5 Impressive VA Nursing Proficiency Examples to Inspire You
As a VA nurse, you have the opportunity to make a real impact in the lives of veterans. But with the range of challenges you face, it’s important to find ways to hone your skills and become a more proficient professional.
To help you get started, we’ve compiled five impressive VA nursing proficiency examples that will inspire you to take your practice to the next level.
1. Establishing Strong Rapport with Patients
One of the most significant challenges VA nurses face is building and maintaining strong relationships with patients. However, it’s vital to establish a rapport to provide effective care.
A proficiency example of this would be a VA nurse who took the time to get to know a veteran patient outside of the VA healthcare facility. The nurse discovered that the patient was an avid fisherman and used this information to contribute to his care plan. The nurse arranged for the patient to participate in a fishing outing, which significantly improved his mood and overall engagement.
2. Using Multidisciplinary Approaches to Care
VA nursing requires a wide range of skills beyond the application of medical procedures. Nurses must also have a vast knowledge of social and psychological issues that veterans face.
A proficiency example of this would be a VA nurse who works regularly with mental health providers to improve the care of veteran patients. The nurse used this partnership to provide comprehensive care to a patient who had struggled with homelessness, PTSD, and substance abuse issues. By working together, the team was able to provide the veteran with long-term support that allowed him to manage his conditions effectively.
3. Staying Current on Emerging Trends in Healthcare
As with any other healthcare field, VA nurses must stay up-to-date on new treatments, medications, and trends in the industry. By continually learning and evolving, VA nurses can provide the best possible care to veterans.
A proficiency example of this would be a VA nurse who made an effort to attend conferences and other educational opportunities related to veteran healthcare. The nurse used this knowledge to introduce new approaches to pain management for a patient who had been suffering for years.
4. Advocating for Veteran Patients
VA nurses must champion the needs of veteran patients proactively. They should advocate for the veteran to receive optimal care while working closely with other healthcare professionals to provide successful treatment outcomes.
A proficiency example of this would be a VA nurse who advocated for a patient to receive an experimental treatment for a condition with no known options. The nurse conducted extensive research on the treatment’s safety and efficacy and convinced the healthcare team that the patient should receive it. The outcome was positive, and the patient experienced a significant improvement in their condition.
5. Demonstrating Excellent Clinical Judgment
Finally, VA nurses must have excellent clinical judgment to make the best decisions for their patients. Nurses should be able to recognize when the circumstances require a deviation from standard procedures and advocate for alternative approaches when necessary.
A proficiency example of this would be a VA nurse who recognized that a veteran with complicated trauma needed additional support. The nurse collaborated with social workers to create a care plan tailored to the patient’s needs, which included referrals to a specialist for EMDR therapy.
In conclusion, VA nursing requires a broad range of skills, and proficiency examples can be inspiring to new and seasoned nurses alike. By adopting the practices mentioned above, VA nurses can make a more significant impact in the lives of veterans. They can provide the best possible care to those who have served our country with pride.
