I wish to thank the nearly 300 members who took the time to respond to our initial announcement about this project nearly 3 months ago. I was deluged with the response and have been working to sort through the responses based on your interest and expertise. I apologize to those of you who have NOT yet heard from me. I will be sending out group e-mails shortly. If you wish to participate despite what your particular e-mail states, do not hestitate to contact me again.

The ad hoc group to date has clarified the process before us. It will be at least a two-pronged project, taking up to two years. We are in the process of submitting the actual application to ANCC and will again meet with them soon after they review it. OUR FIRST TASK IS TO IDENTIFY AND COMPLETE CORE COMPETENCIES FOR VA NURSING AS A SPECIALTY. This is time sensitive and must be completed within 6 months IF we wish to take it to the next step in 2010 towards the development of our exam. Later we will be forming groups for a long-term project to work with ANA toward developing our Nursing Standards. There is much research involved in both aspects of this work.

Once I review and determine the most qualified individuals to help us achieve completion of the core competencies, I will be submitting an invitation by e-mail to you, and identifying you as a group. This can also take the form of having region or VISN subgroups, so that many individuals can contribute while the actual number of those who bring the results to the monthly teleconferences, can remain small enough to be manageable. Our goal is to accomplish our mission -- on time! Again, our target work period is April/May through September/October 2009. If this does not work for you, simply let me know that so the opportunity can be extended to someone else who may be available during this time frame.

We remain thrilled and very excited. We look forward to working together with you. More later! Ciao.

Kathy
Kathleen Lehmann