Top Nurse visits Hines VA Hospital during Nurses Week
Dr. Jennifer Strawn, Veterans Health Administration’s Chief Nursing Officer, toured Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital on May 7 during Nurses Week, an annual celebration of nurses across the country from May 6 to 12.
Strawn began her visit by meeting Hines VA executive leadership and recognized four nurses for their outstanding contributions.
Afterward, Strawn spoke with Hines VA nurses about Department of Veterans Affairs nursing plans, qualifications, and shared governance. The VHA is a component of VA.
Strawn concluded her visit by touring Hines VA’s Community Living Center and Spinal Cord Injury Center, where she learned about Hines VA’s shared governance program.
Elmer Bungag, a licensed practical nurse who worked on three shared governance projects, expressed his heartfelt gratitude for Strawn taking the time to visit Hines VA’s
“We are so honored to have [Strawn] here to see the great projects coming from CLC,” said Bungag.
“It’s good for the CLC to show Dr. Strawn what we have done and what we are capable of,” said Zoe Palisoc, a hospice unit nurse. “We center our care around the Veterans, and we have put together a number of interventions that make sure that they are at the center of our care.”
Before leaving, Strawn praised the nurses at Hines VA.
“Here at Hines, you have nurses who are doing outstanding work, across the system, and they are always so focused, not just on caring for Veterans, but also making the work and practice environment better for one another,” Strawn concluded.