Office of Nursing Services (ONS)

Lawrence Racsa’s leadership truly shines at the VA Maryland Health Care System (VAMHCS) where his dedication, compassion, and nursing expertise make a tangible impact on patient care. Serving as an outstanding bedside nurse, he advocates tirelessly for patients, addressing safety concerns and educating both patients and their families. His leadership goes beyond patient care by spearheading projects and initiatives focused on enhancing quality care and streamlining unit processes, ultimately leading to outcomes and improved care for Veterans. His involvement in initiatives such as the “Get to Know Me Board” and the “VS30 Diffusion Project” showcases his dedication to excellence and innovation. He continuously enhances his clinical expertise and performance by participating in programs and professional associations to keep his colleagues informed about the latest evidence-based practices. Mr. Racsas’s unwavering commitment and dedication to patient advocacy, ethical practice, and effective resource management not only garnered him admiration as a leader but also solidified his position as an invaluable asset throughout VAMHCS.

Sandra Citty’s remarkable contributions at the Gainesville Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Centers within the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System have greatly advanced the fields of nursing and Veteran healthcare. Her deep dedication stems from a desire to improve the well-being of Veterans, particularly by enhancing palliative and end-of-life care. This commitment is evident in her efforts to train VA staff leading to an improvement in providing compassionate care. Her innovative solutions to healthcare challenges, such as enhancing colorectal cancer screenings through new protocols, reflect her keen ability to merge research with practical application to improve patient outcomes. Similarly, her efforts to introduce ultraviolet light technology for disinfection across various units highlight her proactive stance on patient and staff safety. Beyond her clinical work, Ms. Citty’s dedication to education shines as she teaches and mentors upcoming nurses, alongside her notable scholarly work, amplifying her impact. Her efforts significantly enhance veteran health outcomes and foster a culture of excellence and innovation in nursing, showcasing her commitment to compassionate care, progressive thinking, and the nurturing of future nursing talent.

Robert Acevedo, affectionately known as Rob, has been a beacon of innovation and dedication at the Salisbury VA Health Care System. Mr. Acevedo’s commitment to enhancing Veteran care has been evident in his eagerness to go beyond expectations, providing high-quality service to Veterans, colleagues, and leadership alike. His proactive approach in encouraging nurses towards education and efficient clinic processes has significantly improved Veteran experience. A standout moment in Rob’s career was his initiative to make dermatology education more inclusive, addressing a crucial gap by introducing materials that cater to Veterans with melanin-rich skin tones. This effort not only earned him a HeRO award but also led to a noticeable increase in patient engagement and satisfaction in their care process. His influence extends beyond clinical achievements; he is celebrated for his vibrant personality, leadership, and relentless pursuit of excellence in nursing, making him an invaluable asset to his team and a true advocate for Veteran care.

Josephine Loring has become a pillar of compassion and ingenuity in caring for Veterans facing severe mental health crises and neurocognitive decline at the VA Portland Healthcare System. Her approach blends empathy with a knack for creative problem-solving, making her a trusted figure among patients and colleagues. Josephine’s extraordinary care includes hours of bedside support, using personalized methods like reading, music, and massage to comfort and engage Veterans. Beyond her clinical excellence, Ms. Loring is deeply invested in her professional development, contributing as a Group Leader on 5C and excelling as a Prevention and Management of Disruptive Behavior trainer, significantly impacting patient and staff safety. Her dedication to advancing her nursing education while working full-time exemplifies her commitment to the nursing profession and her aspiration for continual growth and improvement. Her colleagues recognize her as a vital team player known for her reliability and ability to handle complex situations with grace and professionalism.

Carrie Hawkins has consistently exemplified exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication, leaving an indelible mark on the quality of care provided to Veterans in her role as Associate Director for Patient Care Services/Nurse Executive at the Bay Pines VA Health Care System. As the executive sponsor for their High Reliability Organization Journey, she spearheaded the implementation of safety practices, achieving full compliance across all tiers. From fostering a culture of excellence to spearheading innovative safety initiatives, her leadership is both dynamic and transformative. Under her guidance, nursing retention rates soared, and innovative recruitment strategies were implemented, including residency programs and career development initiatives. Ms. Hawkins’s relentless advocacy for evidence-based practice and mentorship programs underscores her steadfast commitment to cultivating the next generation of nursing professionals, ensuring a legacy of excellence that will endure for years to come. In the realm of patient care, she stands as a beacon of inspiration and visionary leadership, reshaping the landscape of healthcare delivery with her boundless passion and unwavering determination.

Walt Dannenberg stands as a visionary leader at the helm of VA Long Beach Healthcare System (VALBHS), spearheading workplace engagement, continuous improvement, and accountability across the board. His implementation of the Daily Management System and Lean leadership philosophy has sparked a transformation in operations, fostering efficiency and innovation. Collaborating closely with nursing leadership and frontline nurses, he has been instrumental in promoting A3 thinking, reshaping problem-solving methodologies, and empowering nurses to lead impactful changes, resulting in unparalleled care and service excellence for Veterans. Under Mr. Dannenberg’s stewardship, VALBHS has embraced evidence-based practices as fundamental to nursing excellence. His advocacy for initiatives like Shared Governance has facilitated the establishment of over 40-unit practice councils and a system-wide practice council, facilitating the dissemination of ideas and best practices throughout the organization. His unwavering dedication to staff well-being, exemplified through initiatives like alternative work schedules and retention incentives, has solidified VALBHS’s standing as an employer of choice. Nationally lauded for his leadership in nursing care delivery, Mr. Dannenberg’s guidance has propelled VALBHS to unprecedented heights, earning prestigious recognitions such as the top performer in nursing home care.