In a NOVA blog post (www.vanurse.org), Teresa Morris, director of advocacy and government relations, says, “Thanks to those who responded to our 2 COVID-19 surveys, we were able to use the information as a firsthand look into how nurses felt about VA’s work and response during the Pandemic. The testimony touched on PPE, communication, testing, and comments and concerns that you had during the height of the virus.” She added, “I think some areas that spiked early had less time to prepare while others (MidWest/West) spiked later and used lessons learned.”
“We discussed the findings from the survey and thanked Congress for providing the $19.6 billion in emergency supplemental funding for VA. The funds helped to hire new staff, provide overtime pay, and purchase supplies needed for those caring for veterans and other COVID patients,” She continued.
In May, VA Secretary Robert Wilkie announced his plan to phase in reopening various VA facilities. Respondents were concerned about how the opening up of VA facilities would go as cases continue to spike around the country. They remain committed to their patients, however.
“Never was there a time in the history of nursing that I can say we are needed more,” says Cecilia McVey, MHA, RN, FAAN, Associate Director for Nursing and Patient Care Services, “and nurses make a difference. As you do every day, you are sacrificing more than you may have anticipated when you signed on to be a nurse. Never has it been more important to believe in yourself, in our profession, in the scientists that are guiding us and in ourselves. What you are doing is critical and your sacrifices have not gone unnoticed. I am thankful for all you do—every day—now, and in the future.”