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TOP VA OFFICIAL SAYS MORE NURSES ARE NEEDED --
Believes VA's new Nursing Academy will
help to solve shortage.
Background on VA's new Nursing Academy here...
http://vawatchdog.org/07/nf07/
nfJUN07/nf060507-2.htm
Story here...
http://www.chillicothegazette.
com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20
070609/NEWS01/706090308/1002
Story below:
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Nurses needed
Training initiative discussed during visit by
VA official
By ASHLEY LYKINS
Gazette Staff Writer
Nurses who work for the Veterans Affairs Medical Center are special,
said Audrey Drake, deputy chief nursing officer for the national VA,
during her visit to the Chillicothe campus Friday.
But she might be a bit biased.
Drake, a nurse herself, has worked for Veterans Affairs for more than 44
years. She also serves as the VA central office program director based
in Washington DC.
She visited Chillicothe as a "delayed celebration of Nurses Week,"
something that took place in May.
"I like (the center in Chillicothe)," she said. "It's a great staff, is
well organized and has great programs. The patients seem to be well
cared for."
Nurses play a large role in some of the patients' lives - but a shortage
exists, which is something the VA is attempting to correct.
"We're going to be establishing a pilot program where the VA and four
universities will collaborate to increase the number of students going
to nursing school," Drake said.
Nursing students who participate in the program, the details of which
are still being sorted out, will have an obligation to work for a VA
hospital. The universities and centers haven't yet been selected.
While the Chillicothe center didn't answer the department's first call
for applications, they probably will in the future, said Ruth Yerardi,
an associate director for patient care.
"Nurses who work for the VA are special," said Drake, noting there are
multiple advantages, such as good benefits and technological advances.
"They are very committed. Once they start working, they don't leave."
With the ongoing war and veterans returning to America, the need for
nurses is always increasing, she said.
"There is some need for care, but it's not all in-patient," she said,
noting some of the need is with rehabilitation.
Drake said she was impressed with the Chillicothe center's interaction
with local universities, such as the University of Rio Grande, Shawnee
State University, Hocking College and Ohio University-Chillicothe. The
center allows clinical experience for nursing students.
"It's a model for other VA medical centers," Drake said. "I think
(Chillicothe) will continue to play a major role in taking care of
veterans. There's an opportunity for them to continue to mentor new
nurses."
And Drake seemed to serve as a mentor to current nurses at the center.
"Her success has really been an inspiration," said Cathy Moore, a
registered nurse.
Yerardi agreed.
"She's a role model," Yerardi said. "She's been caring and opened up to
our staff."
Drake, who served 26 years in the National Guard, was a recipient of the
2007 Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs Legacy award. She was the
first nurse to command a unit in the District of Columbia Army National
Guard. She was promoted to Brigadier General when she retired and was
given the Distinguished 9A Proficiency Designator, the highest award for
professional accomplishment with the medical department in the army. She
was also given a Distinguished Service Cross.
(Lykins can be reached at 772-9376 or via e-mail at
anlykins@nncogannett.com )
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Larry Scott --
