Four WVU School of Nursing students receive Beckley VAMC nurse residency
Apr. 23—Four West Virginia University School of Nursing students on the Beckley Campus have been awarded a nurse residency through the VALOR program at the Beckley VA Medical Center.
Elijah Brown, Ted Cancel, Robert Harris and Jestin Smith have been accepted into the competitive VA Learning Opportunities Residency (VALOR) program, which provides opportunities for outstanding junior level Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students who want to provide care for those who have served our nation.
Selected students receive clinical experience with a qualified BSN RN preceptor, as well as an hourly rate or stipend. The program curriculum also helps students identify career goals and develop a professional development plan to help them reach those goals.
"We're so proud of these outstanding students for securing this educational opportunity," said Hillary Parcell, WVU School of Nursing Beckley Campus chairperson. "We're also grateful to the Beckley VA Medical Center for creating unique paths to employment for our graduates."
The one-year residency program begins Aug. 8. Upon completion of the residency, VALOR program awardees will have an opportunity to join the Beckley VAMC staff if desired.
"This residency program provides opportunity for future registered nurses to experience the VA health care environment and gain understanding and dedication to the VA mission of caring for our nation's heroes," said Tara Hulsey, dean and E. Jane Martin endowed professor.
