeks of the first session of the 119^th Congress.

The government has been funded through January 30, but VA remains fully funded as the continuing resolution (CR) that was cleared last month included FY26 funding for all the Department of Veterans Affairs.

December is always a busy time on the Hill – as I write this there are several legislative packages awaiting final negotiations. Both the House and Senate VA Committees continue to work on final text of ACCESS Act and Senator Blumenthal has introduced the HONOR Act, which NOVA strongly supports.

The bill will advance many of NOVA’s legislative priorities by mandating training for community care providers, offering real-time wait time data, and sharing provider qualifications to help veterans make informed healthcare choices. It includes funding for nurse education, special pay for nurse leaders, supports VA mentorship programs, expands the Inspector General’s investigative authority, increases telehealth options, and enforces consistent provider standards.

As the bills move through the process next session, NOVA will continue offering our comments and suggestions to help strengthen language for VA and its workforce.

As the first session draws to a close, I urge everyone to contact their congressional offices to communicate NOVA’s support for legislation aimed at increasing staffing levels and improving access to care for all Veterans (Honor Act is a great example). Please also emphasize our opposition to proposals that would remove the VHA as the authorizer of care or any provisions that could drain internal VHA accounts, as these measures risk the privatization of key VA services. This includes Access Act and others available on the NOVA advocacy website -NOVA Advocacy Toolkit

I urge all of you to continue your advocacy on behalf of VA and let your congressional members know what you need to take care of Veterans.

A great way to advocate on behalf of VA nurses is to join NOVA for our 2026 Hill Day, scheduled for March 19 and 20.  Watch your emails for more information about registration and how you can help us educate and advocate for VA nurses and Veterans!

Chair, NOVA Education Committee

NOVA provides live webinars every month and the webinars are available on the NOVA website after the presentation.  NOVA is in the third year of our three year Caring for Veterans Program.  The webinars in this program provide information on veteran healthcare topics to help VA nurses care for veterans.  They are especially helpful for new nursing graduates and nurses new to the VA.  These webinars make excellent additions to nursing orientation and transition to practice programs. 

In the next few months NOVA is presenting webinar topics specifically designed for VA nurses.  If you can’t see it live, watch it on the NOVA website.  Webinars are scheduled at 12:30pm ET.  On December 9, Nancy Claflin DNP MS RN NEA-BC CENP CNEcl CCRN CPHQ FNAHQ will present “The Power of Advocacy – NOVA Caring for Veterans and Fighting for VA Nurses for 45 Years”  at 12:30pm ET.  This webinar will be on the NOVA website after the presentation.  This is a great webinar for an inservice in your facility.  As a NOVA member, you can register for the webinar, and then schedule a room in your facility to show the webinar.  You can send an email from your private email address to VA nurses with information about the webinar.   You can also post flyers on bulletin boards to let people know about the webinar.  Have people sign an attendance sheet, and send it to nova@vanurse.org after the webinar so people who attend can receive an evaluation and a continuing education certificate as NOVA is also an accredited provider of nursing continuing development credits (NCPD).   This webinar is helpful for chapters and members to share what NOVA has done for VA nurses and encourage VA nurses to join NOVA.

Remember that you can always access webinars on the NOVA website https://www.vanurse.org/page/memberonlywebinars.  Webinars currently available include:  A Look into VA Community Care; Acute Pain Management;  Adjustment Disorders; Addressing Homelessness and the HUD-VASH Program; Aromatherapy in Nursing; Breast and Cervical Screening Updates; Caregiver Support Program; Caring for Veterans with Rehabilitative Needs; Eligibility for VA Care, Compensation, and Pension; Empowering Seamless Transitions:  Enhancing Care Coordination Through the VA Consult Toolbox; Evaluating Your Self-Assessment for Promotion to Nurse II with Educational Waiver,  Evaluating Your Self-Assessment for Promotion to Nurse III Gulf War Illness; Guarding the Frontline:  A Powerful Approach to Preventing Workplace Violence; Hospice and Palliative Care; Managing Holiday Stress; Military Sexual Trauma/Intimate Partner Violence; Nurse Safety Proactive Personal Protection; Organ, Eye, and Tissue Donation; Phototherapy; Primary Care Virtual Diabetes Clinic; Providing Equitable Healthcare for LGBTQ+ Veterans; SAAs, SAPs, and Cash Awards; Safe Patient Handling; Substance Use Disorders; Suicide Prevention Strategies; Understanding Depression:  Recognizing, Treating, and Supporting; VA Community Care Quality Improvement Program Train the Trainer:  Veteran Specific Population; Veterans Justice Outreach; Visually Impaired and Blind Veterans and Blind Rehabilitation Services; Waking  Up to New Science on Why You Can’t Sleep and What You Can Do About it; What is PTSD and How Do You Address it with Veterans?; Whole Health; and Wound Care.

For effective mentoring, the mentor and mentee set expectations at the beginning, including goals for mentoring relationship.  The mentor-mentee relationship is a partnership.  As with any partnership, it’s important to understand the responsibilities on each side.  The mentee is responsible for contacting the mentor and setting up a meeting schedule which can be by email, phone, or in person.  Each organization has its own culture, and the mentor can help the mentee successfully integrate into the VA culture.  Mentors can help mentees understand the informal power structure in an organization.  In successful mentoring relationships there are strong lines of communication, and both the mentor and mentee are open to feedback. 

Should you ask for a mentor?  Would you like help navigating the VA system, developing supportive and encouraging relationships, guidance in professional, personal, and interpersonal growth? Would you like to connect with seasoned NOVA members to benefit from their expertise and experience? 

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 want to help people navigate the sometimes confusing routes to promotion and career development in the VA?  Do you want to make a difference?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, go to the NOVA Webpage; click on Education, then select Mentorship Program. NOVA's Mentoring Program matches NOVA nurses across the country to help you learn about the VA and achieve your career goals.
https://www.vanurse.org

Skywell-Nilsson, M., Brink, E., and Berghammer, M.  (2024). Commitment and efforts to maintain mentoring:  Nurse managers’ perceptions of structuring mentoring provision for new nurses in a hospital setting. Journal of Clinical Nursing. (3033), p. 3700-3710. DOI: 10.1111/jocn.17219

In 1995, 5ith the support of NOVA, Secretary Jesse Brown, and Deputy Secretary Hershel Gober, as well as with the collective wisdom of the Task Force on Reorganization of the Chief Nurse to a position of Associate Director for Nursing Service/Patient Care Services. NOVA’s outstanding report of the Advance Practice Task Force was sent to Central Office. The major issues of concern to the task force, credentialing, privileging, scope of practice, prescriptive authority, and salary, have been reviewed and are being integrated by VACO into national policy formulation. The NOVA Task Force will provide the initial infrastructure for a system wide network of APNs, addressing strategic planning and communication regarding the role and functions of Advanced Practice Nurses in the VA health care system.  On April 6, 1995, NOVA President Lynna Smith presented both written and oral testimony to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Hospitals and Health Care on Veterans Health Administration’s Reorganization Proposal.

NOVA President Lynna Smith presented both written and oral testimony to the Committee on Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Hospitals and Health Care on VHA Reorganization Proposal.

The goal of the DAISY Award is to celebrate and reward the clinical skills and compassionate care of registered nurses by recognizing their positive impact on patients' lives.  The award honors nurses who go above and beyond for their patients and families, and it is presented at healthcare facilities worldwide. Honorees receive a certificate and a special pin.

The Top 10 Moments That Redefined VA Nursing:

• The Cadet Nurse Bill, HR 2663 was initiated by a NOVA nurse, Angela Bohannon and the Topeka NOVA Chapter, and signed into law by President Reagan.

• Thanks to NOVA Congress passed a law giving VA nurses Saturday premium pay, tuition reimbursement, and recruitment and retention bonuses. It also required that the Chief Nurse be on policy making and fiscal committees in the facility, and that VA completed a study of recruitment issues.

• NOVA realized a significant accomplishment with the passage of the Nurse Pay Act of 1990, establishing a system of competitive pay for VA nurses allowing local VA medical centers to offer salaries competitive with those offered by other health care facilities in the same local market.

• NOVA worked to get PL 102-585 signed into law which revised nurse pay grade schedules, provided the authority to carry out surveys of labor markets in determining rates of compensation for healthcare professionals, including nurses; and revised the basis for calculating compensation of health care positions.

• NOVA accomplished a legislative priority with the Veterans’ Health Care Eligibility Reform Act of 1996 which overturned a 50-year-old law restricting full time RN employment outside the VA.

• NOVA and all VA RNs scored tremendous legislative victory with PL-106-419, the Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2000 which addressed pay issues affecting RNs, dentists, PAs, social workers, and pharmacists; impacted veterans’ benefits and authorization, mandated increased nursing input in senior management at VISNs and medical centers, and reformed the RN locality pay system. The locality pay changes included: cost-of-living increase; significant survey reform; oversight of medical center director RN salary decisions with authority to modify those decisions, and required annual nurse staffing reports. It also required VISN directors to consult senior nurse executives for patient care policies.

• Thanks to NOVA, President Bush signed the Veterans Affairs Health Care Improvement Act of 2001 (PL 107-135) into law. The act permanently authorizes the Employee Incentive Scholarship Program (EISP) for nurses, reduces the time nurses need to work at VA before they are eligible to receive a scholarship, and removes limits to the amount of money nurses can receive from VA for school, as long as that amount isn’t more than the equivalent of three years of full time study. The act also permanently authorizes VA’s Education Debt Reduction Program, which allows VA to help pay for nurse schooling, up to a total of $44,000.00, with the Secretary able to adjust that amount if needed to coincide with federal pay increases. It also mandates that VA provide Saturday premium pay to Licensed Practical Nurses; gives VA nurses enrolled in the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) the ability to use unused sick leave as part of their retirement calculations, and requires the Secretary and Under Secretary for Health to establish a nationwide policy on nurse staffing standards for VA medical facilities. The legislation also requires the Secretary to evaluate nurse-managed clinics and determine whether they are feasible in the future, and to submit an annual report on what the DVA is doing to keep experienced nurses. The top VA nurse in Central Office reports directly to the Under Secretary for Health, another recognition of the importance of nurses in our health care system. It exempts RNs, physicians, and some dental technicians from the government wide requirement that part time government service performed before April 7, 1986, be prorated in calculating their retirement. It establishes a National Commission on VA Nursing.

• NOVA scored a significant legislative victory with the passage of Senate Bill 1156, the Veterans Health Care, Capital Asset, and Business Improvement Act of 2003 which improved appointment and promotion processes, requiring input from VA nurses and expanded Saturday premium pay.

• NOVA scored a significant legislative victory with Senate Bill 2484 which simplified pay provisions for physicians and dentists, authorized alternate work schedules (three 12-hr tours of duty for full time, work 9 months & get 3 months off; authorized executive pay for nurses from $10,000-$25,000), and required VA to certify to Congress that each VA has a policy designed to prevent nurses working more than 12 consecutive hours or more than 60 hours in a week.

• NOVA launched a series of educational webinars free to NOVA members and became am accredited provider of Nursing Continuing Professional Development credits through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).NOVA launched the program to assist NOVA nurses in writing self-assessments for promotion.

To learn more about NOVA’s impact on Veteran care, listen to our recent podcast episode featuring two nurses who stand at the forefront of NOVA’s mission!

Join NOVA today and stand up for better Veteran care.

As the year is coming to an end, we have faced many challenges but our biggest continues to be membership. NOVA was established 45 years ago and we once again find ourselves struggling with legislation and executive orders that impact not only the veterans we serve but also the stability of our organization. This is an organization built for VA nurses by VA nurses! Without your help and recruitment of members the organization may not see another 45 years. Let’s work together to ensure that other VA nurses have the opportunity to belong to an organization founded just for nurses in the VA!

Grow our Mission!

You’re the heart of NOVA!

Recruit 5 new members and receive 50% off your NOVA annual membership!
 Recruit 10 new members and receive ONE FREE YEAR of NOVA membership

https://www.vanurse.org/page/join

Take a moment to talk to your fellow VA nurses about the benefits of being a NOVA member. Share your experiences with others like NOVA Hill Day. It is our opportunity to go the Washington DC and share our experience and knowledge as VA nurses to improve veteran care and to develop ourselves professionally and legislatively. It is our chance to make a difference!

It is time to celebrate being a member of NOVA. The annual conference is right around the corner on October 21-23,2025. It is not too late to register and enjoy networking with other VA nurses and NOVA members. Come and learn about veteran care!

Hope to see you in Nashville!

Best,

Cathy Giasson

We are officially in a government shutdown after the Senate failed to secure the sixty votes needed to pass a continuing resolution (CR) to fund agencies before the September 30 fiscal year (FY26) deadline.

VA’s advanced appropriations mean Veterans healthcare and benefits will continue unaffected, but concerns remain about potential layoffs if the shutdown continues for any length of time - many reports have noted the Administration's willingness to continue downsizing agencies. 

I urge all of you to continue your advocacy on behalf of VA and let your congressional members know what you need to take care of Veterans. Remind them about NOVA’s opposition to bills that will drain VA of its internal services.

Get to know several bills NOVA is monitoring that have been frequently discussed during this session. H.R. 740/S. 275, the “Veterans’ Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025.” These companion bills contain provisions which, if enacted, may significantly affect future veterans' access to VHA health care and services.

