The Veterans Serving Veterans (VSV) Nursing Fellowship Program is designed to recruit and train veteran nursing students on the care of veterans in community-based primary care. This program is supported by the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention (NEPQR)- Veteran Nurses in Primary Care (VNPC) Training Program Grant.
Veterans Serving Veterans (VSV) Nursing Fellowship Program
The VSV Nursing Fellowship Program will address the needs of veteran nursing students and provide them opportunities to care for veteran populations in the community throughout the nursing curriculum. Student support will be provided to address issues that could potential impact the veteran student’s learning, program progression, and employment upon graduation. In addition to veteran student support this comprehensive program that will enhance the nursing curriculum and engage community-based health care providers regarding the unique care of veterans.
Objectives of the program include::
Veteran Students
- Recruit primary care-oriented veteran undergraduate nursing students committed to practicing in non-institutional settings to provide primary health care in medically underserved communities
- Provide clinical experiences in community-based primary care particularly with veteran populations
- Address the unique physical, emotional, and environmental needs that are unique to veteran students
Nursing Curriculum
- Enhance didactic and clinical curricula to integrate the unique needs of veterans in primary care and community-based care
Community Partners
- Provide continuing professional development for primary care and community-based RNs and health care providers that address the unique needs of veterans
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to work in primary care upon graduation?
No. While you do not have to work in primary care directly after graduation, this program is designed to give you the necessary skills to work with veterans and to practice at your full scope of practice in community-based primary care settings. Program participants are encouraged to seek a position serving veterans in community-based primary care settings during their nursing career.
Will my schooling be completely paid for?
There are tuition scholarships available that can be applied to tuition and fees. We cannot guarantee a specific amount or that the amount will cover all tuition and fees for the student. As with any veteran student, you can use earned military educational benefits.
Will I graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing?
Yes. You will be admitted to the Bachelor of Science Nursing Program. You will take the courses with other students; however, you will have veteran nursing student specific support services and will have clinical experiences focusing on the care of veterans in community-based primary care settings. You will have clinical experiences in varied settings with other nursing students, but some clinical days will be substituted with veteran focused community-based primary care clinical.
What will be required of me outside of regular nursing student responsibilities during this program?
You will be required to participate in mentoring programs, attend events focused on the care of veterans, and participate sessions aimed at identifying and addressing specific veteran nursing student needs to increase your success in the program.
How many hours am I required to completed in veteran specific community-based primary care?
By the end of the program you will have completed approximately 175 hours of community-based primary care.
When should I apply to the program?
If you are interested in the program you should contact Dr. Emmons and Sandi McKay. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we are able to provide support to help direct you on the best plan of action. It is never too early to reach out. We will answer all questions and will provide you with support via email, phone calls, or face to face meetings to address your individualized needs. Do not hesitate to contact us.
Contact Us
Dr. Kevin Emmons
Kremmons@camden.rutgers.edu
Sandi Blood McKay
Sandi.McKay@rutgers.edu