USF College of Nursing hosts national conference focused on veterans
More than 75 nursing leaders from around the country joined forces to discuss health needs for veterans, service members and their families on Oct. 21 at a national conference hosted by University of South Florida College of Nursing. The 2nd Annual JOINING FORCES TO RESTORE LIVES: Nursing Education and Research in Veterans Health conference was held at the Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS) in downtown Tampa.
The daylong conference focused on nursing education and research designed to meet the needs of veterans, service members and their families. It is part of USF’s commitment to support the Joining Forces campaign, a comprehensive national initiative to mobilize all sectors of society to support and honor America’s service members and their families.
USF System President, Judy Genshaft, welcoming top nursing leaders from around the country at the 2nd annual College of Nursing Joining Conference
The conference began with welcoming speeches from USF System President, Judy Genshaft, PhD, Interim Senior Vice President for USF Health, Dean of the College of Public Health, Donna J. Paterson, ScD, MHS, and College of Nursing Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Community Engagement, Constance Visovsky, PhD, RN, ACNP-BC.
“It’s an honor and privilege to have all these bright minds in one room together discussing issues that affect veterans, service members and their families,” said Dr. Visovsky during her opening speech. “USF College of Nursing is proud to host this conference where those who fought for our freedom will get the attention they deserve.”
Keynote speaker Lieutenant General Martin R. Steele, who is a combat veteran with more than 34 years of service and the associate vice president for USF Veterans Research and the executive director for USF World Military Partnerships, gave a moving and compelling speech. Lt. Gen. Steele is a nationally recognized expert on the integration of national power, cutting-edge policies and programs for veterans.
Lt. Gen. Steele giving an emotional speech during the Joining Forces Conference
“We need more research, more work to be able to understand the cultural differences of people in the military,” Lt. Gen. Steele said. “They need our help. To help them, we need to collaborate with colleges and universities, the private sector, medical facilities, the Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense and begin to work together to help improve the lives of veterans, service members and their families.”
Lt. Gen. Steele speaking during the Joining Forces Conference
Several veterans shared their deployment experiences and challenges they faced in transitioning to civilian life, which included Brian Anderson, a former Green Beret, 10-year Army veteran and director of the Pasco County Veteran Services and Stand Down program, and Peter Burch, a USF nurse practitioner student and retired Major with 34 years of military service with the Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and Army Reserve.
Veteran, Brian Anderson, giving a speech about his deployment experiences and challenges he faced during transition to civilian life
During the daylong event, there were also three simultaneous education and research oral presentation sessions and 15 poster presenters covering topics such as education and research that addressed veterans’ healthcare needs. Participants were also treated to a great lunch, snacks, and a CAMLS tour.
At the end of the day, Dr. Visovsky wrapped up the conference by thanking everyone who participated while stressing the importance of working together to advance nursing’s impact on military and veteran health.
“Even after today, we must keep the discussion going and continue to share our successes and discoveries,” Dr. Visovsky said. “Encourage your colleagues back home to do the same, and challenge them to make a difference for those who fight to protect the United Stated of America.”
For more information about Joining Forces to Restore Lives Conference please visit the USF College of Nursing website: http://cme.hsc.usf.edu/joiningforces/
For related stories about the conference visit the USF College of Nursing News Site here.
-USF Health-
USF Health’s mission is to envision and implement the future of health. It is the partnership of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, the College of Nursing, the College of Public Health, the College of Pharmacy, the School of Biomedical Sciences and the School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences; and the USF Physician’s Group. The University of South Florida is a global research university ranked 50th in the nation by the National Science Foundation for both federal and total research expenditures among all U.S. universities. For more information, visit www.health.usf.edu.
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