NOVA is advocating against several harmful provisions in the bill that would:

1. Allow a veteran’s “preference” for the first time, to automatically afford eligibility for community care. This would erode the VHA’s organizing foundation, which may eventually lead to changes in its staffing levels, in-house programs, and facility operations.
2. Permit veterans to access private sector healthcare without VHA referral, pre-authorization, or oversight that will also alter the integrated care model of the VHA, shifting its primary function from a provider of healthcare to a payer for private sector services.
3. While the intention is to vastly expand veterans’ preference and choice, these changes reduce healthcare options for many veterans when specialized VHA programs and facilities are scaled back or closed.

Removing the VHA as the authorizer of care may eventually decrease available choices for veterans. As funds shift to the private sector, some veterans—particularly those with service-connected conditions who depend primarily on the VHA—could face fewer opportunities to select VHA services if essential units and programs are discontinued.

The bill cost would also drain internal VHA accounts – risking privatization of many VA services.

As we move into the final months of the first session of the 119th Congress, I encourage all of you to call your congressional offices and let them know that NOVA opposes the ACCESS Act as currently written.

Your voice is critical during this extraordinary time. VA faces many changes, but one thing remains certain – it is where most Veterans choose to receive their care.

For information on the ACCESS Act / statement for the record, here is an article published by the Veterans Healthcare Policy Veterans-ACCESS-Act-VHPI-analysis-2.15.25.pdf

Nancy Claflin DNP MS RN NEA-BC CENP CNEcl CCRN CPHQ FNAHQ

Chair, NOVA Education Committee

NOVA provides live webinars every month and the webinars are available on the NOVA website after the presentation.  NOVA is in the third year of its three-year Caring for Veterans Program.  The webinars in this program provide information on veteran healthcare topics to help VA nurses care for Veterans.  They are especially helpful for new nursing graduates and nurses new to the VA.  These webinars make excellent additions to nursing orientation and transition to practice programs. 

In the next few months NOVA is presenting webinar topics specifically designed for VA nurses.  If you can’t see it live, watch it on the NOVA website.  Webinars are scheduled at 12:30pm ET.  On September 16, Beth Waters BSN RN CCRN PHN presented “Pathway to Healthy Work Environment:  HRO Journey Benefits All.”  On September 24, Samantha McCandless MSN RN CEPC presented “Suicide Prevention Strategies.”  On October 7, Rachel Sprunger BA MSW LCSW will present “Anxiety.”  On November 4, Carol Ebert MA BSN RN CHES CWP will present “Managing Holiday Stress.”  On November 18, Michella Savoy-Carter MSN RN-BC CDCES will present “Primary Care Virtual Diabetes Clinic.” 

As a NOVA member, you can register for a webinar, and then schedule a room in your facility to show the webinar.  You can send an email from your private email address to VA nurses with information about the webinar.   You can also post flyers on bulletin boards to let people know about the webinar.  Have people sign an attendance sheet, and send it to nova@vanurse.org after the webinar so people who attend can receive an evaluation and a continuing education certificate as NOVA is also an accredited provider of nursing continuing development credits (NCPD).  

Remember that you can always access webinars on the NOVA website https://www.vanurse.org/page/memberonlywebinars.  Webinars currently available include:  A Look into VA Community Care; Acute Pain Management;  Adjustment Disorders; Addressing Homelessness and the HUD-VASH Program; Aromatherapy in Nursing; Breast and Cervical Screening Updates; Caregiver Support Program; Caring for Veterans with Rehabilitative Needs; Eligibility for VA Care, Compensation, and Pension; Empowering Seamless Transitions:  Enhancing Care Coordination Through the VA Consult Toolbox; Evaluating Your Self-Assessment for Promotion to Nurse II with Educational Waiver,  Evaluating Your Self-Assessment for Promotion to Nurse III Gulf War Illness; Guarding the Frontline:  A Powerful Approach to Preventing Workplace Violence; Hospice and Palliative Care; Military Sexual Trauma/Intimate Partner Violence; Nurse Safety Proactive Personal Protection; Organ, Eye, and Tissue Donation; Phototherapy; Providing Equitable Healthcare for LGBTQ+ Veterans; SAAs, SAPs, and Cash Awards; Safe Patient Handling; Substance Use Disorders; Suicide Prevention Strategies; Understanding Depression:  Recognizing, Treating, and Supporting; VA Community Care Quality Improvement Program Train the Trainer:  Veteran Specific Population; Veterans Justice Outreach; Visually Impaired and Blind Veterans and Blind Rehabilitation Services; Waking  Up to New Science on Why You Can’t Sleep and What You Can Do About it; What is PTSD and How Do You Address it with Veterans?; Whole Health; and Wound Care.

In 1992, based on a request by Democratic Senator Alan Cranston, Chairman, and Senator Arlen Spector, Ranking Republican Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, the General Accounting Office began studying the effect of the implementation of the Nurse Pay Act of 1990. This action was taken in response to the concerns expressed by NOVA and other nurses.  NOVA shared information with GAO and the Congress regarding this issue.  In President Noreen Sommer’s testimony to the House Veterans Affairs Committee on February 19, 1992, and to the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees on February 27, 1992, she firmly stated that NOVA’s objective for quality care for the veteran patient would require proper funding or care would be restricted. NOVA was extremely dismayed to realize that funding had not been included in the FY 1993 proposal to continue the very successful pilot project to eliminate shift rotation. Pilot 798, originally funded for 1991 and to be continued in phases over five years, would reduce the need for the daytime RN staff to rotate to off tour evenings, nights, and weekends. Funding was absent in 1992, therefore, in the budget testimony, President Sommer stated “NOVA strongly recommends funding for 1,100 RN FTE for FY 1993 to improve the nurse-patient ratios and to ensure shift stability for all VA RNs.” In addition, the testimony reflected the serious shortage of funding for nurse pay. On other issues, NOVA urged the Congress to adequately fund computerization at the point of care to provide the highest level of care quickly and efficiently and supported the continued expansion of the automated unit dose dispensing system.

Bette Davis became NOVA’s fifth president, recognizing outgoing President Noreen Sommer for her outstanding service to NOVA. NOVA officially changed its name from Nurses Organization of the Veterans Administration to Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs.  The NOVA Distinguished Service Award was presented to Joseph L. Kurzejeski, the director of the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital, Columbia, MO. His progressive management style has been particularly demonstrated in relation to the profession of nursing in the VA Health Care System. He supported the elevation of the Chief Nurse to an Associate Director Level, conducting a successful pilot program.

Vernice Ferguson, R.N., M.S.N., F.A.A.N., F.R.C.P., ACMD for Nursing Programs presented “Being Heard.” Ms. Ferguson had announced that she would be leaving her post at the end of 1992 after serving as the leader of the nation’s largest nursing service since 1980. During her tenure, she has publicly stated numerous times the necessity for nurses to join and to actively participate in the professional nursing organizations such as NOVA. She has also always been available to NOVA and VA nurses to discuss the importance of a variety of issues which affect the VA nursing environment. Her ability to rally the troops has taken the VA nursing profession to new heights. NOVA publicly proclaimed that Vernice Ferguson has been a very strong leader and a very special friend, and honored her with a special award for her distinguished service and leadership as she completed her appointment in Central Office. 

Nancy Claflin DNP MS RN NEA-BC CENP CNEcl CCRN CPHQ FNAHQ

Chair, NOVA Education Committee

NOVA’s Mentoring Program

Did you know that NOVA has a Mentoring Program?  NOVA developed the Empower Mentoring Program to help NOVA nurses meet professional goals and pursue dreams for professional advancement within the VA.  The practice of mentoring in nursing has existed as long as the profession itself. Florence Nightingale is often credited as the founder of modern nursing and has been referred to as the mentor of matrons.  With mentoring in nursing, there is an understanding that there are benefits for both mentor and mentee, and that the availability of mentoring is vital.  According to Palermo (2024), mentoring in nursing has the potential to impact nurse retention and decrease turnover.  Nurse turnover increases the impact of the current nationwide nursing shortage and directly impacts patient outcomes negatively.  NOVA’s Mentoring Program is designed to guide a mutual relationship between an experienced VA nurse who is the mentor and the mentee.  Mentorship programs can support all nurses, including new graduate nurses and nurses new to the VA.  Research based evidence demonstrates that mentoring can reduce turnover and support new graduates in their transition to practice.  Mentees reported benefits including expanding their networks, gaining confidence working with management level topics, and developing professional as well as interpersonal effectiveness.  Mentors reported benefits including improving their coaching skills and benefitting from learning new ideas from their mentees.  Organizations with mentoring programs demonstrated an increase in employee retention, improved recruitment of diverse employees, and more cost-effective training.

Should you ask for a mentor?  Would you like help navigating the VA system, developing supportive and encouraging relationships, guidance in professional, personal, and interpersonal growth? Would you like to connect with seasoned NOVA members to benefit from their expertise and experience? 

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 want to help people navigate the sometimes confusing routes to promotion and career development in the VA?  Do you want to make a difference?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, go to the NOVA Website. NOVA's Mentoring Program matches NOVA nurses across the country to help you learn about the VA and achieve your career goals. Learn more: https://www.vanurse.org

Palermo, K. (2024). Mentoring New Graduate Nurses to Decrease Turnover : A Pilot Project 
Journal of Christian Nursing, Vol41(1),pE10–E15.
DOI:10.1097/CNJ.0000000000001134

NOVA’s Mentoring Program

NOVA developed the Empower Mentoring Program to help NOVA nurses meet professional goals and pursue dreams for professional advancement within the VA.  According to the 2024 NSI National Health Care Retention & RN Staffing Report, 30.2% of new graduate nurses leave their jobs within the first year of employment.  NOVA’s Mentoring Program is designed to guide a mutual relationship between an experienced VA nurse, who is the mentor, and the mentee.  Mentorship programs can support all nurses, including new graduate nurses and nurses new to the VA.  Research based evidence demonstrates that mentoring can reduce turnover and support new graduates in their transition to practice.  Mentees reported benefits including expanding their networks, gaining confidence working with management level topics, and developing professional as well as interpersonal effectiveness.  Mentors reported benefits including improving their coaching skills and benefitting from learning new ideas from their mentees.  Organizations with mentoring programs demonstrated an increase in employee retention, improved recruitment of diverse employees, and more cost-effective training.

Should you ask for a mentor?  Would you like help navigating the VA system, developing supportive and encouraging relationships, guidance in professional, personal, and interpersonal growth? Would you like to connect with seasoned NOVA members to benefit from their expertise and experience? 

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 want to help people navigate the sometimes confusing routes to promotion and career development in the VA?  Do you want to make a difference?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, go to the NOVA Website; click on Education, then select Mentorship Program. NOVA's Mentoring Program matches NOVA nurses across the country to help you learn about the VA and achieve your career goals. 

More Information:
Bell, S., Gorsuch, P., Beckett, C., McComas, A., Boss, K., and Rose, K. (2025). An Evidence-Based Initiative to Reduce New Graduate Nurse Turnover:  Implementation of a Mentorship Program. Worldviews on Evidence Based Nursing, 22:e70009 1 of 7
https://doi.org/10.1111/wvn.70009

NOVA provides live webinars every month and the webinars are available on the NOVA website after the presentation.  NOVA is in the third year of our three year Caring for Veterans Program.  The webinars in this program provide information on veteran healthcare topics to help VA nurses care for Veterans.  They are especially helpful for new nursing graduates and nurses new to the VA.  These webinars make excellent additions to nursing orientation and transition to practice programs.  

In the next few months, NOVA is presenting webinar topics specifically designed for VA nurses.  If you can’t see them live, watch them on the NOVA website.  Webinars are scheduled at 12:30pm ET.   On August 14, Carol Ebert MA BSN RN CHES CWP will present “Exhausted No More! ‘Waking Up’ to New Science on Why You Can’t Sleep and What You Can do About it.”  On August 21, Michella Savoy-Carter MSN RN-BC CDCES will present “Primary Care Virtual Diabetes Clinic.” On September 4, Samantha McCandless MSN RN CEPC will present “Suicide Prevention Strategies.” On September 16, Beth Waters BSN RN CCRN PHN will present “Pathway to Healthy Work Environment:  HRO Journey Benefits All.”

As a NOVA member, you can register for a webinar, and then schedule a room in your facility to show the webinar.  You can send an email from your private email address to VA nurses with information about the webinar.   You can also post flyers on bulletin boards to let people know about the webinar.  Have people sign an attendance sheet, and send it to nova@vanurse.org after the webinar so people who attend can receive an evaluation and a continuing education certificate as NOVA is also an accredited provider of nursing continuing development credits (NCPD).   

Remember that you can always access webinars on the NOVA website.  Clinical topic webinars currently available include:  A Look into VA Community Care; Acute Pain Management;  Adjustment Disorders; Addressing Homelessness and the HUD-VASH Program; Aromatherapy in Nursing; Breast and Cervical Screening Updates; Caring for Veterans with Rehabilitative Needs; Eligibility for VA Care, Compensation, and Pension; Empowering Seamless Transitions:  Enhancing Care Coordination Through the VA Consult Toolbox; Gulf War Illness; Hospice and Palliative Care; Military Sexual Trauma/Intimate Partner Violence; Organ, Eye, and Tissue Donation; Phototherapy; Providing Equitable Healthcare for LGBTQ+ Veterans; Safe Patient Handling; Substance Use Disorders; Suicide Prevention Strategies; VA Community Care Quality Improvement Program Train the Trainer:  Veteran Specific Population; Veterans Justice Outreach; Visually Impaired and Blind Veterans and Blind Rehabilitation Services; What is PTSD and How Do You Address it with Veterans?; Whole Health, Caregiver Support Program; and Wound Care.  Professional development webinars currently available include:  Evaluating Your Self-Assessment for Promotion to Nurse II with Educational Waiver,  Evaluating Your Self-Assessment for Promotion to Nurse III, and SAAs, SAPs, Nurse Safety Proactive Personal Protection, and Cash Awards. 

