Hardin-Simmons Nursing Students Serve Veterans with VALOR

HSU Nursing Students given the opportunity to work with Veterans Affairs

November 11, 2014 Cheryl Sawyers

 

The Veterans Affairs Learning Opportunities Residency Program (VALOR Program) is an honors program for nursing students who are entering into their senior year and allows for those students to work at the Veterans Administration hospital for a summer internship. 

The program has a very extensive selection process, and four HSU students were chosen last summer to work within the local VA clinics.  Students worked over 400 hours serving veterans and participating in educational programs offered at the facility.  Each student was expected to complete a special project that benefited the veteran community at large.  The clinical emphases are unique to this geographic region and provide the students with a holistic perspective not often seen in other clinical settings.

Liz Mayes, director of learning and student development for the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing, explained how the students benefit, “The purpose of the VALOR program is to prepare students through a variety of clinical opportunities presented by the veteran population.  This environment presents opportunities for nursing service to patients who have military backgrounds and live in underserved geographical areas.”  

This is the second year for the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing to participate with two students participating last year.  The four students selected for the VALOR program last summer were, Regina Carmichael, Brianne Repko, Deyanira Martinez and Kristen Pack.  Each of the students expressed their appreciation for the program in saying that it was an honor and a privilege to work with the patients and staff at the VA.  Three of the four students hope to work in a capacity serving the military during their future professional lives.

For more information on the VALOR program or the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing visit http://www.phssn.edu/

 

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