Hefner VA Medical Center

SALISBURY — Two Salisbury VA Health Care System employees were recently recognized nationally for their exemplary service and dedication to Veteran health care.

Every year, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs presents “Excellence in Nursing” awards to recognize the outstanding work of VA staff that play a vital role in providing and supporting nursing practice and care to veterans.

Arlene Imes, a licensed practical nurse, and Salisbury VA Medical Center Director Kaye Green were honored for their compassion, care, contributions at the national level, support for expanded nursing responsibilities and improvements in nursing practice through education and training.

Imes received the Secretary of Veterans Affairs Award for Excellence in Nursing.

Passionate about her work, Imes is a licensed practical nurse (LPN) with 28 years of experience. She is highly regarded by her peers, who say she goes the extra mile to help those who need care. She was instrumental in helping the LPN Telehealth Clinical Technicians develop materials that will enable them to demonstrate competency in their respective skill sets.

Throughout her career, Imes has received numerous awards for her personal commitment and dedication to patients.

In the Leadership Development Programs, Imes’ learning project focused on identifying how veterans prefer to receive information, according to their era of service. The insights from Imes’ project are now used by staff to best provide veterans with information in a way adapted to their individual preferences.

Green was recognized with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs Award for the Advancement of Nursing Programs by a Medical Center or Health Systems Director.

During Green’s four years as medical center director, she has supported nursing programs and nursing staff. Under Green’s leadership, the nursing program is defined by professional excellence, guided by the precepts of shared governance, evidence based practice, and VA’s “I CARE” values.

“Our nurses at Salisbury VA are deeply committed and passionate about ensuring that veterans receive the best health care and make a profound difference in their lives,” Green said. “You can’t have a world-class health care system without world-class nurses.”

Green not only committed clinical, financial and human resources, but spent countless hours of her time meeting with nursing leadership and nurses, as well as Veterans and their families.

Green recognized the need to invest in the education of the nursing staff and commissioned a facility education department. It goal was to prepare professional nursing staff to succeed in their roles and to equip them to meet the future challenges of health care.

Green’s commitment to nursing education has led to the Salisbury VA being recognized for increasingly healthy, evidence-based nursing practice.