The Durham VA HCS and the Duke University School of Nursing recently partnered in a program to enhance the education and training of Nurse Practitioners in the primary care of adult and geriatric Veterans as part of a five-year funded grant by the Office of Academic Affairs (OAA). The mission of the program is to provide clinical training in Veteran-centric AGNP health care competencies with the goal of creating a well-qualified workforce to increase access to excellent primary care services for Veterans. The program provides VA clinical training for up to 12 NP students per year and a year-long residency for up to six recently graduated NPs. In addition, the Duke University School of Nursing now offers the option for Veteran-centric educational opportunities.

The first cohort of NP residents began their residency on November 14, 2016. Both residents are graduates of the Duke University School of Nursing and are board certified as an adult Gerontology NP. Ms. Erin Dixon, AGNP-BC is completing her residency on 1F Primary Care and Destiny Breland, AGNP-BC, is completing her residency with Home Based Primary Care. They are well on their way to achieving professional growth and development while caring for Veterans and embracing the mission of the VA.

*Article originally ran in the Durham Va Health Care System Weekly Announcements*