Teresa Morris

July /August 2025

Advocacy and membership are essential to a strong voice on Capitol Hill. Your voice will be critical as we head into August recess.

Troubling legislation has been marked up by the House and Senate VA Committees.

H.R. 740/S. 275, the “Veterans’ Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025 includes provisions that if enacted, could seriously undermine future veterans' access to VA healthcare and services.

NOVA is advocating against several harmful provisions in the bill that would:

1. Allow a veteran’s “preference” for the first time, to automatically afford eligibility for community care. This would erode the VHA’s organizing foundation, which may eventually lead to changes in its staffing levels, in-house programs, and facility operations.
2. Permit veterans to access private sector healthcare without VHA referral, pre-authorization, or oversight that will also alter the integrated care model of the VHA, shifting its primary function from a provider of healthcare to a payer for private sector services.
3. While the intention is to vastly expand veterans’ preference and choice, these changes reduce healthcare options for the majority of veterans when specialized VHA programs and facilities are scaled back or closed.

Removing the VHA as the authorizer of care may eventually decrease available choices for veterans. As funds shift to the private sector, some veterans—particularly those with service-connected conditions who depend primarily on the VHA—could face fewer opportunities to select VHA services if essential units and programs are discontinued.

The bill cost would also drain internal VHA accounts – risking privatization of many VA services.

As we move into August recess, I encourage all of you to schedule meetings with your Members of Congress regarding what is happening at your VA facility and to speak about these issues and any other legislation that will harm internal VA care and services.

More than ever, your voice is critical during this time. Nurses remain one of the most respected professions across the country and your opinions are valued!

For information on the ACCESS Act / statement for the record and article published by the Veterans Healthcare Policy, learn more here: Veterans-ACCESS-Act-VHPI-analysis-2.15.25.pdf

I cannot stress the importance of your advocacy and influence. As nurses what you say matters and educating your lawmakers – both House & Senate – as to what you need to provide timely access to high quality healthcare is critical.

Keep advocating for yourselves, Veterans, and the VA System!

I hope you are enjoying the summer months and taking time to refresh and reenergize yourself.

I find myself reflecting back on the history of NOVA and our beginnings. During the fall of 1980, the nationwide shortage of registered nurses reached crisis proportions. Nurses were leaving the profession in droves, enrollment in nursing schools was decreasing, and discontent was widespread.  Discontent ranged from disillusionment with nursing as a profession to adversarial relationships with physicians and resulted in pronounced staffing shortages.

This unfortunate situation was no more pronounced than in the VA system.  When PL 96-330 was passed by Congress without direct input from VA nurses, a small group of dedicated nurses at the Hines VA Hospital in Illinois decided that it was time for action.  This decision marked the birth of the Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs.

45 years later as VA nurses, we find ourselves with the same struggles nurses faced in 1980. With the ever-changing environment, nurses are leaving the VA and we are possibly facing shortages again. There is no more important time than now for NOVA to stand up and legislate for the needs of VA nurses!

NOVA has been impacted by the change in administration and the executive order signed in March that stopped the payroll deduction for Union dues. At many facilities dues for NOVA were listed as union dues which means that the executive order stopped payroll deduction for NOVA dues. More than half of NOVA members were on payroll deduction and this has resulted in the loss of members in the organization. While some members have rejoined many have not.

For 45 years NOVA has stood by VA nurses, driven by its mission to educate, communicate and advocate for the Department of Veterans Affairs nurse professionally, personally and legislatively. 

Today it is your turn to stand by NOVA!

Consider becoming a member of NOVA so that we can continue to support you in everything you do as a nurse in the VA

Join - Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs

Get a Member, Grow Our Mission!
Help Grow the NOVA Community & Get Rewarded!

You’re the heart of NOVA — and now, when you share the value of membership, we’ll show our appreciation in a big way:

👥Recruit 5 new members and receive 50% off your NOVA annual membership!
🌟Recruit 10 new members and receive ONE FREE YEAR of NOVA membership!

To qualify, all recruited members must join and pay in full for their annual membership

During the fall of 1980, the nationwide shortage of registered nurses reached crisis proportions. Nurses were leaving the profession in droves, enrollment in nursing schools was decreasing, and discontent was widespread. This unfortunate situation was no more pronounced than in the VA system.  When PL 96-330 was passed by Congress without direct input from VA nurses, a small group of dedicated nurses at the Hines VA Hospital in Illinois decided that it was time for action.  This decision marked the birth of the Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs.

It has been 45 years since the founding of NOVA yet we continue to face challenging and stressful times in the VA. 2025 has been an ever-changing landscape yet as nurses you come to work every day ready to care for the veterans that we serve. Being resilient means that you are flexible and adapt to the never-ending changes we are facing this year.

NOVA is also resilient and this year we have faced challenges due to the environment we find ourselves in.  We are working hard to maintain the only professional organization for VA nurses!

As you are aware NOVA has been impacted by executive orders. Payroll dues have been discontinued and as a result members of NOVA have been impacted. Your membership may have been discontinued if your dues were paid through payroll deduction. We have been working very hard to move to automatic payments to ensure our members continue to receive the benefits they deserve.

If you have not renewed your membership through automatic payments, now is the time!

More than ever, it is important for NOVA to meet the mission of advocating for VA nurses legislatively. 

Don’t forget to register for the 45th Annual Conference in beautiful Nashville!  Register today to ensure you are part of NOVA’s Annual Conference. Come and meet other VA nurses, make new friends and network with VA nurses across the country!

Join Us for NOVA's 45th Annual Conference in Nashville! 
 
Celebrating 45 Years of Advocacy, Empowerment and Healing: NOVA Nurses Committed Through Innovation and Leadership!

On March 11, 1987, several members of NOVA were in the Senate Gallery as Senator Frank Murkowski (R-AK) introduced legislation authorizing bonus pay for nurses.  It was exciting to hear Senator Murkowski recognize the contributions of nurses. He called registered nurses: “the matrix upon which our health-care system is built. For too long, registered nurses have been taken for granted. The quality of the health care delivered to our nation’s veterans relies upon the quality of the professional nursing care delivered.  We can appropriate all of the dollars we wish to expand our VA Health Care System, but in the final analysis, without professional nurses, we would have no alternative but to close the doors of VA hospital wards, clinics, and nursing homes.” 

NOVA’s views on the major issues confronting VA nurses were presented by President Lloyd when she testified April 22, 1987, before the U.S. Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Hospitals and Health Care on the Status of Recruitment and Retention of VA Health Care Personnel. She again testified on May 21, 1987 before the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs regarding the need for competitive salaries, tuition reimbursement, and realistic workloads. She reminded Congress of the 15 recommendations from the study mandated Congressionally by Public Law 96-330, Recruitment and Retention of Nurses in the Veterans Administration.

NOVA provides live webinars every month. The webinars are available on the NOVA website after the presentation.  NOVA is in the second year of its three year "Caring for Veterans" Program.  The webinars in this program provide information on veteran healthcare topics to help VA nurses care for veterans.  These programs are especially helpful for new nursing graduates and nurses new to the VA.  They make excellent additions to nursing orientation and transition to practice programs.  

In the next few months, NOVA is presenting webinar topics specifically designed for VA nurses.  If you can’t see it live, watch it on the NOVA website.  Webinars are scheduled at 12:30 pm ET.   On June 17, NOVA members from NOVA Chapters in Boston, Hampton, Iowa City, and Richmond will present a webinar on “NOVA Chapters – Sharing NOVA’s Vision.”  On June 26, Kayla Atlija and Shannon Jensen will present “Guarding the Frontline: A Powerful Approach to Preventing Workplace Violence.”  On July 10, Rachel Sprunger BA MSW LCSW will present “Depression.”  On July 24, Teresa Morris BS will present “Contacting Your Congressional Representatives During August Recess.”  On August 12, Carol Ebert MA BSN RN CHES CWP will present “Exhausted No More! ‘Waking Up’ to New Science on Why You Can’t Sleep and What You Can do About it.”  On August 21, Michella Savoy-Carter MSN RN-BC CDCES will present “Primary Care Virtual Diabetes Clinic.” 

As a NOVA member, you can register for a webinar and then schedule a room in your facility to show the webinar.  You can send an email from your private email address to VA nurses with information about the webinar. You can also post flyers on bulletin boards to let people know about the webinar.  Ask people to sign an attendance sheet, and send it to nova@vanurse.org after the webinar so those who attend can receive an evaluation and a certificate as NOVA is also an accredited provider of nursing continuing development credits (NCPD).   

Remember that you can always access webinars on the NOVA website.  Clinical topic webinars currently available include:  A Look into VA Community Care; Acute Pain Management;  Adjustment Disorders; Addressing Homelessness and the HUD-VASH Program; Aromatherapy in Nursing; Breast and Cervical Screening Updates; Caring for Veterans with Rehabilitative Needs; Eligibility for VA Care, Compensation, and Pension; Empowering Seamless Transitions:  Enhancing Care Coordination Through the VA Consult Toolbox; Gulf War Illness; Hospice and Palliative Care; Military Sexual Trauma/Intimate Partner Violence; Organ, Eye, and Tissue Donation; Phototherapy; Providing Equitable Healthcare for LGBTQ+ Veterans; Safe Patient Handling; Substance Use Disorders; Suicide Prevention Strategies; VA Community Care Quality Improvement Program Train the Trainer:  Veteran Specific Population; Veterans Justice Outreach; Visually Impaired and Blind Veterans and Blind Rehabilitation Services; What is PTSD and How Do You Address it with Veterans?; Whole Health, Caregiver Support Program; and Wound Care.  Professional development webinars currently available include:  Evaluating Your Self-Assessment for Promotion to Nurse II with Educational Waiver,  Evaluating Your Self-Assessment for Promotion to Nurse III, and SAAs, SAPs, Nurse Safety Proactive Personal Protection, and Cash Awards.

Did you know that according to the 2024 NSI National Health Care Retention & RN Staffing Report, 30.2% of new graduate nurses left their jobs within the first year of employment?  NOVA developed the Empower Mentoring Program to help you meet professional goals and pursue dreams for professional advancement within the VA.  The program is designed to guide a mutual relationship between an experienced VA nurse, the mentor, and the mentee.  Mentorship programs can support all nurses, including new graduate nurses and nurses new to the VA.  Evidence demonstrates that mentoring can reduce turnover, and support new graduates in their transition to practice.  Mentees reported expanding their networks, gaining confidence working with management level topics, and developing professionally as well as interpersonal effectiveness.  Mentors reported improving their coaching skills and benefitting from learning new ideas from their mentees.  Organizations with mentoring programs demonstrated an increase in employee retention, improved recruitment of diverse employees, and more cost-effective training.

Should you ask for a mentor?  Would you like help navigating the VA system, developing supportive and encouraging relationships, guidance in professional, personal, and interpersonal growth? Would you like to connect with seasoned NOVA members to benefit from their expertise and experience?

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 want to help people navigate the sometimes confusing routes to promotion and career development in the VA?  Do you want to make a difference?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, go to the NOVA Website; click on Education, then select Mentorship Program. NOVA's Mentoring Program matches NOVA nurses across the country to help you learn about the VA and achieve your career goals. 

More Information:
Bell, S., Gorsuch, P., Beckett, C., McComas, A., Boss, K., and Rose, K. (2025). An Evidence-Based Initiative to Reduce New Graduate Nurse Turnover:  Implementation of a Mentorship Program. Worldviews on Evidence Based Nursing, 22:e70009 1 of 7
https://doi.org/10.1111/wvn.70009

Since our Hill Day events in March, we remain committed to monitoring legislation and policies that affect VA and those who provide exceptional care to our nation’s Veterans.

As we continue to see changes being made within VHA, please know that NOVA is closely monitoring and communicating with Members and Hill staff about their impact on employees and Veteran care.

As we move into the busy summer months, I encourage all of you to contact your Members of Congress regarding what is happening at your VA facility. Congressional Members and staff continue to reach out with questions about the future of VA healthcare and how these changes affect you and the Veterans you serve. 

Both House and Senate VA Committee sites have links to “tell your story".
Contact Ranking Member - U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs
Submit Your Story | Contact | The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs
U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs

More than ever, your voice is critical during this time. Nurses remain one of the most respected professions across the country and your opinions are valued!

Congress continues to introduce Veterans' legislation and has held several legislative hearings and markups on proposed legislation. NOVA is monitoring the following bills:

HR. 740/S.275, Veterans’ ACCESS Act of 2025
HR. 472, S. 124, Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025
HR 1107, Protecting Veteran Access to Telemedicine Services Act of 2025
HR. 1969, No Wrong Door for Veterans Act/Passed by the House
S. 219, Veterans Health Care Freedom Act
HR. 2234, the Ensuring Veterans Timely Access to Anesthesia Care Act
Senate bill/ Putting Veterans First Act
C:\Users\can\AppData\Local\Temp\BAG25291.loc
For Bill text/ type bill #into the box -Congress.gov | Library of Congress

Again, I cannot stress the importance of your advocacy and influence. As nurses what you say matters and educating your lawmakers – both House & Senate – as to what you need to provide timely access to high quality healthcare is critical.

