Omaha VA Medical Center Selects Four Nursing Students for Immersive Training Program
OMAHA, Neb.— The Omaha VA Medical Center has selected four exceptional nursing students to participate in its highly competitive VA Student Trainee Experience Program (VA-STEP).
This program offers a unique opportunity for aspiring nurses to gain hands-on experience in various nursing fields while still pursuing their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees.
Olivia Ball, Avyrie Hamstra, Alexis Acheampong, and Olivia Manning will embark on a transformative journey working alongside experienced VA nurses and healthcare professionals. The students, who have completed their junior year in BSN programs at their respective universities and are set to graduate in May 2025, will rotate through different Omaha VAMC units, including the intensive care unit (ICU), operating room (OR), cardiac care, emergency room (ER), and psychiatric ward.
The VA-STEP program provides nursing students with a comprehensive and immersive learning experience by allowing them to develop their skills, gain confidence, and explore various nursing specialties under the guidance of dedicated mentors.
The VA-STEP program's rigorous selection process ensures that only the most promising and dedicated nursing students are chosen to participate. The four selected students have demonstrated a strong commitment to their education and a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of Veterans, said Robert Laws, VA-STEP coordinator at the Omaha VA Medical Center.
Throughout their time in the program, the students will have the opportunity to work closely with experienced VA nurses, learning from their expertise and gaining valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of working in a VA healthcare setting. They will also attend educational sessions and workshops designed to enhance their knowledge and skills in various aspects of nursing care.
Olivia Ball, a BSN student at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity to work with Veterans through the VA-STEP program.
"What attracted me to this program is the opportunity to precept in all the units in the VA," she said. "I am hoping this exposure will help me decide what department fits me best. Currently, I am interested in ICU, OR, or cardiac and look forward to working with Veterans and learning more about the VA system."
Ball's passion for serving those who have served their country is a sentiment shared by her fellow VA-STEP participants. Avyrie Hamstra, who attends Missouri Baptist University in St. Louis, grew up in Colorado and has always been drawn to the medical field. "I was raised in the medical field and have always wanted to go into medicine," she said. "I want to go on and get my (Doctor of Nursing Practice) but have not decided where or when yet. I am leaning towards being in the ER. I am very excited for this opportunity."
Alexis Acheampong, a Creighton University BSN student, brings a unique perspective to the program, having grown up as a military kid. "I had the opportunity to be stationed in Germany for 13 years, six years in Kansas, and now Virginia," she shared. "I am passionate about working in ICU, psych, or any area to work with Veterans. I am excited to be part of the VA-STEP program where I will learn valuable skills and become a better nurse overall."
Olivia Manning, also a Creighton BSN student, currently works as a student nurse technician at Creighton University’s Bergan Medical Center. Originally from Seattle, Washington, Manning has set her sights on gaining experience in the ICU after graduation. She aspires to return to school and become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). "I am excited to gain more experience as part of the VA-STEP Program," she said.
The VA-STEP program benefits the participating students and contributes to the overall mission of the VA healthcare system. By investing in the education and training of future nurses, the VA ensures that Veterans will continue to receive the highest quality of care from a dedicated and skilled nursing workforce.
The VA-STEP program serves as a shining example of the VA's commitment to excellence in nursing education and patient care. By providing nursing students with the opportunity to gain practical experience and learn from experienced professionals, the program is helping to shape the future of healthcare for Veterans.