Click the links below to get to other places on this page, or to other sites.
May 17th Sat, MMA Bike Wash 1100-1400hrs. Swap Meet 0800-1400hrs. Vendors, Booths, Food 0800-1400hrs.
May 18th Sun, Post 27, National Commanders Visit, more info to follow or check with American Legion Post 27.
May 19th Monday, 1800hrs Legion riders General monthly Meeting
May 22, 6:30am - 6:00pm
Arizona National Guard Emergency Relief Fund,1st Annual Golf Tournament
Talking Stick Golf Course, 9998 E Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85256 (480) 860-2221
Hosted by: Ruiz Insurance Group, LLC 6:00 AM Registration, Continental Breakfast, Driving Range 7:30 AM Shot-Gun Start, Luncheon Immediately Following Course: Sponsorship Opportunities Four Star $10,000 (Includes 4 foursomes, tee sponsorship, corporate logo on event program & special mention and banner at luncheon) Three Star $ 7,500 (Includes 3 foursomes, tee sponsorship, corporate logo on event program & special mention at luncheon) Two Star $ 5,000 (Includes 2 foursomes, tee sponsorship, corporate logo on event program & special mention at luncheon) Tee Sponsorship $ 500 Green Fees, $ 300 per player, $ 1,200 per foursome
May 26th Post 10 Ajo, AZ Memorial Day Chile cook-off, raffle and ride. 1000hrs
The deadline is May 31
The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame has inducted 164 military veterans since its inception in 2001 and highest honor awarded by the Governor to an honorably discharged military veteran of the State for achievements outside of their military service that significantly benefit and provide inspiration to other veterans.
The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame is a Veterans Hall of Fame and NOT a Military Hall of Fame. Military service only qualifies the individual for nomination. The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame is sponsored by Unified Arizona Veterans and focuses on a veteran’s contributions and service to community, State and Nation outside and after military service.
Just to give you an idea of who is in the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame we have men and women, Caucasian, African American, Asian, Native American Indians, numerous religious faiths, our ages vary from 42 to 96 and all branches of the services are represented– Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Merchant Marines, Coast Guard, Air Force and National Guard. Military service only qualifies a veteran for nomination yet the accomplishments of these veterans are tremendous. In general terms the Hall includes Medal of Honor Recipients, Generals and Enlisted, Prisoners of War, Governors, U.S. and State Senators and Representatives, Federal and State Supreme Court Judges, Mayors, Professors and Teachers, Aviators and Submariners, Military Service Academy Graduates and even one SCHMUCK…That’s Right! Frank Schmuck.
On behalf of Arizona's Director of Veterans' Services, Gregg Maxon, and Unified Arizona Veterans Chair, Gary Fredricks, and our Society of Inductees we remind everyone that 2008 nominations for the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame are due no later than May 31, 2008.
To nominate any veteran download the 2008 AVHOF Nomination Package by visiting the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society website at
www.AVHOF.org or
www.AZDVS.gov and clicking the link on the home page or the package link above. Criteria and Guidelines for nomination are included in the package along with a list of those 164 veterans who have already been inducted. Please consider nominating any deserving veteran of this honor.
Frank C. Schmuck, President
Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society
June 16
ATTENTION VETERANS - YOUR NEXT ASSIGNMENT - BECOME A TEACHER!
Attend a FREE seminar to learn about the profession of teaching, how we have assisted over 11,000 vets transition to teaching careers, and how you can get started!
Date: June 16, 2008 Learn about the requirements to become a teacher
Time: 1000 to 1130 - Learn about the services available through
One-on-One sessions 1200-1630 - Troops to Teachers and Spouses to Teachers
Location: One-Stop Career Center -Discover career opportunities with representatives
735 N. Gilbert Rd, Suite #134 from local school districts
(SE corner of Guadalupe & Gilbert) Speak with representatives of “military friendly”
RSVP: 800-830-2134 or
jluna@azdvs.gov and “spouse friendly” colleges offering
certification programs
For more information and/or to determine your eligibility, go to
www.proudtoserveagain.com
or contact the Arizona State Office at 800-830-2134 / 602-372-4269
June 21, 3:00 PM
All Veteran Texas Hold 'em Tournament to help raise funds for all the veterans groups in the Valley, at Fort Mcdowell casino.