Keep advocating for yourselves, Veterans, and the VA System!

The following topics were discussed:

• Requiring sufficient on-tine funding to allow ongoing hiring of healthcare staff to keep VHA functioning at a safe level for Veterans
• Ensuring that any legislation or funding of Community Care does not impede the superior care VHA offers to Veterans, and require comparable quality and training standards for CCN providers
• Educate new administration and Congress on longstanding budget and infrastructure issues continuing in VHA
• Evaluate, plan, and budget to ensure VA facilities are modernized to meet Veteran needs
• Review staffing levels and ire in all settings so VA can delivery timely access for all Veterans seeking care
• Ensure salary surveys are performed annually for all nursing workforce so VHA remains competitive in local markets
• Support and revise qualifications and pay levels for LPNs
• Ensure a diverse workforce is offered ongoing opportunities for career advancement and professional development by providing continuing education and tuition support for all nursing levels
• Provide and sustain ongoing funding for current RN and NP residencies and include necessary infrastructure to support development of future nursing workforce
• Support initiatives with funding and foundation to grow nurses from with
• Implement and support full practice authority for CRNAs
• Reductions in force will harm care and services to Veterans by altering how VA delivers comprehensive wraparound services; drastically decreasing quality of care; impacting suicide prevention; increasing wait times and distances to access care; reducing resources for timely community care coordination; failing to support laws ensuring care for millions of Veterans; leading to poor patient conditions and outcomes; resulting in burnout for existing staff covering workload for terminated colleagues and loss of Veteran trust in VA

Congressional legislative staff members attending from the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee included Hunter Thompson, Majority Professional Staff Member; Katie Fanning, Majority Professional Staff Member; Theresa Wrzesinski, Minority Professional Staff Member; and Abby Roubal, Minority Professional Staff Member.  Alexis MacDonald, Minority Professional Staff Member attended from the House Veterans Committee.  The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) was represented by Legislative Representative Lisa Swirsky, and Triwest Healthcare Alliance was represented by Adrian Attizado, Director Government Relations.  The National Association of Veterans Research and Education Foundation (NAVREF) was represented by Hawk Tran, Chief Operating Officer.

Representatives from Veterans Service Organizations included Jon Retzer, Deputy National Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans (DAV); Naomi Mathis, Assistant National Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans (DAV); Shamala Capizzi, Associate National Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans (DAV); Morgan Brown, National Legislative Director, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA); Meggan Thomas, Associate Director, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW); Jake Corsi, Legislative Associate, American Legion; Rodger Pinto, Associate, Policy and Advocacy, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA); Rene Campos, CDR, U.S. Navy (Ret.), Senior Director, Government Relations, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA);

Representatives from professional nursing organizations included Rachel Minahan, Director of Government Affairs, American Association of Colleges of Nursing; Jessica Talbert, Director Federal Advocacy, American Association of Nurse Practitioners; Gayle Gerdes, Vice President, Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association; Johnny Gayden, President-Elect, Association of VA Nurse Anesthetists; Alec Stone, Health Policy Liaison, Association of VA Hematology/Oncology;   Clare Chmiel, Legislative Director, Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society; Madeleine Rohrbach, Senior Policy Coordinator, American Academy of Nursing; Dave Mason, Senior Policy Consultant, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners/National League for Nursing; Matthew Thackston, Director of Federal Government Affairs, American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology; Gregory Craig, Senior Associate Director of Regulatory Affairs, American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology; and Simti Pandya, Director, Congressional and Grassroots Advocacy, American Nurses Association.  The National Student Nurses Association was represented by Kenya Williams, CEO, and Barbara Ward, Board of Trustees.   The Association of VA Social Workers was represented by Stan Remer,  Congressional and Legislative Liaison. The Association of VA Psychological Leaders was represented by Conwell Smith, Deputy Chief, Military Veteran Health Policy and Scott Barstow.

NOVA members included Board of Directors members President Catherine Giasson, DNP, MHA, RN, NE-BC, VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System; President-Elect Michelle Salazar-Rodriguez, RN, MSN, VA Black Hills HCS; Past President Taryn-Janae Wilcox-Olson, MHS, RN, VISN 20 Northwest Network; Secretary/Treasurer, and Legislative Chair Kelley Saindon, DNP, RN, CHPN, White River Junction VA Healthcare System; Membership Secretary Theresa Presley, MSN, RN, NE-BC, CNL, CCRN, VA Boston Healthcare System; Director Michella Savoy-Carter, MSN, RN-BC, CDECS, VA Maryland Healthcare System; Director Melinda Conville, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CNML, VA Boston HCS; Director Tiffany Keller-Hale, DNP, BBA, RN-BC, Dayton VA; Rockne Jacque MSN, RN, Northampton VAMC; John Templeton Jr., MSN, RN, VA Central Western Massachusetts HCS;  Executive Director Gina Pileggi; Jessica Goodone. Meeting Manager; and Director Advocacy and Government Relations Teresa Morris.  Also attending were Past Presidents and Nurse Emeritus: Nancy Claflin, DNP, MS, RN, NEA-BC, CENP, CNEcl CCRN, CPHQ, FNAHQ and Margaret Kruckemeyer, MSN, MA.

In the next few months NOVA is presenting webinar topics specifically designed for VA nurses. If you can’t see it live, watch it on the NOVA website. Webinars are scheduled at 12:30pm ET. On March 12, Lynn Loper BSN RN BC will present “Adjustment Disorders.” On March 25, Nancy Claflin DNP MS RN NEA-BC CENP CNEcl CCRN CPHA FNAHQ will present “SAAs, SAPs, and Cash Awards.” ON April 10, Katherine Allen RN will present “Phototherapy.” On April 23, Nancy Claflin DNP MS RN NEA-BC CENP CNEcl CCRN CPHA FNAHQ will present “Evaluating Your Self-Assessment for Promotion to Nurse II with Educational Waiver. “ On May 15, Andrea Kossoudj MS MBA Rn\N AMB-BC will present “Empowering Nurses to Serve Veterans with Military Environmental Exposure.” On May 28, Nancy Claflin DNP MS RN NEA-BC CENP CNEcl CCRN CPHA FNAHQ will present “Evaluating Your Self-Assessment for Promotion to Nurse III.”

As a NOVA member, you can register for a webinar, and then schedule a room in your facility to show the webinar. You can send an email from your private email address to VA nurses with information about the webinar. You can also post flyers on bulletin boards to let people know about the webinar. Have people sign an attendance sheet, and send it to nova@vanurse.org after the webinar so people who attend can receive an evaluation and a certificate as NOVA is also an accredited provider of nursing continuing development credits (NCPD).

Remember that you can always access webinars on the NOVA website https://www.vanurse.org/page/memberonlywebinars. Some of the webinars currently available include: Military Sexual Trauma/Intimate Partner Violence, Substance Use Disorders, A Look into VA Community Care, Suicide Prevention Strategies, Safe Patient Handling, Visually Impaired and Blind Veterans and Blind Rehabilitation Services, Gulf War Illness, Veterans Justice Outreach, What is PTSD and How Do You Address it with Veterans?, Empowering Seamless Transitions: Enhancing Care Coordination Through the VA Consult Toolbox, Providing Equitable Healthcare for LGBTQ+ Veterans, Nurse Safety Proactive Personal Protection, Organ, Eye, and Tissue Donation, Caring for Veterans with Rehabilitative Needs, Whole Health, Hospice and Palliative Care, Caregiver Support Program, Wound Care, VA Community Care Quality Improvement Program Train the Trainer: Veteran Specific Population, Eligibility for VA Care, Compensation, and Pension, Addressing Homelessness and the HUD-VASH Program, Breast and Cervical Screening Updates, Aromatherapy in Nursing, Acute Pain Management, and Evaluating Your Input for Your Proficiency for Nurse III.

NOVA’s Mentoring Program
NOVA developed the Empower Mentoring Program to help you meet professional goals and pursue dreams for professional advancement within the VA. The program is designed to guide a mutual relationship between an experienced VA nurse who is the mentor and the mentee. Should you ask for a mentor? Would you like help navigating the VA system, developing supportive and encouraging relationships, guidance in professional, personal, and interpersonal growth? Would you like to connect with seasoned NOVA members to benefit from their expertise and experience? 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 want to help people navigate the sometimes confusing routes to promotion and career development in the VA? Do you want to make a difference? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, go to the NOVA Webpage; click on Education, then select Mentorship Program.

NOVA nurses followed in the footsteps of these Civil War nurses in 1985 when HR 2663 “The Cadet Nurse Bill” was initiated by a NOVA nurse, Angela Bohannon and the Topeka NOVA Chapter.  Nineteen eighty-six was the year that a NOVA nurse successfully found a way through the legislative process. H.R. 2663, “The Cadet Nurse Bill,” was introduced by the Hon. Jim Slattery (D-KS). The bill amended Title 5 U.S. Code to credit time spent in the Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II as creditable for civil service retirement. The bill was introduced in early 1986 and was signed into law by President Reagan on November 10, 1986. NOVA celebrates Angela Bohannon RN and the Topeka VAMC NOVA Chapter whose efforts resulted in this legislation being enacted.  

As we continue to see rapid changes within VHA, please know that NOVA is closely monitoring and communicating with Hill staff about their impact on employees and Veteran care.

I encourage all of you to contact your Members Congress regarding what is happening at your VA facility and continue discussions with your leadership about how these changes affect you.

Both House and Senate VA Committee sites have links to “tell your story “Anonymously.”

Contact Ranking Member - U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs

Submit Your Story | Contact | The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs

U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs

More than ever, your voice is critical during this time. Nurses remain one of the most respected professions across the country and your perspectives are valued!

A reminder that NOVA’s 2025 Legislative Priority Goals for the 119^th Congress is on the NOVA website and available to use as a guideline for talking with Members and staff – in the District or State.

We also have several statements on the website pertaining to the many executive orders, emails and memos coming out of the Administration and Office of Personnel Management.

To read our legislative priorities :NOVA Releases 2025 Legislative Priority Goals Urges Congress to Safeguard VA - Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs

For our latest statement: NOVA Leaders Respond to New Administration Challenges - Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs

Congress continues to introduce Veterans legislation at a quick pace – several bills NOVA is monitoring include:

H.R. 740/S.275, Veterans’ ACCESS Act of 2025

H.R. 472, S. 124, Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025

H.R. 657, VA CPE Modernization Act

S. 219, Veterans Health Care Freedom Act

H.R. 2234, the Ensuring Veterans Timely Access to Anesthesia Care Act

S. 183, FY 2025 Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Authorization Act

For Bill text/ Congress.gov | Library of Congress

Again, I cannot stress the importance of your advocacy and influence. As nurses what you say matters and educating your lawmakers – both House & Senate – as to what you need to provide timely access to high quality healthcare is critical.

We are always looking for more members to help us advocate and be a part of the NOVA Legislative Committee. If interested, please contact me at tmorris@vanurse.org.

Keep advocating for yourselves, Veterans, and the VA System!

On March 20, 2025, NOVA nurses from across the country were advocating for you and veterans in Washington, DC. Nurses joined together to participate in NOVA’s Hill Day and attended meetings with Senate and House Members and Staffers. NOVA’s 2025 legislative goals were shared and it was a time to deliver on NOVA’s mission of advocating legislatively for the VA nurses with the recent and upcoming changes that are impacting employees and the veterans in the VA system.

NOVA’s mission is to advocate for the VA nurse legislatively, and this year there were many first-time attendees, which demonstrates that NOVA nurses feel the need to advocate at this time. All NOVA nurses can continue to advocate by calling their local congressional offices.

During this month, we also celebrate NOVA’s Certified Nurses! Certified Nurses Day is celebrated annually on March 19th. Certification is a testament to your dedication to maintaining the highest standards of practice and staying abreast of advancements in your respective specialties. By obtaining and maintaining certification, you demonstrate not only your proficiency but also your passion for providing quality care to those in need.

Nurses’ Week is right around the corner! This year we will hold a “Member-Get-a-Member” promotion. New members can receive a discount if they join and pay in full the week of May 6-12, and members who recruit the most new members in the month of May are eligible for a nice reward! Visit our NOVA website at vanurse.org for information.

As we begin a new year, we find ourselves with opportunities for change and new beginnings. I would like to welcome our newest board members. Melinda Conville serves as the Associate Chief Nurse of outpatient and specialty clinics at VA Boston Health Care system. Rockne Jacque MSN, RN is the Assistant Nurse Manager for the PTSD residential rehabilitation treatment program at VA Central Western MA and John Templeton MSN, RN Nurse Manager for the PTSD residential rehabilitation treatment program at VA Central Western MA.

As I reflect over the past year, I am so proud of the accomplishments of NOVA. 2024 saw the rebranding of our organization. The new logo represents NOVA well with a shining star that represents all of you and the great work you do every day. Encompassed by the heart for all the compassion you have everyday for the veterans you care for as well as your love and passion for NOVA. 

Our strategic plan remains the same for the upcoming year with our goals set on increasing membership, engaging and supporting chapters, ensuring diversity and inclusion within NOVA, and greater transparency to stakeholders. We look forward to working on new ways to meet our strategic plan.

