V E TE R AN S AFFAI R S & M I LITARY M E D I CI N E O UTLO O K
VALOR PROGRAM BENEFITS NURSING STUDENTS AND THE VA n THE TRANSITION FROM STUDENT to a real-world job setting can be difficult in any arena, and that is certainly true for the nursing profession, where the potential for reality shock among new nurses is significant. In an effort to ease that transition for newly graduated registered nurses (RN) entering the workforce, as well as augment the number of nurses joining the ranks in caring for the nation’s veterans in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care facilities, the VA Learning Opportunities Residency (VALOR) program provides nursing students an opportunity to enhance their skills in a VA health care setting. And, the VA looks for a significant percentage of program participants to stay on and begin their nursing careers in the VA, helping to stem the current and projected nursing shortage.
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The VALOR program was initiated in 1990, according to program specialist Glenda Fuller, PHR. “This is a program that provides unique learning opportunities for outstanding students,” she said, adding that participating students must have a 3.0 GPA and have completed their junior year in an accredited baccalaureate nursing program. Selected candidates for this paid internship work in an approved VA facility a total of 400 hours during the summer months, and they can work an additional 400 hours spread over their senior year while accommodating their school schedule. Currently, 124 VA-approved health care facilities participate in the VALOR program, Fuller said, and since 2007, the program has seen 5,197 nursing student participants. Nursing students in the program engage in didactic or classroom experiences, clinical conferences, and
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By Gail Gourley