Tuesday April 15
Thursday April 17
Friday April 18
Monday April 21
Tuesday April 22
Wednesday April 23
Friday April 25
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God Speed
If you know of someone who is returning home to the Valley, please email the info so we can post it here.
He is a Marine Corp reservist and was deployed in December 2007 just shy of graduating from ASU but he was stationed here in Arizona until January 6th when he went to North Carolina. He was home a couple of weekends ago before he heads overseas – we have many AZ Marines going to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa that are heading overseas this week. While we wait for our young soldiers to come home we celebrate those that are ending their tours and being reunited with their loved ones.
Thank you for giving us a daily reminder of our Liberties and what has been and continues to be the sacrifice of these fine young men and women as they serve their country and protect our liberties. I am proud of my son for his decision and dedication to this country.
A proud and loving mother --- Semper Fi my son Thomas…..
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Please pray for Bravo Company – 1st Btn / 6th Marine Division, stationed out of Camp LeJeune, NC. They deployed March 13th to Kandahar, Afghanistan, and will be there for 7 – 9 mos. They will be assisting NATO forces who have asked for help in fighting the ever increasing Taliban & Al-Qaeda insurgents in the Hellman- Province.
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My son- LCPL, Joaquin Martinez is a Gunner for his company, and he’s a fine young man. He and his fellow Marines deserve the best and well wishes from all of us here in AZ.
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I just wanted to let you know that my 20 year-old Marine, Lance Corporal Scott Cianfarano has just deployed to Falluja, Iraq. He left Saturday with his unit, 1st Intel BN, UNIT 42502 stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA. We send our prayers to Scott and his comrades-in-arms. May God keep them safe and allow them all to return home healthy and happy after their 7 month tour. It is difficult for a parent to send their sons and daughters off to a war-torn country. Our hearts and prayers also go out to all parents of servicemen and women who have had to say goodbye to their children.
Thank you for taking a role in honoring our brave soldiers. We make it a point to listen at 5:30 every day so that we can turn on our lights and pay honor to them with you.
God Bless,
Dr. Sam & Linda Cianfarano - Proud Marine parents of LCPL Scott
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Welcome Home
If you know of someone who is returning home to the Valley, please email the info so we can post it here.
My son, David, is due back from the Kuwait-Iraq border about April 15th. Wish him luck. Thank you for your continued support. No matter your feelings about the war, still supporting the troops is an American constant and hopefully will stay that way. Love the show, Paula
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Nearly 30 Airmen from Luke's 56th Security Forces Squadron return to Phoenix Thursday, March 13th, after more than six months in Southwest Asia. The deployed Airmen will be greeted at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport by family, friends and fellow Airmen. Their plane is scheduled to arrive at 6:45 p.m.
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E 6 Joel P. Arvizu will be returning from Afghanistan around the 23rd of March 08. He is in the Army. Please welcome him home
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Rob and Laurie Trygg are so happy to welcome home Laurie's son, Sean Case, PFC E3, returning home from Camp Bucca, Iraq.
Announcements/Releases
VA Medical Center Celebrates VA Research Week By Opening Research Lab to Media;
Cutting Edge Technology on Display
PHOENIX - Cardiologist David Simper, MD, is carefully growing stem cells in his laboratory at the Carl T. Hayden Veterans Affairs Medical Center, watching over them like a protective parent in the hopes that they will help unlock the secret to repairing or preventing deadly complications suffered by people with diabetes.
Dr. Simper is relying on adult stem cells, taken from blood samples provided by healthy adults and those with type 1 diabetes, to reveal differences in their ability to form new blood vessels. Using the most current form of technology called flow cytometry, he is trying to identify how the cells work and how they might ultimately be used to repair damaged blood vessels in diabetic patients or construct new vessels.
This is just one of the many clinical research studies being conducted at the VA Medical Center, which is opening its research laboratory to the media this week.
