Transforming Nursing Practice for Veterans: Personalized, Proactive, and Patient-Driven Healthcare

Veterans Affairs (VA) nursing is a dynamic, diverse group of honored, respected, and compassionate professionals. VA is the leader in the creation of an organizational culture where excellence in nursing is valued as essential for quality healthcare to those who served America. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Office of Nursing Services (ONS) serves as a consultant advising on issues of workforce and leadership, academics, research, and evidence-based clinical practice for a workforce of 84,000 nurses nationwide in 152 VA medical centers and healthcare systems. ONS consults with VA nurses to address the needs of Veterans; there are approximately 22.2 million Veterans, 2.5 million of whom are returning Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)/Operation New Dawn (OND) Veterans. VA facilities currently deliver healthcare to 8.57 million Veterans.1