Office of Nursing Services (ONS)

Shanna Jenkins' dedication to expert nursing practice and innovative program development makes her a standout leader in perioperative care at the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System. With over 25 years of experience, she plays a vital role in directing clinical and administrative activities for more than 155 operative cases annually, supporting 15 surgical subspecialties, and providing exceptional care to over 2,500 Veterans. As a trusted mentor, educator, and preceptor, she shapes the next generation of surgical and perioperative staff. Her impact extends beyond direct patient care. Ms. Jenkins established an implant management program, ensuring compliance with all regulatory standards and VHA directives while overseeing more than 1,500 implants. Her forward-thinking "Inventory Exchange Program" is projected to save over $500K by reducing waste and optimizing supply management. Committed to lifelong learning, she actively pursues professional development and uplifts the nursing profession through community outreach. Beyond her clinical contributions, she is a passionate advocate for animal rescue, helping over 400 animals find homes in 2024.

Jacqueline Cushard is recognized for her steadfast dedication to mentorship, collaboration, and the advancement of nursing, as well as her outstanding contributions to the VA Phoenix Health Care System as a Nurse Recruiter, Nursing Professional Development Specialist, and Director of the RN Transition-to-Practice Residency Program. Passionate about shaping the next generation of nurses, she empowers nursing residents to excel and make a profound impact on the lives of Veterans. Her innovative approach to evidence-based practice training has revolutionized learning for newly graduated nurses, fostering a culture of inquiry that drives improved health care outcomes. Ms. Cushard is a champion of lifelong learning and professional development. She has developed workshops and presented at conferences to support nurses’ resiliency, career growth, and excellence in practice. Through her leadership, teaching, and advocacy, she continues to elevate the nursing profession, serving as a role model and mentor with compassion and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Bridgette Schultz is resolutely committed to exceptional Veteran care and has been a trailblazer in advancing virtual care at the VA Lebanon Health Care System. She spearheaded the VA Video Connect program, which enhanced follow-up care for hypertensive patients, reduced in-person clinic visits, and improved blood pressure management. Beyond her clinical impact, Ms. Shultz has fostered provider confidence in virtual care technologies. Recognizing initial reluctance, she developed and delivered an engaging VA Video Connect presentation, empowering her colleagues to embrace this vital tool. She has been recognized throughout the VA community clinics as a leader in innovation. Her deep devotion to Veterans matches her expertise in technology. When a Veteran refused urgent medical attention, Ms. Shultz took the time to understand his concerns, coordinating with a social worker to ensure his personal needs were met and that he received the critical care he needed – an extraordinary act of kindness that earned her a HeRO award. Ms. Schultz is celebrated for her innovative spirit, collaborative drive, and steadfast dedication to nursing excellence and Veteran well-being.

Jeannett Sumlin serves in the intensive care unit and epitomizes unwavering dedication to Veteran care through her expertise, advocacy, and compassionate leadership. She consistently goes above and beyond, sharing her knowledge and ensuring the highest standards of patient care. As the Unit Peer Leader for Safe Patient Handling, Ms. Sumlin has been instrumental in promoting compliance with the Safe Patient Handling Initiative, preventing injuries among Veterans. Her commitment led to 100% compliance in annual ICU training and several fall-free quarters. Recognized as a champion by the Chief Nurse of Acute Care for her efforts to prevent hospital-acquired pressure injuries, she provides one-on-one training across units. Thanks to her influence, the ICU achieved zero sacral pressure injuries in 2024. Her generosity shines beyond the bedside. She has organized food drives for unhoused Veterans and, this past holiday season, adopted a Veteran and his family, providing meals and gifts. Ms. Sumlin’s empathy, dedication, and guidance have a profound impact on her colleagues, Veterans, and their families.

Jennifer Winslow honed her leadership skills over a career spanning more than 30 years in tertiary and long-term care, with experience in frontline nursing, management, patient safety, as a nurse practitioner, and as a Chief Nursing Officer. Her expertise has driven successful clinical operations, project management, and system redesign at the VA Manchester Health Care System and across the VA New England Health Care System. A visionary leader, Ms. Winslow championed safe nursing standards and spearheaded the development of a facility plan to align with the Office of Nursing Services and the VA’s strategic plan, ensuring seamless integration into daily Veteran care. Under her guidance, nurse retention and nursing graduate residency programs have tripled, while she has also strengthened opportunities for nursing professional growth. She has mentored staff, expanded nursing protocols —outlining care for patients —by 25%, and empowered nurses to practice at the top of their licenses. Her passion, strategic vision, and unwavering devotion have left a lasting impact on the nursing workforce and the quality of care that Veterans receive. Ms. Winslow’s strong leadership continues to shape the future of VA nursing, creating new pathways to success and excellence in Veteran care.

Rebecca J. Stackhouse is recognized for her dedication to servant leadership and fostering an ethical, collaborative environment that improves Veteran care. As a Medical Center Director, her unwavering commitment to patient safety has led to remarkable achievements, including eliminating catheter-associated urinary tract infections to zero and reducing central line-associated bloodstream infections to under 1%. She drove transformational improvement in sepsis management, increasing compliance from 41.6% to 100% in just two years. Ms. Stackhouse also championed the Tele-sitter program, a remote monitoring system that enables VA providers to monitor Veterans in real-time and intervene when necessary, ensuring the safety of the most vulnerable. Beyond patient safety, she has expanded access to care by pioneering a telehealth program for rural Veterans and establishing six non-VA access sites through community partnerships, an initiative recognized by the VA Secretary and Deputy Under Secretary for Health. Her steadfast commitment to evidence-based practice, innovation, and patient-centered care makes her an invaluable leader within the VA health care system.