Dr. Simper and other researchers at the VA Medical Center are using a bench-top flow cytometry system that represents the latest version of this technology. To use the flow cytometer, a beam of laser light is aimed at cells treated with fluorescent dyes as they flow through the equipment, suspended in fluid. The laser excites the cells into emitting and scattering light, which is picked up, amplified and analyzed for fluctuations in brightness. Researchers can extrapolate various types of information about the physical and chemical structure of each cell, based on the individual surface markers of the cell, as well as distinguish, sort and count certain types of cells. While flow cytometry takes measurements on one cell at a time, it can process thousands of cells in a few seconds.
Other VA research week activities include poster presentations, tours and a special barbecue.
Media Note: To arrange for a tour of the research laboratory, contact Paula Pedene APR, Public Affairs Officer, at (602) 200-6279 or via e-mail at paula.pedene@va.gov.
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I had an email tonight from the OEF/OIF Community Outreach Social Worker at the Carl J Hayden VA Hospital. She asked me for help and I in turn am turning to you wonderful Arizona Angels. Below is a list of things that are needed by this hospital to take care and help our Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans. If you can send any of these things they would be GREATLY appreciated. She said the need is great and they are seeing more everyday. Please take a few minutes and look at this list and see if you can send just one thing on it. Just imagine if each of you send one thing from this list that is one Iraq/Afghanistan Veteran that will be helped. Here is the List:
Gas Cards Shell or Chevron ($10 or $15)
Gift Cards to Target and/or Walmart (Any Amount)
Please include a note with your gift that includes your name, address and Soldiers' Angels. Mail to:
Brenda Gust, LMSW
OEF/OIF Community Outreach Social Worker
Phoenix VA Health Care System
650 E. Indian School Road
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Thanks for helping our youngest Veterans.
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Phoenix VA Health Care System Announces Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Globe VA Health Care Clinic
The Phoenix VA Health Care System comprised of the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center in Phoenix and six community clinics, is announcing the ribbon cutting ceremony for the official opening of the Globe VA Health Care Clinic.
The ribbon cutting will take place on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 11 a.m. at the new clinic located at 5680 South Hospital Drive, Suite 111 in Globe.
Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 18 Director Susan Bowers and Phoenix VA Health Care System Director Donald Moore will cut the ribbon along with other invited guests.
The clinic will serve veterans in the Globe-Miami area.
"This opening allows us to serve these veterans in a wonderful new setting that truly enhances our environment of care," said Phoenix VA Health Care System Center Director Donald Moore.
"VA Health Care has been rated as some of the best health care in the country," said VISN 18 Network Director Susan Bowers. "We are grateful that this new clinic will allow us to better serve smaller communities, like Globe and Miami, with improved access to that care," she added.
Bowers has VA medical center jurisdiction over seven different VA facilities in three states and multiple counties.
Moore is the director of the Phoenix VA Health Care System which encompasses all of Maricopa County, which has the largest penetration of veterans in the state of Arizona.
VA will share some medical services, via contract with Cobre Valley Community Hospital.
The Globe VA Health Care Clinic currently has 424 patients at the new clinic. There are 1,031 registered for VA health care in the Globe-Miami area.
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Legally Blind Vietnam Veteran Earns VA Volunteer of the Year Honors
PHOENIX - You can count on Barney Albert to be at the Carl T. Hayden Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center at least four days a week, making coffee for veterans, buying them donuts or muffins out of his own pocket, and just talking with them to help answer questions or pass the time as they wait for their medical appointments.
After all, having served in the Army during the Vietnam era, he is one of them. While serving with the Army in Germany, an explosion took the sight in his right eye. He is legally blind and, although he doesn't live far away, he has to ride a bus two to three hours a day to volunteer at the VA Medical Center.
On many days, he talks with veterans who are losing or have recently lost their sight about how VA can help them lead normal lives by using assistive devices and rehabilitation training to help improve their confidence. He also calls veterans who have been in VA's rehabilitation program for awhile to find out if there is anything they need. Sometimes he just spends time with veterans, visually impaired or not, letting them know that he's there to help.
"I like helping people, and it works out really well," says Albert. "I've seen a lot of hurt people (in the clinics); sometimes they don't have anybody, so you just sit down with them and talk."
