Two RU nursing students earn VALOR scholarships and opportunity to serve veterans

Nursing students Chasity Campbell of Glade Hill, Va., and Teresa Williamson of Chesapeake, Va., have been selected to participate in the 2014 Veterans Affairs Learning Opportunity Residency (VALOR) program.

"Chasity and Teresa have a lot of care in their hearts for veterans,” said School of Nursing Director Tony Ramsey. "The Salem Area Veterans Administration Medical Center VALOR program is highly competitive and will enable them both to gain valuable experience while serving those who have served our country."

Each veteran's hospital selects their own format for the residency positions and Campbell and Williamson were selected for residencies at the Salem Veteran Affairs Medical Center (SVAMC). They will join four other nursing students from Jefferson College of Health Sciences, Lynchburg College and Liberty University in the paid pre-licensure program for nursing students.

Senior-level nursing students are selected on a competitive basis for the program. The VALOR program provides students with experiential learning opportunities in all facets of healthcare for veterans.  The VALOR program includes hands-on clinical skills training, exposure to interdisciplinary teams and rotation to different hospital units.  The VALOR scholars also spend time with social workers, chaplains and nurse practitioners. In addition, VALOR scholars present an evidence-based practice project to nursing leadership at the end of the summer.