Boosting Veteran Care: Nurses Lead the Way
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) stands as the largest employer of nurses in the U.S., with over 120,000 nurses dedicated to caring for more than 9 million veterans. Despite the critical role of nurses, there has been a notable gap in research focused on enhancing nursing practices within the VHA.
A Landmark Conference: State of the Art (SOTA)
In November 2023, the VHA's Office of Research and Development collaborated with the Office of Nursing Services to host the State of the Art (SOTA) conference. This gathering brought together nurses, researchers, and leaders to explore ways to elevate nursing care for veterans.
Five Key Focus Areas
The conference identified five pivotal areas for improvement:
- Preventing and treating pressure injuries
- Enhancing care coordination
- Understanding the impact of social determinants on health
- Optimizing nurse staffing models
- Improving the nursing work environment
Beyond the Conference
The participants also emphasized the need for better data and greater support for nursing research. These insights are now integrated into the VHA's 2024 research priorities, guiding future research, policies, and practices. The ultimate goal is to strengthen nursing science and enhance care for veterans.