Lauren Stivison, his supervisor who nominated him for the VA Volunteer of the Year honor, says the trust that other veterans and employees have for Albert is amazing.
"Veterans trust Barney because he has first-hand knowledge about blindness and the benefits of certain procedures and programs," says Stivison. "He has always shown the utmost respect for veterans and employees."
Albert is one of about 1,000 people who volunteer their time to the Phoenix VA Health Care System, logging nearly 150,000 hours each year.
"We could not do what we do without each and every one of them," says Sheila Beran-Parker, Voluntary Service Specialist. "I believe in angels, and I count our volunteers as angels."
Besides spending his own money to help make veterans as comfortable as possible while at the VA Medical Center, he shares his experience as a blind veteran who has benefited from top-notch VA health care and rehabilitation programs offered by the facility. He had a cornea transplant about a year ago, which has given him back some of his sight. He also received rehab services through the VA Southwestern Blind Rehabilitation Center, a Tucson-based, world-class VA inpatient program for visually impaired veterans. He also receives VA outpatient treatment and rehabilitation services.
In earning this honor, Barney Albert was recognized at the annual VA Volunteer Awards Luncheon and was presented with a lovely plaque and additional recognition.
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If anyone is of Polish American heritage please read below. If you knew Mary Ellen Pitotrowski please read below and help if you can.
Help honor those Polish Americans who served in the military. Please provide biographical information about your friend, Yeoman Mary Ellen Piotrowski who served in the US Navy including her education and military training. I am particularly interested in more information about her as individual, her career after leaving the military, her community involvement … some information that made her the unique individual she was. Can you help me or refer me to someo! ne who can?
With the assistance of Fred Thomas, Public Relations Office of the Polish Legion of American Veterans, I am searching for biographical information about Polish American Veterans with the goal of publishing a book honoring their service and achievements. Our objective is to include Polish American men and women veterans from all branches of service doing a wide variety of jobs.
Do you know of any other Polish American veterans who should or are interested in being included? The criteria for inclusion are:
The individual must be of polish ancestry (surname need not be Polish)
The individual must have served or is currently serving in the military.
The biographical information needed is:
1. Name, rank and branch of service
2. Year of birth/death(?)
3. Education
4. Military service - include information of their assignments especially anything unique or interesting.
5. Awards and decorations
6. Employment after discharge from military and community involvement.
7. Picture, preferably in uniform - please send me a photograph (which I will scan and return to you) or a scanned copy for inclusion in this publication.
Thank you for your assistance.
Very truly yours,
Alice H. Deck as Alicja Deck-Partyka
author of POLAND, A Unique Country & Its People
You can contact Alice at (410) 838-4234 or email: deck.partyka@lycos.com. She currently has 115 pages of her book and is looking for more.
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What is VA Doing to Provide Help to Our Returning Warriors Five Years Into the War?
March 19, 2008 marks the fifth year of the OIF invasion
Since 2003 our country has been at war, but for many of us the impact is minimal. Not so for our veterans who have seen combat on the front lines, some who have even repeated their combat tours two and three times. For them life is different.
This war and its injuries differs from previous conflicts. There is an incidence of polytrauma from Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Additionally thanks to improvements in medical care on the battlefield or shortly thereafter, these service members are surviving wounds they might not have a couple of decades ago. But these improvements can pose challenges for the VA Health Care System, which takes care of these veterans over the long term.
Today, there are nearly 9,600 Persian Gulf, Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF-Afghanistan service) and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans who receive their care from the Phoenix VA Health Care System. Of these 8650 are men, 950 are women and 3200 have had multiple deployments. As these "Returning Warriors" seek VA for their health care needs, we are responding with a variety of venues including:
Five Years of FREE VA Health Care: Military veterans who served in combat since Nov. 11, 1998, including veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, are now eligible for five years of free medical care for most conditions from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
This measure increases a two-year limit that has been in effect nearly a decade. Combat veterans who were discharged between Nov. 11, 1998 and Jan. 16, 2003, and who never took advantage of VA's health care system, have until Jan. 27, 2011 to qualify for free VA health care.
