This week (May 6-11) the Gainesville VA Medical Center honors the dedicated men and women we in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) consider to be the compassionate backbone of the Veterans’ health care system – our nurses.
The theme of National Nurses Week 2010 is “Nursing: Caring for a Healthier Tomorrow,” and no one puts more passion into the health care profession than VA nurses. VA is the nation’s largest single employer of nurses and VA nurses lead their profession in education and training, clinical responsibility and research. But their passion comes from VA’s mission – caring for our Veterans.
VA nurses are integral and equal members of our health care team of professionals. No health care professional is closer to the Veterans we care for than a VA nurse. Our patients rely on them for their compassion and the VA relies on them for setting the highest clinical care standards. That reliance is well placed. VA’s recognition as a leader in health care, patient safety and research is due in large part to its nurses.
I am deeply proud to be associated with the nurses who serve Veterans at the Gainesville VA Medical Center and of all of our nation’s 2.9 million nurses who work tirelessly to keep us well and save lives around the clock every day.
THOMAS A. CAPPELLO, MPH, FACHE
Director, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System