The Florida International University (FIU) Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences, in partnership with the Miami VA Healthcare System (MVAHS), received more than $8 million in federal funding to implement the Veterans Affairs Nursing Academic Partnership (VANAP).
FIU is one of three universities nationwide selected by the United States’ Veterans Affairs Office of Academic Affiliation to launch this five-year program. Beginning in 2014-2015 academic year, it will serve to promote recruitment and retention of VA nurses, increase enrollment in the undergraduate nursing program, and develop inter-professional education and promote skills specific to military health concerns.
Over the course of the VANAP program, the partnership will leverage academic and clinical resources to thread the entire baccalaureate nursing curriculum with a focus on the care and management of health problems impacting military veterans, active service members and their families. These include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), suicide and other mental health issues, chemical exposure, major traumatic limb loss and rehabilitation.
In addition, the partners will create a post-baccalaureate nurse residency program at the Miami VA Healthcare System as well as obtain accreditation for it. This nurse residency program is aimed at nurse recruitment and retention for the VA hospital system, which is always in need of highly qualified and dedicated nurses.