The five-year window is also open to activated Reservists and members of the National Guard, if they served in a theater of combat operations after Nov. 11, 1998 and were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions. VA has several doctors who can talk to you about our nationally recognized health care.
Mental Health Therapy specifically designed for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) including Cognitive Processing Therapy a type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which helps patients work through their memories and maintain their accuracy. In time, people can change their memories. When they are traumatic, it is often easier to have the memories reflected in a more negative tone which isn't often accurate. To avoid depression VA tries to get the patients to keep their memories balanced. This therapy is often 13 weeks long.
VA also offers Exposure Therapy for PTSD. Exposure methods work by helping anxious patients confront their fears with the aim of reducing the fear or anxiety that can be managed. This therapy also incorporates relaxation therapy. The CTHVAMC has several PTSD experts who can help describe the processes used to help these veterans.
Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom Program Coordination: Returning veterans are triaged by the OEF/OIF program manager who determines the level of case management care required. These OEF/OIF veterans are then case managed by a Nurse Case Manager, Social Work Case Manager or both. The CTHVAMC case managers are here to assist the OEF/OIF veterans with their post deployment needs. This case management consists of oversight of medical and mental health care to ensure the veteran is getting comprehensive services that are coordinated for better outcomes.
The program is also responsible for community outreach to the military and the community at large. The goal is to educate returning service members. Sometimes they may be overwhelmed with information and efforts to "get back to normal" when they are discharged. So VA steps in to remind them and their families about VA benefits and health care options.
Our VA also screens all veterans for symptoms of brain trauma, which may not manifest itself right away. Earlier identification and treatment of veterans with more subtle forms of brain injury means a better chance of recovery. In fact, the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center was on the forefront of developing a screening tool early in the war. We have also recently established the "Brain Boosters" group that has begun to help veterans. The CTHVAMC case managers can share heart warming stories of how we are responding to the unique needs of these veterans.
Audiology and Speech Pathology Services (ASPS): This area provides comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services on an expedited priority basis (less than 30 days) for OEF/OIF veterans concerned about communication or cognitive problems. This includes hearing loss following military noise exposure or memory loss following traumatic brain injury. When indicated, they provide hearing aid services and other options for amplification, and memory devices that may assist the veteran in their daily routines. ASPS tries to assist the combat veteran so that the veteran can pursue his or her goals in life. For example, custom hearing protection is provided if routine noise exposure continues in the veteran's post-service occupation or recreational activity. ASPS makes every effort to accommodate the OEF/OIF veterans' schedule which may be limited due to their work or college schedules.
Sleep Research for Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF-Afghanistan Service) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Insomnia is very common among persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI is the signature injury of the war and sleep disturbance is frequently reported by Iraq war veterans. VA is determining OEF/OIF needs and preferences for insomnia treatments, and ways to deliver treatments to them.
This study was funded by the VA Office of Research and Development, Health Services R&D Service, QUERI Program. The preliminary findings suggest that veterans prefer a combination of non-pharmacological and pharmacological insomnia treatments. Veterans also prefer electronic methods of receiving non-medication treatment such as the Internet and MP3 files. These preferences may reflect the technology savvy of this new era of veterans. An Internet-based, non-medication intervention option could supplement the medication treatment available in routine care. The CTHVAMC has an Insomnia Research expert on our staff that can show you more about this study.
These programs are just a glimpse of what we are providing. We can also offer interviews with veterans who are utilizing VA services to share the effects of the care they are receiving.
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Just wanted to let you know we officially formed the East Valley Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America this week and appreciate your help in getting the word out. We are Chapter 1011 and new members are welcome!
Art O'Hagan, President
Chapter 1011, East Valley Vietnam Veterans of America... April 16th @ 6:30 pm (sharp)...Mesa Main Library, Saguaro Room (2nd Floor), 64 E. 1st St. (North of Main St. between Center and Centennial)...new members welcome!
