(from the NOVA Chapter Starter Kit)

We, the "true believers" of NOVA hear this question asked all the time. We generally reply with the obvious:

A strong lobbying power on Capitol Hill

A quarterly newsletter featuring national and local activities of the organization related to nursing practice within the DVA

Timely legislative updates on our web page, in News From NOVA, and in periodic issues of "Legislatively Speaking"

Links (personal, electronic and telephonic) to other nursing/legislative organizations

National, regional and local educational programs

Scholarship opportunities through the NOVA Foundation

A voice in policy making through our contacts on Capitol Hill, the VSO's and VA Central Office

These are our core values, the things we really believe in. Our challenge today is to "think out of the box." Where do we go from here? How do we capture/market what we believe in and propel those beliefs forward in non-conventional ways? Like all living things, organizations have a life cycle. Growth and prosperity are followed by a slow period. If the organization does not address the changes it encounters, a period of decline can occur. Organizations and companies that respond to change are successful. Organizations that stop to take the pulse of changing times and adjust their course are able to move into new periods of prosperity.

We are attempting to "take your pulse." Our newly expanded web page offers many ways to stay informed. Joining the NOVA email group gives you instant information pertaining to legislative forces that will impact our delivery of patient care. You can offer suggestions and give us input by utilizing the "contact us" section of the web page.

NOVA is a recognized force in Washington. The NOVA Board bombarded the Secretary of Veterans Affairs with calls and letters expressing our concerns about the lack of an appointment of a Chief Nurse Consultant. Shortly thereafter, Secretary West met with two members of the Board and announced Cathy Rick would assume this critical position.

The status of the Nurse Appreciation Act and new legislation about locality pay seemed dormant until NOVA awakened the House Veterans Affairs Committee and now we have the potential of getting something passed before Congress retires for the election campaign.

We are planning more Regional Seminars in an attempt to bring you timely, quality educational programs within your geographical area. We are listening to your requests for more clinical content in our Annual Meeting.

Cathy Rick, our chief Nurse Consultant, is anxious to "walk a mile in your shoes." She wants to know what it is like "in the trenches." We have a marvelous opportunity to expand our sphere of influence by keeping Cathy apprised of the patient care issues we are most concerned about.

We also need to modify our thinking about the legislative process. No matter what you think about politics or the legislative process, we have to learn to navigate the system. And the Internet enables us to express our opinions with just a few keystrokes. There is no excuse for complacency! We cannot be part of the silent majority, not if we want to live our mission statement and influence health care within the Department of Veterans affairs.

There is national concern about staffing levels, patient safety and the impending nursing shortage. NOVA will make these issues part of the agenda for our December Legislative Roundtable. VA nursing needs a strong, unified, informed voice which speaks for our profession, its rightful place in health care, and its impact on advocacy and optimal care for our patients. NOVA is that power and voice!

This is what NOVA can do for you! Spread the word!

Information obtained from the NOVA Chapter Starter Kit