With the new year also comes the transition of leadership in Washington DC. NOVA welcomes the 119th Congress and looks forward to communicating and working with the 119th! NOVA’s 2025 Legislative goals have been posted to our webpage and we look forward to a year of advocating for our goals which include funding and staff recruitment. We are already working on advocating for VA nurses and the care we provide will continue to support NOVA’s mission to educate, communicate and advocate for the Department of Veterans Affairs nurse professionally, NOVA on the Hill is March 20th,2025 and we will once again come together to advocate for critical issues that impact nurses like staffing and salary. Join us in this opportunity to meet with members of the 119th Congress and have your voice heard.

You will get the chance to talk with Members of the 119th Congress and their staff about how these issues affect you and the care you provide Veterans. Now is the time to register and help us advocate for all VA nurses and the issues facing health care within VA. Register today.

Wishing you a Happy and Healthy new year!

Pictured below from left to right: Melinda Conville; Rockne Jacque; John Templeton

NOVA mentors completed a survey and identified the benefits of being a mentor including:  rewards of helping, the opportunity to give back, seeing mentees achieve goals, helping someone learn the VA system, watching a nurse grow and learning from them, learning while teaching, feeling valued, adding valued to your career, creating relationships, the satisfaction of helping a mentee, and having the ability to impart knowledge and see your mentee grow professionally.

Should you ask for a mentor?  Would you like help navigating the VA system, developing supportive and encouraging relationships, receiving guidance in professional, personal, and interpersonal growth? Would you like to connect with seasoned NOVA members to benefit from their expertise and experience?  Would you like specific assistance related to current needs, such as promotion?  Are you willing to complete the program requirements and work with a mentor to achieve your goals?

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 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 chapter better?  Do you want to make a difference? 

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, go to the NOVA Webpage; click on Education, then select Mentorship Program.

1. Reviewing staffing levels and hiring in all settings so that VA can deliver timely access for all Veterans seeking care. 

2. Ensuring salary surveys are performed annually for all nursing workforce (APRN, RN, LPN, LVN) so that VHA remains competitive in local markets, and support and revise qualifications and pay levels for LPNs.

We will continue to partner with our Labor, Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), and the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) to strengthen the nursing profession and to build a strong workforce for the future. 

Just a few final notes on the 119th Congress:
House and Senate VA Committee members will be released this month, as well as Budget and Appropriations Committees and Subcommittees. These are the leaders who will decide the agenda policies, and hearings for VA as well as FY2025 & FY2026 funding.

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 high quality healthcare is critical.

I ask you to join us in Washington D.C. for our Annual Hill Day on Thursday, March 20, 2025. You can register here.

We will meet with members of the new 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.

We are always looking for more members to help us advocate and be a part of the NOVA Legislative Committee. If interested, please contact me at tmorris@vanurse.org.

Keep advocating for yourselves, Veterans, and the VA System!

In October NOVA held the 44th Annual Conference, which was another great success! I would like to recognize and thank the Chairpersons of the NOVA Annual Meeting Planning Committee: TJ Wilcox-Olson and Jessica Tynan as well as all the committee members. Over the past year they worked diligently to ensure that an informative and memorable two-day event took place to educate nurses.

NOVA values the ongoing relationship and communication with the VHA and Office of Nursing Services. Thank you for your leadership, expertise, and willingness to present at NOVA’s 44th Annual conference. Dr. Jennifer Strawn delivered a townhall and spoke on the strategic planning and future of VA nursing. NOVA thanks Dr. Heather Arrendondo for always keeping NOVA nurses informed on Nurse Qualification Standards and the changes over the past year.  

We hope to see you in Nashville, TN for the 45th Annual Conference!

I encourage you to start planning for our next event. NOVA on the Hill Day, which will be held on March 20, 2025. Meet with your representative in the House or Senate and let them know what impacts your work as a VA nurse on a daily basis and what they can do to help improve Veteran care. This is your opportunity to support NOVA’s mission of advocating for the Department of Veterans Affairs Nurses professionally, personally, and legislatively. 

This past year NOVA has been working to rebrand our organization and ensure we are delivering what our members need. Please take a few minutes and navigate our new webpage and make special note of NOVA’s new logo! 

Not only are we rebranding but NOVA is reaching out to members to see what we can do to increase your benefits and ensuring success of your local chapter. We are here to support each and every chapter no matter how large or small. Reach out to NOVA headquarters and let us know how we can help you! nova@vanurse.org

Best Wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season. See you in 2025!

Emily Larimer MSN BA RN spoke on "Donation and the VHA:  Strength to Strength" and Joan Clifford DNP RN spoke on "Our High Reliability Journey:  The Critical Role of Leadership, Psychological Safety, and Just Culture."  Katherine Allen BSN RN presented "Phototherapy" and Joellene Skoog led the attendees in a Meditation Exercise. Heather Arredondo DHA RN VHA-CM Associate Director Policy, Legislation, and Professional Standards ONS presented "Keys to Success for Nurse Promotion Consideration and Annual Evaluation," and Dr. Jennifer Strawn DNP RN NEA-BC Executive Director ONS presented "Nursing Town Hall."  Ahnnya Slaughter DNP CNS-BC RN-C presented "Nurse Safety," and Megan Rumzie DNP MBA CNL RN HNB-BC presented "Innovation."   

Podium presentations were done by Andrea Kossoudji MS MBA RN AMB-BC "Empowering Nurses to Serve Veterans with Military Environmental Exposures," Elizabeth Edmiston PhD RN "Empowering Nurses in Research (ENIR): A VANEOHS Initiative," and Lawrence Rasca MSN RN CRRN CNRN SCRN CCRN "High Five in First Five:  Achieving Excellence in Code Resuscitation." Lawrence Lemos DNP RM NEA-BC presented "Caring for Patients with Cognitive Impairment," and Beth Waters BSN RN CCRN PHN presented "Pathway to Healthy Work Environment: HRO Journey Benefits All." The closing session was a Legislative Panel moderated by Teresa Morris, NOVA's Director of Advocacy and Government Relations. 

Members of NOVA's Legislative Committee met after the conference Wednesday at Murphy's.

At the Awards Luncheon, NOVA's awards were presented by Past President TJ Wilcox-Olson MHS RN CPHQ and President Cathy Giasson DNP MHA RN NE-BC CPHQ. The APRN Excellence Award was presented to Jennifer Moseley DNP FNP-BC VA Boston HCS NOVA's RN Excellence Award was presented to Marva Griffin RN  and accepted by Lynette Short) Hunter Holmes McGuire VAMC. NOVA's Veterans Service Award was presented to the Arizona Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America (AzPVA) and accepted by Morgan Brown, PVA) .
NOVA's Poster Winners presented were (1) Lawrence Rasca-Baltimore (2) Jennifer Eubanks and Jennifer Mason-Lexington (3) Judy Santelices Washington DC & Members of the DC Chapter.  
    
NOVA 2024 Scholarship Recipients are as follows:

• Nursing Leadership Scholarship in Honor of Catherine J. Rick - Kelly Loven MSN RN FNP-BC CEN 
• Veterans Advocacy Scholarship in Honor of Anthony J. Principi - Joe Domen, RN 
• Nursing Excellence Scholarship in Honor of Vernice Ferguson - Kamala McGee MSN RN MBA-HC CNML (Durham)
• Commitment to Serving Veterans Scholarship in Honor of Jesse Brown - Lyn Sheperd DNPs MSN RN
• Nurse Emeritus Academic Scholarship in Honor of Mary Raymer - Namrata Patel RN

NOVA Special Event Winners:

• NOVA Bingo Winners were Sheila Arrington-Washington DC and Orkie Bradley-Kansas City
• NOVA Icebreaker Winners with Sonia Thurman-Washington DC and Jennifer Moseley-Boston

NOVA thanked the sponsors & exhibitors! Ruby Sponsors: AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Genentech. Platinum Sponsor: Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Gold Sponsors: Attends, Post University. Silver Sponsors: AstraZeneca, Taiho Oncology, Cytokinetics. Bronze Sponsors: Agiliti, Aurie, Ascendis Pharma, BeiGene, DSS, Federal Benefits, Issio, Johnson & Johnson, Promedtek, Tranquility, Merck, Organogenesis, Recon Supply, Renegesis. Symposia Sponsors: Johnson & Johnson, PeerView. Exhibitors: Right at Home, University of Colorado College of Nursing, Alkermes. 

Save the date: NOVA’s 45th Anniversary Conference will be held in Nashville, TN from October 21-23, 2025.

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:

House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs
Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs

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.

Submitted by: Jacquelyn Claude, President of NOVA Hampton Chapter 418

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. 

View our testimony

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.
 
I have provided the links to both the House and Senate VA Committees so that you can review hearings held in September –
House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs
Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs

Keep advocating for yourselves, Veterans, and the VA System!

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!  

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!

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

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.

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.

As August approaches, I urge all of you to register for my Contacting Congress During Recess Webinar and start scheduling appointments with your members and staff.

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.

U.S. House
U.S. Senate

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!

• “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.

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!

Nurses Month is a time to stop and reflect on the work done you do every day in caring for veterans. At times this work is easily overlooked and taken for granted. But for the 22nd year Nursing has once again been selected as the most trusted profession.

Every day veterans place their care in your hands and VA trust scores continue to increase. You spend your day providing care to those who have defended our country whether it be for a day or for years. As NOVA nurses you are educators, innovators, leaders and at times family to the veterans you care for.  

Recently I heard a new employee talking about working in the VA. She said that maybe we are not always perfect but it is our VA, we are a family and we have something that the community does not – we have a tenderness here at the VA. Her words made me pause and think about a few things.

As a VA system, as staff, and as nurses we are not perfect. Some days we struggle, some we feel drained as if we have nothing left to give to others. Some days are good and others not so good. Yet as nurses we come to work each day. Why?  Because we are resilient, we are dedicated, because it is an honor to care for veterans and because we have a tenderness for veterans and each other that does not exist anywhere but in the VA. 

I am not only proud to work at the VA but also to work with incredible NOVA nurses who strive to improve the care we deliver. 

Take time this month to reflect on your passion for nursing.

Rejuvenate yourself this year by joining other NOVA nurses at this year’s annual Conference being held in beautiful Virginia Beach October 9-10th. Register here!

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 here.

Membership surveys have identified benefits of having a mentor.  These include having someone who explains the VA, and somebody outside your VA and VISN who can listen and give advice,.  Mentors have provided guidance for a career, provided knowledge and helpful tips, helped with proficiency input,  provided a sounding board for advice, encouraged thinking outside the box, and helped mentees feel supported as well as challenged.  Mentees have identified that having a mentor means receiving advice from someone who is really smart and has a lot of VA experience.  

There are also benefits for mentors.  These include the opportunity of giving back, sharing your knowledge, expertise, and skills; having the ability to impart knowledge and see a mentee grow professionally. adding value to a career, and the satisfaction of helping a mentee.  Other benefits include learning while teaching others, creating wonderful relationships, and helping someone learn the VA system.  Mentors expressed satisfaction with seeing mentees achieve goals, and helping chapter leaders make plans to improve the chapter.

Should you ask for a mentor?  Would you like help navigating the VA system, developing supportive and encouraging relationships, guidance in professional, personal, and interpersonal growth?  Would you like to connect with seasoned NOVA members to benefit from their expertise and experience?  Would you like specific assistance related to current needs?  Are you willing to complete the program requirements and work with a mentor to achieve your goals?  If yes, request a mentor on NOVA’s web page.

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 on NOVA’s web page.

What a wonderful reminder of the hard work, compassion, and amazing care that all of you provide to our Nation’s Veterans. NOVA continues to advocate for that care as Congress debates legislation that will affect the Department of Veterans Affairs in the future.

I wanted to provide a brief list of bills of interest that are still in play until the end of the session: S.10 VA CAREERS Act- NOVA helped introduce and highly supports this bill – talking points can be found here.

S. 2649, Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act*
H.R. 1315, The HEALTH Act*
*Both bills look to improve VA healthcare by expanding access to care for veterans, safeguard veterans’ ability to choose their own providers and require VA to improve the quality of care veterans receive.

H.R. 542 Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act would address home care and caregiver programs provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

H.R. 3225/ S. 42 - Build for Veterans Act both bills address VA’s capital asset management, planning, and investment plans.

H.R. 6324/ FY 24 VA Major Medical Facility Authorization – authorizes VA to conduct specified major medical facility projects during FY24.

H.R. 6531, TRAIN VA Employees Act would require VA to develop a training program after consulting with heads of at least three other Federal Departments and agencies, including the Department of Defense, the bill looks to improve the performance of supervisors at the VA in helping employees excel and follow existing law and provide consistency throughout the agency when it comes to evaluating employee performance.

H.R. 6538, VA Correct Compensation Act of 2023 would provide registered nurses and others at the VA access to negotiated grievance procedures to correct inaccuracies in their pay. AFGE, NFFE, SEIU AANA, DAV, PVA and the American Legion all support.

H.R. 3347/S. 2070 – NOVA opposes this legislation as it would limit CRNA from practicing within VHA without a Physician. It also prohibits the VA from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing the provisions relating to anesthesia care of the proposed rule titled Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (81 Fed. Reg. 33155), or any similar rule.

As we move into the final months of the118th, it is likely that some of the language /provisions from these bills will be included as part of an Omnibus Veterans Package which is being negotiated between House and Senate VA Committees.

Let us continue to speak up and advocate by reminding policy makers that you are “VA Nurses Fighting for Veterans and VA Healthcare.”  The importance of the work you do taking care of Veterans is critical to VA remaining the highest level of coordinated care in the US.
 
There is always time to schedule a meeting with Congress and staff – I have provided the links to both the House of Representatives and United States Senate so that you can locate D.C. and District offices closest to you.