November 15
Freedom Inn hosts VA Talk – Martha Alderman, a benefits counselor with the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services, will discuss a benefit of the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs that can provide money for assisted living housing and health care among other expenses. This presentation, titled “Veterans Benefits and Assisted Living,” will be delivered on Thursday, Nov. 15, at 9:30 a.m. at Freedom Inn at Sun City West, located at 13810 West Sandridge Drive. Contact Sherri Williams at sherriwilliams@brookdaleliving.com or 623-584-2338 for more information.
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Phoenix VA Health Care System Announces New Location of Globe VA Health Care Clinic
The Phoenix VA Health Care System comprised of the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center in Phoenix and six community based clinics, is announcing a new location for the Globe VA Health Care Clinic. The clinic will soon be located at 5680 South Hospital Drive, Suite 111 in Globe and is anticipated to open for business by the end of April 2008.
The clinic will serve veterans in the Globe-Miami area.
"We are delighted to be able to provide this enhanced clinic for our veterans in the Globe-Miami area for our veterans," said Phoenix VA Health Care System Center Director Donald Moore.
"We are constantly working on ways to enhance both the access to care and timeliness of our care for veterans and this new clinic will help us to achieve those goals," he added.
The clinic currently serves 424 veterans and is anticipated to grow its services with the new location. A ribbon cutting for the clinic will be held sometime in May 2008.
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VA Medical Center Opens New Patient Care Ward with Nursing Education Emphasis
Using state-of-the art monitoring technology, 4C improves care for patients moving from ICU and will help teach new doctors and nurses
PHOENIX - Combining leading-edge technology, a model nursing education program and functional beauty, the Carl T. Hayden Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center has a beautiful new ward. With its advanced technology on Ward 4C, VA can now offer enhanced state-of-the-art patient care while maximizing the facility's bed space, especially during the peak winter season.
The 25-bed Progressive Care/Telemetry Unit on Ward 4C at the VA Medical Center features a new tele-monitoring system that lets nurses keep a close watch on cardiac and other patients. These patients may no longer need intensive care, but are not yet stable enough for a general medical or surgical care unit. Thus, the availability of such a high level of care outside of the medical center's intensive care unit (ICU) will make more ICU beds available during winter months, when demand is highest when influenza season and when the winter visitors hit.
"This is more than a regular telemetry unit," explains Michael Chesser, MD, Medical Director of the Progressive Care/Telemetry Unit. He says the unit fills the "middle ground" between ICU and general patient care areas by providing a safe and comfortable environment for patients "who are a little less stable than typical (medical and surgical) patients."
Dr. Chesser says the impressive new telemonitoring system will allow nurses and other health care professionals to monitor several aspects of patients' status, including heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen levels. Caregivers can monitor patients at the bedside or from the nurses' station, and technicians in the medical center's ICU or Emergency Department (ED) can also track patients' physical status.
The patients, many of whom will be recovering from heart attacks, strokes or serious diabetic reactions „Ÿ likely will be receiving intravenous medications that can have a significant effect on the body. The "extra set of eyes" offers additional safety to patients and allows them to continue their recovery in a comfortable, less restrictive environment.
"ICUs are typically very busy units, with a lot of noise and activity," says Nancy Claflin, RN, PhD, Associate Chief of Nursing Service, Operations. "So this type of unit is a better environment for the patient."
Ward 4C offers semiprivate and private rooms that are spacious and beautifully decorated. Veterans in wheelchairs will find it easy to get around, including being able to wheel into the showers in their bathrooms. A few private rooms can be used as pulmonary isolation rooms.
The VA's new Progressive Care/Telemetry Unit also will provide a state-of-the-art teaching environment for medical students, residents and nursing students. In August, the unit will launch a model teaching program in collaboration with the Arizona State University College of Nursing. Five VA nurses will be clinical adjunct faculty at ASU, working alongside and teaching student nurses. Staff nurses at the VA will be able to attend educational sessions at the nearby College of Nursing as well.
Jess Fowler, RN, BSN, Nurse Manager of the Progressive Care/Telemetry Unit, adds that the combination of nurses providing a higher level of care and being involved in teaching students will help support nursing retention at the hospital.
"They are increasing their nursing competencies, and that helps motivate staff."
Fowler says the VA Medical Center expects to save "several hundred bed days" each year by having the new unit, and freeing up more ICU beds.
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