TVHS nurses graduate from premier residency programs

Eight of the nine graduates will remain in VA to provide health care to America's heroes with all eight nurse practitioners choosing to stay at TVHS. 

Among the ceremony graduation crowd were family members, friends, program directors Kanah Lewallen, Karin Glenn, Charlotte Ellerby, and Jason Jean, and leaders such as TVHS Executive Director Daniel Dücker and TVHS Associate Director for Patient Care Services Dr. Bridget Brozyna.

"We are extremely proud of each of you for making the decision to advance your career and choosing to do so at VA," said Dücker. "VA is special. This is special. It's not the same as going to work in the private sector because of the patients you're taking care of. Your residency projects help challenge the status quo in not only how we treat people but in how we approach medicine."

The Nurse Practitioner Residency Programs are designed to provide advanced training to nurse practitioners in three key areas: mental health, primary care, and geriatric and extended care.

The programs equip nurse practitioners with immersive knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to provide high-quality care to patients in these specialized areas. Advanced clinical development and training is part of VA Tennessee Valley's commitment to providing top-notch post-graduate training to nurses to enhance their skills and prepare them for the challenges within the health care industry.

Mary Harper, TVHS Chief Nurse of Clinical Operations, and Amanda Docktor, TVHS Nurse Practitioner Residency Program Director, were instrumental in the implementation and success of the programs. 

"These programs are sponsored by VA's Office of Academic Affiliations," said Harper. "About three years ago, Office of Academic Affiliations put out a request for proposals to VA medical centers to pilot the geriatric and extended care nurse practitioner residency program. We are unique in that we piloted this program and train exceptional students under health care leaders and professionals who are experts in their craft. The program has grown since then, and we added our additional tracks in 2023."

TVHS is the only VA medical center in Tennessee to offer all four of VA's post-graduate residency programs, which were launched within a two-year period: Post Baccalaureate Registered Nurse Residency Program, nurse practitioner mental health, nurse practitioner primary care, and nurse practitioner geriatric and extended care. Additionally, TVHS was the first VA to pilot the geriatrics and extended care track without having established a mental health or primary care program track – a very rare feat for VA medical centers. This commitment to providing top-notch training to nurses sets TVHS apart as a leader in health care education, innovation, and recruitment.

To be eligible to house a nurse practitioner program, VA medical centers must meet stringent requirements outlined by VA's Office of Academic Affiliations. To qualify for the geriatric and extended care program, the medical center needs to have an existing and established Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC). At the time of application, TVHS was one of 17 VA medical centers in the nation with a GRECC, and, ultimately, eight medical centers were selected.

As these nine nurse practitioners embark on their new careers, they carry with them the knowledge, skills, and experience gained during their time at TVHS. They are well-equipped to provide exceptional care to their patients and make a meaningful impact in the health care industry. Congratulations to the graduates and best wishes for the future!

GEC NP Residents:

• Arrington, Nicole M – Chattanooga VA Clinic Primary Care
• Creighton, Sarah – Nashville VA Medical Center Primary Care
• Neese, Natalia – Alvin C. York VA Medical Center Geriatrics & Extended Care

Primary Care NP Residents:

• Gee, Patrick A – Chattanooga VA Clinic Primary Care
• Kosgei, Lydia J – Nashville VA Medical Center Primary Care
• Long, Michelle – Private community practice

Mental Health NP Residents:

• Brown, Mary D – Alvin C. York VA Medical Center Mental Health
• Campbell, Jude L – Nashville VA Medical Center Mental Health
• Earls, Emily A – Nashville VA Medical Center Mental Health