Employee Spotlight: Tawnia Lola, MSN, RN, Supervisory Employee of the Quarter Winner

Lola was recognized in the Fourth Quarter of 2024 for her instrumental leadership, dedication and collaboration while implementing the Referral Coordination Initiative (RCI) Nurse First model at VA Loma Linda. 

RCI streamlines the referral process to ensure Veteran care is accessible, convenient and delivered in a timely manner. As VA Loma Linda prepared to launch the new initiative, Chief Nurse of Specialty Care Angela Andress, RN, identified Lola as the perfect person to help implement the program with her knowledge, experience and willingness to go above and beyond for Veterans and the VA team. Lola eagerly accepted the assignment with a grateful and cheerful heart. 

“I saw it as a program that can bring Veterans back to VA so they can receive the care they deserve,” said Lola, who has cared for Veterans at VA since 2005. “I just wanted to do a good job and I was not anticipating any type of award.” 

Lola immediately started breaking down barriers for the new team, securing access to necessary programs, equipment and training, and connecting them with other RCI nurses in the VISN and their assigned departments including Cardiology, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), Podiatry and Orthopedics. “As a leader, she is learning right alongside her team so that she is ready to help if they encounter any issues,” said Andress. “She has provided access to data to show the team how bringing patients back into the VA system will increase our access, reduce our budget and provide excellent patient care.”

Lola’s leadership enabled the education, teamwork and communication needed for a streamlined referral process. “Lola was able to bring everyone together and make this initiative a reality in a few months,” said Andress. “The team had to be well-versed on MISSION Act eligibility, VA and community care and services, and best medical interest.” 

The RCI teams review consults in their assigned area and discuss available care options with Veterans. On average, VA Loma Linda addresses 22,000 consults per quarter.

VA Loma Linda is committed to improving referral timeliness and empowering Veterans with understanding the full range of their care options. RCI leverages cross-trained multidisciplinary teams to improve timely access to care and the Veteran experience.

In addition to leading RCI teams, Lola provides oversight for Utilization Management and a Coordinated Transitional Care program that decreases hospital re-admissions.

“Every day I come in and try to give my best,” said Lola, whose father is a Korean War Navy Veteran. “I have always been aware of the sacrifices our Veterans make to ensure our freedom. I wanted a way to give back and working at VA has given me that. Each day we have the opportunity to make a difference for our Veterans and I am truly blessed to work here alongside professionals all with one goal to care for our Veterans.”

Thank you for answering the call to make lives better today than yesterday, Tawnia Lola!