U.S. House
U.S. Senate

On March 7th NOVA nurses joined together to participate in NOVA’s Hill Day in Washington DC. Nurses participated in meetings with Senate and House Members and Staffers. NOVA’s 2024 legislative goals were shared and it was a time to deliver on NOVA’s mission of advocating legislatively for the VA nurses and the care we deliver every day.

NOVA’s legislative round table was also held on March 8th. Representatives from nursing organizations, Veteran Service Organizations, House and Senate staffers, Drs. Christopher Saslo and Karen Ott from the Office of Nursing Service joined the NOVA Board in discussing the legislative goals of NOVA and how we can all work together to achieve a strong Nursing profession and presence.

The NOVA Board meeting was also held in Washington DC. NOVA is moving in a great direction as the Board works toward a new strategic plan. Starting with changes in committee structure, the Board will become more efficient in its work and goals toward advocating for VA Nurses. If you are not currently serving on a committee, take a moment to look and see where you can help make the biggest impact. Join a committee today!

During this month we also celebrate NOVA’s Certified Nurses! Certified Nurses Day is celebrated annually on March 19th. Certification is a testament to your dedication to maintaining the highest standards of practice and staying abreast of advancements in your respective specialties. By obtaining and maintaining certification, you demonstrate not only your proficiency but also your passion for providing quality care to those in need. Take a moment to see the certifications NOVA has partnered with Certification Partners.

 2024 continues to be an exciting year for NOVA!

Speaking from our 2024 Legislative Priority Goals, NOVA nurses met with their congressional members and urged support for a strong budget to enable VA to continue providing timely access to high quality healthcare for Veterans. View a list of our Priority Goals.

As they walked around Capitol Hill all were wearing buttons noting “VA Nurses Fighting for Veterans and VA Healthcare,” to remind everyone of the importance of the work they do at VA facilities around the country. NOVA continues to strongly advocate for a VA that provides the highest level of coordinated care in a setting that understands Veterans’ medical needs.

The NOVA Board met with VA House and Senate Committee staff to discuss critical issues and to push for provisions from several bills (S.10 VA Careers Act, Elizabeth Dole Home Health Act) we believe are critical to what healthcare will look like in the future. This includes efforts to bolster recruitment, retention, hiring and salaries for VHA and others (H.R. 1315, The HEALTH Act and S. 2649, Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act) that would harm VA by reducing internal funding by increasing healthcare dollars to community providers.

As we move into April and May, it is likely that some of the language /provisions from these bills will be debated on the House & Senate floor as part of an Omnibus Veterans Package which is being negotiated between House and Senate VA Committees now.

There will also be hearings and debates on Fiscal Year 2025 funding for VA which is key to taking care of Veterans throughout the system.

Speaking up and advocating for what you need to take care of Veterans is key to VA remaining strong and continuing its coordination of care for all Veterans.

I urge all of you to continue the conversation by meeting with members in your District and State offices. As we approach the 2024 election, rest assured members want to know what is happening in their hometown and States. Find your member and Senator’s offices and sign up for their newsletters so you know when they are home hosting Town Halls and other community events.

It is the best way to have your voice heard – along with voting of course!!

U.S. House

U.S. Senate

In 2023, NOVA completed a successful first year of our 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. 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 hours of Nursing Continuing Professional Development (NCPD) credit, and completion of each 12-month series, and all three series provide a certificate.

Outstanding programs were presented in 2023 and are available on the NOVA website. Kimberlee Bayless DNP FNP-BC presented a webinar on Acute Pain Management. Mercedes Moore CRNP presented a webinar on COVID-19. Rebecca Brown MSN MBA RN presented a webinar on Breast and Cervical Screening Updates. Gretchen Werle RN MSN and Scott J McAllister, Sr. LICSW presented a webinar on Addressing Homelessness and the HUD-VASH Program. Rosetta M Brown-Greaney MSN ANP presented a webinar on Eligibility for VA Care Compensation, and Pension. Leigh A. Paz LCSW presented Fundamentals of Military Culture. Samantha McCandless MSN RN CEPC presented Community Based Interventions for Suicide Prevention: Community Engagement and Partnership Programs. Linda R. Droste MSN RN CWOCN CBIS presented Wound Care. Daniel Hawks RN presented the Caregiver Support Program. Maura Miller PhD APRN GNP-BC presented Hospice and Palliative Care for Veterans, and Karen Justi BSN RN NBC-HWC presented Whole Health. Viewing these programs will help you and other VA nurses provide the best care to veterans.

In 2024, look for programs on Providing Care to Veterans with Rehabilitation Needs, How You Help Save Lives: Organ, Eye, and Tissue Donation, Safe Patient Handling, Providing Equitable Healthcare: Caring for LGBTQ Veterans, What is PTSD and How Do You Address it with Veterans, Infectious Disease Exposures Veterans Encounter, Community Care Update, Traumatic Brain Injury, Chronic Pain Management, Suicide Prevention Strategies, Military Sexual Trauma/Intimate Partner Violence, and Substance Use Disorders.

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 the 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 their 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: https://www.vanurse.org/default.aspx

In December, NOVA Board of Directors conducted strategic planning, focusing on membership, engagement, and rebranding of NOVA to ensure its future success. NOVA Board and staff are dedicated to ensuring NOVA has the necessary resources to support members for years to come. It was an exciting time and the board is currently working hard on completing the plan to move NOVA forward ensuring its continued growth and success for years to come. Stay tuned for news on the strategic plan! 

I sincerely look forward to leading NOVA and thank you for your service!

NOVA begins 2024 under the helm of President Cathy Giasson. Cathy is the Associate Director of Patient Care Services/ Nurse Executive at VA Central Western MA. She is responsible for the day-to-day operation of Nursing Service and all nursing care provided within the health care system. As the Associate Director, she provides 24/7 leadership for all nursing care provided in the inpatient and outpatient settings for the main campus and five community-based outpatient clinics. As a member of the Executive Leadership team, Cathy participates in the decision-making process and governance of the entire system.

Cathy has been at the forefront of conducting salary surveys for all Advanced Practice Nurses, Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical nurses, and Nursing Assistants to ensure retention, recruitment, and competitive salaries in her community. It is worth noting that this is and has been one of NOVA’s standing legislative priority goals.

Cathy holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice, a Master of Science/Health Administration, a Bachelor’s, and an associate degree in nursing – all of which she earned with high honors.

An interesting fact about Cathy: she spent time in 2023 at the Montana VA, home of Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chair, Jon Tester!

President-Elect Michelle Salazar-Rodriguez, BSN, RN

Working as second in command is Michelle Salazar-Rodriguez. Michelle joined NOVA in 2015 and quickly became active in her chapter (364/Black Hills) and in many of its national committees. She was named the chair of the Legislative Committee and remained in that role until 2020.

In her current role as a Patient Flow Coordinator and Bed Manager at the Black Hills, VA, Michelle works in a complex healthcare delivery system and is dedicated to its improvement. She has a background in a broad range of clinical nursing tasks with over 16 years of nursing experience and three years in program management. She has also been involved with the Nurse Professional Standards Board and Nurse Professional Practice Council for over seven years and is currently co-chair for both committees.

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science and an associate degree in nursing and is currently obtaining a Master of Nursing in Leadership and Management.

A fun fact about Michelle: she was recently married and spoke her vows in Spanish embracing her and her husband's culture.

Before we begin 2024, I would like to look back at NOVA’s advocacy successes and other issues we are still hoping to get over the finish line this year.

In May, NOVA testified before a joint hearing of the House VA Subcommittees on Health and Oversight and Investigations on recruitment, staffing and retention issues. Kelley Saindon, DNP, RN, NE-BC, CHPN and Chair of the Legislative Committee represented NOVA – testimony can be found here.

In July, NOVA, alongside our partners at American Psychological Association, Association of VA Psychologist Leaders, Association of VA Nurse Anesthetists, National Association of VA Physicians and Dentists, Veterans Affairs Physician Assistant Association, National Association of Veterans Affairs Optometrists and the Veterans Healthcare Policy Institute submitted a statement for the record opposing several of the provisions of  S.1315 - Veterans' Health Empowerment, Access, Leadership, and Transparency for our Heroes (HEALTH) Act; and S.2649, Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act.  We also testified in support of several other bills on the agenda.

We continued to work with our partners in the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) which sent over 25 letters to the Hill, held meet and greets with key leaders in Congress who affect healthcare and nursing issues and weighed in, via testimony, on funding for Title VIII – nursing workforce development programs and the current continuing resolutions / appropriations.

We also stood with our partners in the Veterans Service Organization community in supporting the Independent Budget, 118 Congress – The Independent Budget Veterans Agenda, as well as legislation that reinforces our legislative priority goals.

NOVA believes and strongly advocates for a VA that provides the highest level of coordinated care in a setting that understands Veterans’ medical needs. We continue to work with VA House and Senate Committees to push for provisions from several bills we believe are critical to what healthcare will look like in the future. This includes efforts to bolster recruitment, retention, hiring and salaries for VHA and others that would harm VA by reducing internal funding by increasing care which equals dollars being sent into the community.

Below are several critical bills that are of interest to NOVA which remain on our radar - it is likely that some of the language /provisions from these bills will end up in an Omnibus Veterans Package which is being negotiated between House and Senate VA Committees.

S. 10, VA Careers Act -  In addition to modification of pay limitations for specialty clinical positions and increasing pay caps for certain leadership positions in VHA, the bill would allow VA to pay for licensure costs for recipients of VA scholarship programs; require additional staff training on care models for managing older veterans’ health care needs; expand leave options for clinicians during national emergencies; provide reimbursement for continuing education costs for all levels of nurses; and modernize VA’s human resources program. NOVA strongly supports this bill.

H.R. 3347/S. 2070, the "Protect Lifesaving Anesthesia Care for Veterans Act of 2023,"  would prohibit VA from modifying its policy relating to anesthesia care  - this goes to full-practice authority for CRNA's and any finalizing, implementing, or enforcing  provisions relating to anesthesia care of  in the proposed rule - Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (81 Fed. Reg. 33155).

NOVA strongly opposes this bill and has sent a letter to both House and Senate sponsors of the bill. and are working with our partners in the NCC to advocate against its passage.

H.R. 1315, The HEALTH Act and S. 2649, Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act -

Both bills contain provisions that would harm Veterans by allowing substantial amounts of funds to be diverted from VA facilities to the private sector. This will force more reductions of VA staff, curtail in-house programs, and closures of inpatient units, emergency rooms, and even entire facilities. The bills could rapidly turn the VA healthcare system from its current primary role as a provider of health care into a payer for private sector care.

Speaking up and advocating for what you need to take care of Veterans is key to VA and its sacred mission. With that in mind, I urge all of you to join us in Washington D.C. on March 7 as we host our NOVA on the Hill Day. It is the best way to advocate for what you need to take care of Veterans every day. Congress listens to their constituents and nurses are the most highly respected of professions – it is time to let your voices be heard!

Registration and information can be found here. Stay Tuned!

Submitted by: Kelly D. Skinner, DNP, APRN, NP-C, GNP-BC, CRRN, WCC, CFCN, CPHQ
National NOVA Immediate Past President
Treasurer, NOVA Chapter 226, Boston, MA

Another advocacy themed session included staff from both the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees and a member of the VSO-MSO community. Professional staff members from both sides of the aisle – minority & majority were on hand to discuss important legislation that will influence VA and how healthcare professionals provide care to Veterans. Joining the panel was Rene Campos from the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) who provided the Veterans perspective on policy moving through the 118th.

Issues like community care, staffing, salaries, infrastructure, and bills NOVA is supporting were frankly discussed. NOVA nurses and guests clearly had a lot to say about how VA is the premier provider of care for Veterans!

Advocacy was centerstage and at work throughout the meeting, and I ask all of you to join us in supporting VA and its mission.

Many of the items are vital to a working government to include FY 2024 funding for VA and other agencies as well as a slew of Veterans bills that could change how VA provides healthcare.

NOVA believes and strongly advocates that VA provides the highest level of coordinated care in a setting that understands Veterans medical needs.

We continue to work with VA House and Senate Committees on our legislative priorities to include passage of S. 10, VA Careers Act which will enhance VA’s efforts to bolster recruitment, retention, hiring and salaries for VHA staff.

For talking points on S.10 – VA Careers Act

  https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.vanurse.org/resource/resmgr/2023_files/s._10_talking_points_2023.pdf We also would like to have a continuing education benefit for nursing professionals included in what may be a larger Veterans package. It is also important that Congress/VA review salaries and market surveys, especially in high-cost living areas across the US.

There is good news from the Federal Government that for 2024, the across-the-board base pay increase will be 4.7 percent and locality pay increases will average 0.5 percent, resulting in an overall average increase of 5.2 percent for civilian Federal employees. This would go into effect in January 2024.

It was wonderful to see so many of you at the NOVA Annual Meeting in Las Vegas in October, the enthusiasm was infectious. Many of you helped advocate for your facilities and other nurses by delving into questions about policy with House and Senate VA Committee staff and our partners in the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC).

Relaying your experiences and struggles is critical. If you are ready for the next step – watch your email for a Call for New Members to join the Legislative Committee and save the date for our 2024 Hill Day – March 7, 2024.

Speaking up and advocating for what you need to take care of Veterans is key to VA and its sacred mission.

Stay Tuned!

