VA Secretary recognizes Houston VA nurse for dedication, service to Veterans

Kelly Irving, Associate Director for Patient Care Services at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, was one of six selected to receive the national 2021 award, announced this week by Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough. Irving was recognized for her leadership of more than 1800 nurses, allowing the organization to meet its goals of providing high quality, safe nursing care for Veterans and ensuring staff safety at the Houston VA during the global pandemic. Ms. Irving's guidance of the facility’s nursing leadership led to the development of a contingency plan to bolster the availability of direct care nursing staff during the pandemic. 

“Over the past year, our incredible professionals have answered the call to serve,” said McDonough. “Our teammates, who have displayed superior performance throughout this challenging pandemic, not only cared for Veterans enrolled in our system, but stepped up to support VA’s Fourth Mission efforts to care for civilian patients in communities across the nation. In the face of uncertainty, they cared for our most vulnerable and saved lives.”

VA established the award in 1984 as a way to honor nurses and executives across its health care system.

“In line with VA’s vision of quality care and service, Kelly Irving works tirelessly as our chief nurse to ensure our team and the Veterans who depend upon us for care have the very best experience,” said Frank Vazquez, Medical Center Director of the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. “We are so proud of Ms. Irving and of all our Houston VA nurses who have performed with selfless dedication during this pandemic.” 

Learn more about the developments in VA nursing and VA career nursing opportunities. 

Maureen Dyman, Communications Director

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