On October 2, the House Veteran’s Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on the nursing shortage in VA hospitals. Committee Chair Steve Buyer (R-IN) stressed the seriousness of the shortage. “According to the VA, thirty-five percent of its registered nurses are eligible for retirement by the year 2005…where does that leave the veterans who will be needing care?”
“Nurses are taken for granted,” Ranking Member Darlene Hooley (D-OR) stated. “We must make every effort.”
Cathy Rick of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) highlighted the “aggressive actions the VA is taking to combat the shortage.” She noted that “VA facilities have a higher percentage of baccalaureate prepared nurses,” which contributes to “nurse retention and job satisfaction.” To attract top nursing students, the Veterans Affairs Learning Opportunity Residency Program (VALOR) offers “special hiring incentives” and “productive clinical learning.” Another focus is the Magnet Program, a designation of excellence created by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. “The VA is actively encouraging medical centers to attain Medical Recognition Status,” Ms. Rick said.
An unsafe working environment, mandatory overtime, and understaffing were cited by Barbara Blakeney of the American Nurses Association (ANA) as areas of concern. She commended the VA Nurse Qualification Standards and added that the “ANA supports efforts designed to make the BSN (bachelors of science in nursing) the standard entry into nursing practice.”
