Reorganizing and Revitalizing: Reflecting on a Productive Year with the VA SIG
By Ladsine Taylor
This past year for the VA SIG has been one of reorganizing and reenergizing. It began with a big kickoff presentation from Dr. Marianne Shaughnessy (Director of GRECC Programs) on the topic, “VHA Office of Geriatrics & Extended Care Priorities.” We have had a productive year within the VA SIG, marked by membership growth (from less than three members to eight), publication submissions to the GAPNA newsletter, and presentations among our members.
Our 2023 Annual Conference GAPNA Gallery was a success! It provided an ideal setting to discuss the VA SIG, answer questions from interested GAPNA attendees, offer an educational booklet on VA health care benefits overview, and showcase the SIG’s accomplishments over the past years to include poster presentations:
- The Exposure of Veterans to Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune 1953-1987
- Today’s Role of the Nurse Practitioner (2019)
- Increasing Provider’s Awareness of the Mission Act of 2018’s Impact on Veteran’s Care (2021).
Additionally, we welcomed nine new GAPNA members who joined the VA SIG during the GAPNA Gallery.
The VA SIG typically meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 8 pm ET. The link will be posted in GAPNA Exchange. We are eager to share ideas as we initiate discussions for the upcoming new year. Also, the SIG will need a volunteer chair-elect (2024) to collaborate with the current chair.
Volunteer to join the VA SIG.
Ladsine Taylor, MSN, APRN, GNP-BC,CDP
Chair