Nursing Student's Initiative Increases Preventive Health Care for Veterans

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Veteran Affairs nurse and U of A student Beverly Jordan.

Beverly Jordan's mother taught her that in life, "You must be of service to others."

That perspective led her to the nursing field. Jordan is a licensed practical nurse for the Department of Veteran Affairs in New Jersey and a U of A student as of fall 2020. She's earning an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing. Jordan is showing great potential as a leader in the program and was recently entrusted with a quality improvement project at work. 

During COVID, many veterans didn't receive preventive health care because their appointments were virtual. Jordan said that meant no flu vaccinations, diabetic foot inspections, hemoglobin A1C bloodwork, colonoscopies, pap smears or mammograms.

She began reaching out to patients through various channels, including video chats and online panels, along with various medical care providers. She used the VA's Preventive Health Inventory Note document to determine what kind of care they might be lacking.

Her initiative led to an increase in veterans coming in to get preventive testing done. The VA New Jersey Healthcare System ranked highest in the country for providing positive health outcomes to veterans during that time.

Jordan didn't realize how rewarding the nursing profession would be. Working with veterans is especially important, she said.

"The ability to help in the healing of our heroes is so satisfying as a nurse," she said. "I have had so many gratifying experiences in my interactions with veterans and their families."

She chose the online L.P.N. to B.S.N. program after reading a feature story about another VA nurse who's a U of A student.

"I always wanted to further my education, but life circumstances always seemed to take precedence," she said.

Life has continued to be up and down. Jordan is getting married on Feb. 22, 2022, a positive life change. But she was greatly affected after Hurricane Ida brought devastating flooding to the Northeast.

She persevered and expressed appreciation for the U of A nursing faculty.

"The support that I have received from the nursing faculty has been immeasurable," she said.

This story is the latest in a series called the Dean's Spotlight, featuring outstanding students in the College of Education and Health Professions. Visit COEHP's online magazine, the Colleague, for more news from the six units that make up the College. Visit the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing page for more information on COEHP's nursing program.