Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs

1. Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs

2. NOVA extends greetings to VA Nurses across the Nation May 6 – 12, 2011 “Nurses Trusted to Care for Our Veterans”

3. Thank YOU for your Service In celebrating the Week of the Nurse – Let’s remember what you provide: A Healing Touch....A Kind Word....Gentle Hands....Daily Miracles....A Caring Heart....Comfort to the Sick.... Courage to the Fearful....Strength to the Weary....A Bright Outlook....Grace Under Pressure....A Warm Smile.... Unending Patience....Reassurance....A Hand to Hold.... Compassion....Hope....Support....Skill....A Can-Do Attitude.... Helpful Advice....An Inspiring Example....A Sympathetic Ear.... Acceptance....An Invaluable Service for Our Nation's Heroes.... More than Mere Words Can Tell!

4. About NOVA…

6. NOVA's Vision VA Nurses will provide high quality nursing care VA Nurses will have an optimal work environment VA Nurses will be informed on relevant issues that impact VA healthcare and nursing practice

7. VA Nurses will have a strong voice in the legislative arena VA Nurses will have a strong presence at the VHA corporate leadership level VA Nurses will be NOVA members

8. Desired Future State of VA Nursing

9. Our History in Brief

10. NOVA is deeply involved in the legislative process. It is an organization which is a recognized force in Washington, DC. Every February, NOVA hosts a Legislative Roundtable to network and dialogue with VACO representatives, Senate and House VA Committee members and staffers, Veteran Service Organizations, and other interested groups. 

11. FACTS… 1980 - The Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs was formed by nurses at Hines, Illinois in response to PL 96-330 giving VA doctors a large pay increase without any change in nurses salaries or any nursing input. 1982 - NOVA spoke at an oversight hearing and this was the first time a VA Registered Nurse gave testimony to Congress. NOVA also testified before the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs.

12. 1987 - NOVA focused on healthcare programs for women veterans, wellness and disease prevention. During the same year, Saturday Premium Pay was passed. 1990 - The Nurse Pay Act of 1990, PL 101-366 was passed, and in 1991 NOVA spent time trying to amend the law due to problems implementing the locality pay system (LPS).

13. 1993 – NOVA refocused on healthcare programs for women veterans, wellness and disease prevention. NOVA established Legislative Roundtable meetings with representatives from Congress, Veteran Service Organizations, and others. 1996 - NOVA developed a Mission Statement, "Shaping and Influencing Professional Nursing Practice within the Department of Veterans Affairs". HR 3118 was signed into law, which included the provision allowing VA Registered Nurses to work outside the VA for pay. 

14. 1997 - NOVA launched "Legislatively Speaking", a new communication tool for NOVA members. 1999 – NOVA gave written testimony opposing additional decreases in staff levels, lack of nursing leadership in roles in the current VHA organization and inadequate VA budget. 2000 – PL 106-419 Veteran’s Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act 2009 was passed, involving RN locality pay reform, mandating increased nursing input in senior management at VISN and medical center levels.

15. 2001 – PL 107-135 Health Care Programs Enhancement Act of 2001 was passed, permanently authorizing the Employee Incentive Scholarship Program and the VA Education Debt Reduction Program for VA nurses and mandated premium pay to Licensed Practical Nurses. Gave VA nurses enrolled in the Federal Employee Retirement System the same ability to use unused sick leave as part of retirement calculations as nurses enrolled in the Civil Service Retirement System and the top nurse in VACO was required to report directly to the Under Secretary for Health, elevating the importance of nurses in the VHA system.

16. 2004 – PL 108-445 Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel Enhancement Act of 2004 – established pilot programs to study innovative recruitment programs and strategies. 2005 - NOVA celebrated 25 years of service. Established Legislative Briefings, a communications document to educate Congress on VA Issues. Meetings are conducted with House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committee staff.

17. 2006 – The NOVA Foundation became a “Charity Partner” with the Marine Corps Marathon. The NOVA Foundation is the first and only professional nursing organization to hold this title. Funds raised go directly toward nursing education, research, and scholarships. 2007 – NOVA presented written testimony before the House Committee on VA Retention and Recruitment.

