Expanding the PATH (Prospect, Admissions, Training, Honors) for Student Veterans in Nursing

DESCRIPTION As the nursing profession continues to increase diverse workforce, opportunities, Academic Service Partnerships (ASP) between veterans’ healthcare facilities and nursing schools with Veteran to BSN (VBSN) programs are needed. In order to accomplish better diversity, clinical experiences, and leadership opportunities, while also capitalizing on their previous health and leadership military skills, ASP will be important to provide clear veteran-centered teaching goals and services for these student veterans (SV). The purpose of the new ASP is extending the VBSN programs into new partnerships with VA facilities or University Medical Centers across the nation. The two-fold goals of these new ASP are to create new relationships between nursing schools and Veterans Administration (VA) facilities and to expand opportunities for students and faculty to acquire veteran-centered care competencies. With VA facilities across the nation desiring to hire more veterans in the nursing workforce, expanded ASP between nursing schools and VA systems are ripe opportunities for development. Veterans’ military healthcare experiences and training often translate to highly skilled nurses in both civilian and veteran healthcare settings, fulfilling the workforce needs of both the nursing profession and military veterans. LEARNER OBJECTIVES Understand at least three veteran-centered teaching strategies used in a successful veteran to BSN track. Understand at least three benefits of increased veteran-specific education partnerships. Identify at least three pathways to expand academic service partnerships. PRESENTER Deborah L. Sikes, DNP, RN, CNE; Associate Professor and Director of Veterans Education Initiatives for Non-Traditional Undergraduate Programs; Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, School of Nursing; Lubbock, Texas. NURSING CEs This webinar is not eligible for Nursing CE.