NOVA's first day included the Desert Pines High School JROTC Color Guard, national anthem, and opening remarks by Catherine Giasson DNP MHA RN NE-BC CPHQ NOVA President-elect, and NOVA President TJ Wilcox-Olson MHS RN CPHQ. The opening presentation was Essentials for Success in Self-Assessment by Heather Arredondo DHA RN VHA-CM from the Office of Nursing Services. This was followed by Aromatherapy/Essential Oils: The History, the Design, the Application, and the Benefits with Tara Wright RN and Heidi Kaufman MSN RN.

The Nursing Community Coalition panel presented “Working Together as Advocates for the Nursing Profession” with moderator Teresa Morris BS, NOVA Director of Advocacy and Government Relations. Panel members included Matthew Thackson AANA, Clare Chmiel HPNA, Christian Campbell AVANA, and Samuel Hewitt ANA.  Shereef Elnahal MD MBA, the Under Secretary for Health gave the keynote address, “Leading the Nation’s Health Care.”  VISN 1 Director Ryan Lilly MPA presented Building a Better System. The first day finished with an ONS Town Hall with Karen Ott DNP RN and Tracey Weistreich PhD RN NEA-BC NPD-BC VHA-CM. 

The second day began with a Hill Panel moderated by Teresa Morris including Hunter Thompson, minority staff member Senate Veterans Affairs Committee SVAC (R); Alexis MacDonald, minority staff member House Veterans Affairs Committee; Kendyl Willox, majority staff member House Veterans Affairs Committee; Abby Roubal, majority staff member Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, and Renee Campos, Military Officers Association of America. Central Western Massachusetts Medical Center Director Duane Gill presented "Improving Organizational Culture Through Transformational Leadership.” His presentation was followed by the Innovation Award Winner Bradley Benick MA MSN RN VHA-CM LSSBB, “Improving Veterans’ Alcohol and Tobacco Cessation in an Inpatient Setting:  A Lean Six Sigma Approach.’  Jessica Ash BSN RN presented "Staffing & Recruitment."

Kimberlee Bayless DNP FNP-BC APRB presented "Pain Management Acute to Chronic Pain." Mona Pearl Treyball PhD RN CNS CCRN-K FAAN presented "Taking Care of Our Veterans: Next Steps in Our Profession to Establish this Specialty Area of Practice."  NOVA Nurse Emeritus member Margaret Kruckemeyer encouraged participants to bid on items for the Silent Auction, which benefits the Mary Raymer Scholarship Fund.  NOVA Board Member Miriam Rogers Holy, and NOVA Nurse Emeritus Members Beverly Ross and Thelma Roach-Serry helped to display a blanket from the auction. 

At the NOVA Awards Luncheon, the President's Award was presented to Vermara Williams MSN-ED RN PCCN for outstanding significant contributions to advance the mission of NOVA. The APRN Excellence Award was presented to Terry Guyton-Smith DNP APRN FNP-C for outstanding contributions to the nursing care of veterans through excellence in clinical practice. The LPN Excellence Award was presented to Rhodora Cassady LPN for outstanding contributions to the nursing care of veterans through excellence in clinical practice.  The RN Excellence Award was presented to Marie Robinson-McLaughlin MNA MSN BSN RN for outstanding contributions to the nursing care of veterans through excellence in clinical practice. The Veterans Service Award was presented to the Association of Veterans Affairs Nurse Anesthetists for outstanding dedication to improving the healthcare of veterans. Accepting the award was Christian Campbell from AVANA.

The Distinguished Chapter Award was presented to Chapter 212 Southeast Louisiana VA HCS for outstanding chapter engagement and demonstrated passion for NOVA. The 2023 NOVA Innovation Award sponsored by Johnson & Johnson First Place was presented to Bradley Benick MA MSN RN VHA-CM LSSBB and colleagues Janelle Bowden, Shereen Leftridge, and Heather Ertle from VA Northeast Ohio HCS.  The 2023 NOVA Innovation Award sponsored by Johnson & Johnson Second Place was presented to Judy Santelices BSN RN and colleague Irish Ann Florendo MSN BSN RN from the Washington DC VAMC.  The 2023 Annual Meeting Scholarship recipients were Dinah Lewis MSN RN, Rachel Cozzone MSN RN AMB-BC, Christy Rios BSN RN, and Orla Saunders BSN RN. There were also exhibit hall prize winners.  Immediate Past President Kelly Skinner DNP APRN NP-C GNP-BC CRRN WCC CFCN CPHQ who is leaving the Board was honored, and the gavel was passed from NOVA President TJ Wilcox-Olson MHS RN CPHQ to NOVA President-Elect Catherine Giasson DNP MHA RN NE-BC CPHQ.

The Poster Session featured NOVA nurses from across the country.  Thanks to NOVA's Moderators for introducing speakers at the 43rd Annual Meeting in Las Vegas!  NOVA's 43rd Annual Meeting featured great opportunities for networking and connecting with NOVA nurses from across the country. Another benefit of attending the NOVA Annual Meeting was the opportunity to hear from speakers from NOVA's sponsors. Helen Shih NP sponsored by Merck presented "Discussing Anticancer Therapy Along with Patient Monitoring and Management of Adverse Events. Other sessions were sponsored by Janssen Oncology, AstraZeneca, Western Governors University Recon-Supply, Genentech, and Sumitomo Pharma. 

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.

On May 23, 2023, during the week of Community Partnership in honor of Nurses Month, four members of NOVA Hampton Chapter 418 delivered the donations to the Hampton VAMC, HUD-VASH Department. The members included Phyllis Richardson, Director of Hospitality; Renieta Brown, Treasurer; Christopher Hancock, Director of Membership, and Jacquelyn Claude, the President of NOVA Hampton Chapter 418. A big thank you to all who have demonstrated their dedication and effort in making this event a success.

The support and donations received from NOVA Hampton Chapter 418 made a big difference in the lives of homeless veterans supported by the Hampton VAMC, HUD-VASH Department. The response from the staff member of the homeless veteran department was heartwarming, with “stating that the donations would help the homeless veterans make it through the long winter months. The NOVA Hampton Chapter 418 donation drive demonstrated how nurses and healthcare professionals can come together to contribute to their local community and make a real difference.

NOVA Hampton Chapter 418 is not just an organization but a community of healthcare professionals who care about their fellow veterans. Their engagement in community service initiatives, such as the holiday food drive for homeless veterans in Hampton VAMC, symbolizes their commitment to serve their country beyond their duties as nurses. Their outstanding contribution is a testament to the values of NOVA Hampton Chapter 418, which actively promotes and supports professional nursing  and advocacy for healthcare. 

The success of the 3rd annual holiday food drive for homeless veterans in Hampton VAMC is a testimony to the impact of community partnership and nursing advocacy. NOVA Hampton Chapter 418's donation drive was more than just a collection of food and clothing. It was an opportunity for nurses to give back to their local community and demonstrate their commitment to the mission and values of nursing. We would once again like to extend our gratitude to NOVA Hampton Chapter 418 members and staff who dedicated time, energy, and resources to make this event successful. It is through their efforts that the homeless veterans of Hampton VAMC, HUD-VASH Department have a better chance to make it through the winter months with dignity and respect.

NOVA, alongside our partners in VA healthcare submitted testimony for the record before the Senate VA Committee on July 12. 

We note in our statement for the record, that several bills have the potential to accelerate the outsourcing of veterans’ care to the private sector under the community care program and drain the VA of needed funding for internal programs and services. This would harm Veterans choice, reduce staff, and in turn close medical centers, clinics, and facilities across the country.

We will be advocating against these bills and asking Members of Congress to vote against anything that looks to privatize VA. 

To read the multi-organizational testimony –
For a list of bills of interest and other advocacy information, visit NOVA Advocacy Toolkit

We continue to support legislation that will enhance VA’s efforts to bolster recruitment, retention, hiring and salaries for VHA staff. NOVA testified in May on those very issues before the House VA Subcommittees on Health and Oversight & Investigations and we remain committed to supporting legislation like S. 10, VA Careers Act, and H.R.543, VA CPE Modernization Act which improves processes in hiring a quality workforce.

As always, stay tuned to NOVA’s website and social media for updates on our plans to encourage advocacy during August Recess and how you can help by contacting your Members of Congress about the importance of providing quality healthcare to our Veterans. 

Stay Tuned!

Dianne received her nursing degree from the University of Arizona in 1973, at which time she joined the nursing staff at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Tucson. Dianne served our nation’s veterans in outpatient surgery, home health care and many other nursing capacities for 34 years before retiring in 2007. During her tenure at the VA, she reached out to the Tucson nursing community and in 1994 co-founded the Tucson Nurse Week Foundation which originated and promotes the “Showcase of Tucson Nurses Conference,” “Healthy Fair,” and the “Fabulous 50 Gala,” The Showcase of Tucson Nurses is a sharing educational conference where, each year, over 200 southern Arizona nurses exchange innovative health care ideas during a continuing education conference and included an awards banquet to recognize outstanding nurses who had gone above and beyond their normal daily job responsibilities in demonstrating their concern for humanity and had made significant contribution(s) to the local nursing community. In 1997, Dianne was herself honored as one of the Fabulous 50. 

Dianne walked in harmony with those around her. Her empathy for those in need, her desire to serve, and the depth of her character changed the various associations to which she has belonged. In 1992, Dianne was elected to serve as President of the Tucson chapter of NOVA; in 1995, she was elected to the national NOVA Board of Directors; in 1996, she was given the Secretaries Award for Excellence in Nursing; in 1998 she became National Membership Secretary of NOVA; in 2000, she served on the Nurse Qualifications Board, setting advancement standards for VA nurses nationwide; and in 2004, Dianne was elected National President of NOVA. As president, Dianne’s team took a new approach to educating members of Congress regarding VA issues by holding legislative briefings for members of the House and Senate Veterans Committees’ staff. She also made significant advancements and enhanced recognition for NOVA nationwide for their care of Veterans, our heroes.

In 1998, GLHN nominated Dianne C. Nelson for U of A’s “The Women’s Plaza of Honor” which publicly and permanently celebrates women who have made significant contributions to the history of Arizona or have enriched the lives of others. All who had the honor of knowing Dianne will miss her kind heart, her gentle way in helping you understand what the next step was, her soft voice explaining how to cook something, her ability to put anyone at ease just by her calm presence, and her never-ending generosity that she shared with so many people over the years. 

By Nancy Claflin, DNP, MS, RN, NEA-BC, CENP, CCRN-K, CPHQ, FNAHQ

Did you know you may be able to receive financial assistance from your facility to attend NOVA's Annual Meeting? You should check with staff in the Education or Nursing Education Department to see what is required from your facility.  

Event Details

Although each facility has its own forms and requirements, this is some of the information that you may need:

• Event or Training Title:  NOVA 43nd Annual Meeting: Star Power: NOVA Nurses Shining a Light on Excellence

• URL for the Event:  https://www.vanurse.org/events/register.aspx?id=1724176

• Location (Address, City, State, Zip):  Harrah’s Las Vegas, 3475 S. Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109

• Start Date of Training: 10/26/23

• End Date of Training:  10/27/23

• Sponsor/Vendor of Training:  Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs

• Billing Address: 1120 NJ-73, Suite 200, Mt. Laurel, NJ, 08054

• Email of Sponsor/Vendor:  nova@vanurse.org

• Phone Number of Vendor:  703-444-5587

• Total Tuition/Registration Fees: 

  • RN or APRN: $500, Early Bird Pricing $425

  • LPN, Nurse Emeritus, Non-licensed Student: $240, Early Bird Pricing $165

  • Non-Member. $600, Early Bird Pricing $525

• Type of Conference: The NOVA Annual Meeting is a professional meeting and an elective conference that is useful for professional development and skills enhancement.  It provides Nursing Continuing Professional Development (NCPD) contact hours.

Training Justification

Here is some information that you can use for training justification. 

My objectives for attending the course:

• Improve ability to accomplish mission and carry out daily operations to assist veterans

• Find innovative ideas to implement to improve veteran healthcare

• Learn latest information and best practices regarding VA healthcare

• Experience knowledge sharing with like-minded professionals regarding VA healthcare

• Participate in in-depth discussions around VA healthcare

• Network with dedicated experts regarding VA healthcare

• Receive education and professional development (receive Nursing Continuing Professional Development Contact Hours) regarding VA healthcare

How the program will improve my competency/how I will apply it to my job:

This program will improve my competency because I will receive information on resources to support shared governance for VA nurses. I will be able to identify methods for VA nurses to mitigate nurse burnout by managing stress and self-care. I will be able to describe methods for VA nurses to find resiliency. I will be able to provide a positive impact on patient care by describing treatment options supporting sobriety for veterans experiencing opioid crises. I will be able to provide a positive impact on patient care by describing a comprehensive approach to identify veterans at risk for suicide and identify treatment plans for those veterans.

I will be able to summarize changes in the promotion process for VA nurses, including the role of the Nurse Professional Standards Board. I will demonstrate the process of facilitating the development of an evidence-based culture. I will be able to provide a positive impact on patient care by facilitating the development of an evidence-based culture. I will be able to describe practices to increase VA nurse satisfaction in today's workplace. I will be able to provide a positive impact on patient care by identifying ways that I can work with members of Veterans Service Organizations to strengthen partnerships to work together on behalf of veterans.

How I will share knowledge gained:

I will share the knowledge I have gained by presenting an in-service for my peers, or by sharing information during informal discussions with my peers, or by developing a poster for my peers, or by providing information for a newsletter. I will implement at least one new idea that I learned at this conference in my work setting.