18. 2008 – NOVA introduced its Long Term Disability Insurance Program, underwritten by Federal First. The VA Nurse Emeritus program was introduced at the Annual Meeting. Testimony was presented to both the Senate and House Committees on Veterans Affairs in support of the Essential Veterans Retention Act of 2008 and at the hearing on Human Resource Challenges. NOVA’s Pilot Regional Meeting was held in Baltimore, Maryland.

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20. 2011 - NOVA conducts its sixth Regional Meeting in Tampa, FL and proceeds with plans for Regional Meetings in Philadelphia, PA and Dallas, TX on October 28 and December 2 respectively. NOVA develops a NEW logo which reflects more clearly its professionalism and forward-thinking leadership. NOVA develops and disseminates its first electronic Newsletter “NOVA News.” NOVA develops and disseminates its first electronic “Annual Report and Membership Directory.” NOVA joins the American Nurses Association as an Affiliate Member.

22. NOVA Foundation VA Nurses care for over 5,000,000 American Veterans. The NOVA Foundation helps make sure it's the best care possible. The NOVA Foundation is dedicated to the advancement of VA Nursing. Through its scholarships, research grants, and educational programs, the NOVA Foundation helps VA Nurses deliver outstanding care to America's heroes.

23. The NOVA Foundation depends entirely on corporate sponsorships, philanthropic grants, and individual donations for all of its funding. The generosity of organizations and citizens grateful to our veterans and the nurses who care for them funds the Foundation’s programs and operations. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax deductible to the fullest degree allowed by law.

25. NOVA NEWS NOVA NEWS, the official publication of the Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs, is now sent electronically to all NOVA members. Features national and local activities of the organization as related to DVA nursing practices. Published quarterly, subscription price is included in annual dues for members. Available for viewing at www.vanurse.org

28. Links The NOVA website provides links to state veterans affairs departments, nursing organizations and resources, internet sites for continuing education, federal government sites, and veteran service organizations.

29. NOVA Facebook Page Connect with other members and chapters Learn about pending legislation Share ideas . . And more! Go to http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/group.php?gid=76597218404

30. VA Nurse Emeritus Planning to retire? Want to stay in the know and be a valuable resource of knowledge and experience? Then VA Nurse Emeritus is for YOU.

31. Membership is comprised of NOVA members who have retired from the Department of Veterans Affairs or who plan retirement within the next calendar year. Members continue to network with other VA nurses and support the mission and vision of NOVA.

32. Members participate in special projects including the “Cool Scarves for Soldiers” and Mentoring Emerging VA Leaders. Interact with other organizations including the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. Maintain NOVA membership at a reduced membership rate – only $50.

33. Become a VA Nurse Emeritus: Contact Mary Raymer via raymerm@bellsouth.net

35. MEMBERSHIP Join NOVA and become a member of the professional VA Nursing Association! Make our organization stronger as we continue to serve VA nurses and our Nation’s veterans! http://vanurse.org/MembershipApp.pdf

36. Membership Campaigns “11% By 11/11/2011” May 15, 2011 – November 1, 2011 Grand Prize Winner Will receive $250 plus a donation will be made in the winner’s name to the NOVA Foundation. Help NOVA increase its membership by at least 11% - a total of 363 new members!

37. Membership Campaigns Just Completed Membership Campaign “Member - Get - A - Member” January 1 – May 1, 2011 Prizes include complimentary Annual Meeting registration, free 2012 NOVA membership, and complimentary two nights’ stay at the Venetian Hotel & Resort for the 2011 Annual Meeting. Recruit new members and spread the word about NOVA!

38. Annual and Regional Meetings NOVA offers valuable learning experiences with great networking opportunities through Annual and Regional Meetings. Our upcoming Annual Meeting will be held June 29-July 1 at the Venetian Hotel & Resort, Las Vegas, Nevada, and includes networking opportunities, top educational sessions, and a Reception and Silent Auction in support of the NOVA Foundation.

39. For more information visit www.vanurse.org

40. Thank You !