Click here to learn more about and register for this year’s Annual Meeting

The nurses were eager to be together for the first time since COVID lifted. Many of the participants were new NOVA members and some attended to learn more about the NOVA organization.

There was a lot of excitement in the air as many of the Maryland VA Health Care System locations were represented under one roof and it was good to be able to put faces to names as we have only seen each other on Teams conversations or behind masks.

We were honored and privileged to have had three of our wonderful Nurse Emeritus members join us. They have all participated in NOVA not only as Nurse Emeritus members from the chapter level but in national level positions as well.

• Catherine Baily
• Sharon Johnson
• Connie Perry- Simon

Each of our Emeritus members were able to speak and share their thoughts on NOVA and many of the participants were awed by the wealth of experience and excitement of NOVA that was conveyed.

The program continued with a wonderful speaker sponsored by Organogenesis, Ms. Susan Reid, who presented on the topic of wound care. Only nurses can enjoy a topic like wound care over dinner!

We all look forward to meeting together again in June for another NOVA event. Now the planning begins!

• Offer continuing education reimbursement for all nursing staff
• Provide funding to allow for additional nursing residencies
• Require salary market analysis and transparent reporting annually to VHA leadership and Congress

For our complete testimony or to watch the recorded hearing visit: Subcommittees on Health and Oversight and Investigations Joint Oversight Hearing

For a list of bills of interest and other advocacy information, visit NOVA’s Advocacy Toolkit

As always, stay tuned to NOVA’s website and social media for updates on how we plan to encourage advocacy during August recess and continue the conversation with Congress on the importance of continuing to provide quality healthcare to our Veterans.

Stay Tuned!

Her education and clinical experience in critical care prepared her to care for an unconscious passenger. There was another medical professional on the flight, a dermatologist. He said he would follow Rishelle’s lead since CRNAs have more critical care training and are more experienced with emergency medical situations.

After this event, Rishelle also received a hand-written note from Washington State Representative, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, commending Rishelle for her quick intervention.

Richelle is a CRNA at VA Portland Health Care System and is also faculty at Oregon Health and Sciences Nurse Anesthesia Program.

Rishelle’s story was featured on the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) site.

In May, NOVA also had the great privilege of being invited to provide testimony on Capitol Hill. NOVA Board Member and Legislative Committee chair, Kelley Saindon, DNP, RN, NE-BC, CHPN testified on recruitment and retention issues before a joint hearing of the House VA Subcommittees on Health and Oversight and Investigations. Kelley did an amazing job!

The NOVA Board met with staff from the Office of Nurse Services (ONS) and they shared information about songwriting projects VA nurses have been involved with. These songs are about the lives and careers of VA nurses who are Veterans themselves. These beautiful tracks were launched at a premier hosted by ONS. More information about Freedom Sings can be found on their website and their YouTube channel. This is such a great way to celebrate VA nurses, Veterans, and the work we do every day.

NOVA’s Annual Meeting is right around the corner. Are you ready to join us in Las Vegas October 26 and 27? Registration information is launching soon. I hope to see you there!

At NOVA, every day is Nurses Day! Thank you for everything you do to take care of our Veterans.

Advanced practice providers (APPs), global term for Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants and Certified Nurse Anesthetist, have an emerging role in the PAT clinics helping bridge the gap between primary care and specialty care through care coordination, comprehensive assessments, and patient education.  These activities ensure that patients are at their best possible health reducing the risk of post op adverse events or complications and overall hospital costs.

Care coordination can be time-consuming.  However, nurse practitioners work closely with members of the healthcare team coordinating and expediting patient care to avoid surgical delays or undue cancellations.  For example, on PAT physical assessment, I noticed an enlarged goiter on a patient scheduled for oral cancer surgery. The goiter was deviating the trachea, which represents a significant airway risk potentially leading to difficult intubation. Immediately, I spoke with the attending anesthesiologist and we both agreed patient needed an urgent ENT consult and CT of the neck before surgery. I was able to order the CT of neck, contacted radiology department and patient had it done the next day.  Meanwhile, I coordinated ENT consult within days and patient was cleared to go for lifesaving cancer surgery without delay. 

Besides care coordination, APPs conduct comprehensive assessments to identify potential health risks improving patient surgical outcomes. Patients who come to the PAT clinic are given a comprehensive assessment including a health review, physical exam, and preoperative instruction and education of how to prepare for surgery.  If any issues identified, collaborate with members of the healthcare team including anesthesiologists, cardiologists, primary care physicians and interdisciplinary teams within radiology and lab departments to optimize patients for surgery.

An important role of APPs in the PAT clinic is patient education. Providing patients with the information they need to manage any unexpected circumstances such as trouble with transportation or what to expect before and after surgery as far as where to go and what to do can significantly allay patients’ fears and anxiety associated with surgery.  Also, APPs reinforce important medical information such as instructions on medications to take or hold before surgery, to monitor their blood pressure and blood sugar preop to ensure optimal hypertension and diabetes control to reduce health risks.   Well informed patients translate into increased patient’s compliance and less last-minute surgical delays and cancellations that can negatively impact the economy of the operating room including hospital costs. Research has demonstrated that reducing the risk of intra and post operative complications results in significant hospital cost savings [1].

In summary, APPs have a unique role in the PAT clinic.  They are actively involved in patient care coordination among members of the health care team. Patient optimization is associated with a lower risk for adverse surgical outcomes as well as the probability that a procedure will be delayed or postponed, decreasing hospital costs.  Also, they perform comprehensive assessments of patients and prevent unnecessary investigations and consultations that can potentially delay or cancel surgeries.  They educate patients about the perioperative process and answer questions to promote patient compliance. Overall, APPs contributions in PAT clinics are associated with best patient outcomes, lower rate of surgical cancellations and delays plus hospital costs savings.  

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[1] Davenport, D. L., Henderson, W. G., Khuri, S. F., & Mentzer, R. M., Jr.   (2005). Preoperative risk factors and surgical complexity are more predictive of costs than postoperative complications: A case study using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. Annals of Surgery, 242, 463–71.

Nancy Claflin shared Information regarding the benefits of NOVA membership, including opportunities for LPNs, RNs, and APRNs to join and ways to join including payroll deduction, opportunities to network with other NOVA members across the country; educational opportunities including webinars and NOVA’s Annual Meeting to be held at Harrah’s in Las Vegas, NV October 26-27, 2023; NOVA’s mentoring program, NOVA scholarships, certification and discounts, NOVA News, and volunteer opportunities with NOVA committees. 

Nancy also discussed NOVA’s advocacy efforts, including reviewing NOVA’s 2023 Priority Goals and the upcoming NOVA Hill Day on March 9, inviting attendees to identify specific concerns to be shared with Congressional Members and staff. She also shared information on NOVA’s new Caring for Veterans Webinar Series, a three-year program covering important information, not only for new graduate nurses and nurses new to VA, but also for experienced VA nurses.  Topics to be covered in 2023 include acute pain management, breast and cervical screening, caregiver support, community care, COVID-19, eligibility for VA care, compensation and pension, fundamentals of military culture, hospice and palliative care, homelessness and the HUD-VASH program, suicide in the veteran population, whole health, and wound care. 

Nancy also shared information from the General Counsel opinion which states that NOVA may use VA facilities for their professional association activities. The opinion also states that NOVA has access to post notice of and hold legitimate meetings of their members which means that NOVA members can put up flyers in break rooms or on education bulletin boards for example to announce NOVA’s webinars. 

Attendees were encouraged to follow NOVA on social media, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and to share information with colleagues.  Attendees are looking forward to the next gathering.

NOVA continues to meet with committee staff and others on the importance of providing VHA with the tools it needs to attract and retain the best healthcare providers and compete with the private sector.

S.10 and other issues came up last week during our Hill Day events in Washington, D.C.as
NOVA members met with congressional offices to discuss all of these issues and local priorities. 

Other issues that have been talked about in various hearings include:

VA electronic health record modernization (EHRM) program. Reports of system slowdowns and outages, and patient safety concerns as well as the departure of Terry Adirim, the Director of the EHRM Integration Office and the recent announcement that Deputy VA Secretary Donald Remy, who oversees the EHR implementation, will step down on April 1 have many House and Senate VA Committee members concerned. Bills introduced on the House side call on stricter enforcement of deadlines and possibly scraping the whole program altogether. The Senate does not seem inclined to go along with House bills, but has called for tougher terms, discounted prices, and a narrower set of tasks for Oracle, as well as severe penalties for poor performance.

Implementation of PACT Act. Since the bill was signed into law, implementation has been key – Congress continues to ask VA to update them on number of toxic disability ratings claims, healthcare outcomes and how they are utilizing technology to provide quick access to care and services under the law.

VA Leadership Accountability. Several members of Congress want to change the structure so that VA does not have to endure leadership turnover with every change in Presidential Administration. HVAC subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations Ranking Member Frank Mrvan introduced a bill that would call for the Under Secretary of Health to be in his/her position for five-year term. Protections for workers were also discussed along with details that employees are encouraged to report to either the Office of Whistleblower Protection (OWP) or to their supervisor’s chain of command.

Stay tuned as we move into budget and appropriations season and things really begin to heat up – as always, I will continue to monitor all policy-related issues as they pertain to VA and what all of you do every day to take care of Veterans!

It’s so important for nurses to share their experiences with those who create the legislation that impacts the care we provide every single day.

One of our themes of the day was “change is made by those who show up.” Show up, you did! We had the highest number of NOVA nurses ever at a Hill Day. We hope those numbers continue to grow.

NOVA is the only professional nursing organization that advocates for VA nurses. Your voice and your input matter!

It’s important to remember that even if you are unable to participate in person, there are many other ways to be involved in advocacy.

Your representatives want to hear from you as an individual, and as a front-line caregiver.

When NOVA sends out a call to action, pick up a phone to call your Member’s office. Send an email. Build relationships with staff who work for you the voter, and for many, you the Veteran.

NOVA will continue to share opportunities for nurses to get involved with advocacy locally as well. Be on the lookout for information about meeting with your Members in the District, especially as August recess nears. It will be a fantastic opportunity to participate without going far from home.

Thank you for all you do to advocate for Veterans and VA nurses by showing up every day!

The following topics were discussed:

• Reviewing, adjusting pay scales for nursing workforce; reviewing executive pay for nursing staff; raising aggregate pay limits
• Updating qualifications standards for LPNS, and NAs; providing retention and hiring initiatives including continuing education reimbursement for all nursing staff; hiring right and hiring faster; shorten length of time for hiring
• Providing sufficient budget to enable additional nurse residency programs
  and adequate infrastructure to support future nursing workforce
• Supporting retention for academic faculty; increasing partnerships and
  preceptorships
• Ensuring a diverse workforce with opportunities for career advancement
• Reviewing and addressing human resources issues including onboarding
  delays; HR staffing to expedite hiring and onboarding; modernizing training
  for HR staff; requiring salary market analysis (locality pay survey) and
  transparent reporting annual to VHA and Congress
• Providing sufficient funding for VA infrastructure needs, including increase
  in private rooms for female patients and patients with infections
• Providing appropriate funding for Community Care that doesn’t take away
  from internal medical care funding; ensuring veterans receiving community
  care come back to VA care; requiring training for community care providers
  ensuring that veterans receive equivalent care
• Supporting VA CAREERS Act of 2023 to improve recruitment and retention;
  updating salary caps; paying for licensure costs for VA scholarship recipients;
  supporting additional staff training for managing older veterans; expanding
  leave options including longer timeframes to take leave and options for lump
  sum payments
• Looking at providing caregiver needs including increasing telehealth and
  hybrid care models; optimizing nursing practice with telecare; assessing
  changes due to end of COVID emergency regulations for telehealth and
  virtual health modalities
• Full practice authority for all advanced practice nursing roles (CRNAs);
  supporting changes optimizing services in community and home care for
  APRNs
• Reviewing evidence-based practice across VA; supporting lifelong learning
  for all nursing staff
• Supporting prevention of workplace violence
• Supporting funding for National Institute for Nursing Research (NINR)
• Supporting VA Caregivers; continuing to provide appropriate staffing for
  specialty care for patients with spinal cord injuries, ALS, MS, blindness, and
  long term care; supporting palliative and hospice care
• Accelerating Whole Health programs including expansion of dental care; expanding home care; supporting ICAN Act
• Ensuring safe, functioning electronic health record (EHR)
• Ensuring full implementation of PACT Act and RAISE Act; supporting VHA Leadership and Transformation Act with 5-year term for VHA Under Secretary for Health; removing restrictions for Under Secretary positions
• Including NOVA in discussions with VA
• Support veterans’ preference to receive healthcare in VA.
• Ensuring VA ensures staff accountability.
  

NOVA wants to thank all those who attended the roundtable to include our VSO and Union partners, Nursing Community Coalition(NCC) colleagues, Hill Staff and Leadership from the VA Office of Nursing Services.

We could not advocate for VA healthcare, nurses and all those who take care of Veterans without your support and knowledge.

The dinner was also an opportunity for attendees to learn more about NOVA and the importance of nurses coming together to advocate for nursing and Veteran care. NOVA President, TJ Wilcox-Olson, was on hand to share information and answer questions. It was a very successful recruitment event with several new members submitting their applications before leaving the restaurant and more applying online after. This was one of the first events held by Chapter 138 and everyone enjoyed being able to network outside of work. Chapter members hope to host more events in the near future and continue growing in numbers to lend more voices to issues that impact the care VA nurses provide every day.