|
|
|
Share this email with your colleagues to make sure they get the latest VHA IE news: SUBSCRIBE
|
|
|
Throughout the year, VHA Innovation Ecosystem offers a variety of open programming and application-based opportunities for VA employees to learn about and engage in the innovation journey. Applications for four unique programs are opening starting on April 1: VHA Innovators Network New Site Applications, VHA Innovators Network Go Fish! Program Applications, VHA Shark Tank Competition Applications, and VHA IE Fellowship Applications. These programs provide opportunities for innovators at all stages, from those with a problem they’re looking to solve to those with projects poised to spread nationally.
Register here for VHA IE's 'The Exchange' call at 3-4 PM ET on 3/21 to learn more about each opportunity, hear from the VHA IE team and innovators currently in each program! Click here to download the flyer for this month's call.
|
Recently on Dr. Chad Kessler’s C20 Podcast, Diffusion of Excellence’s Blaine Fitzgerald discussed the upcoming VHA IE application-based programs.
With a wide range of opportunities for trailblazing employees and leadership, Fitzgerald highlighted the differences in scope and application process for each program, providing listeners with the information to decide which program is the best fit for them.
The podcast also touched on the impact these programs have on employees, as she described how an innovation evolves into a part of everyday workflow. Using PRIDE In All Who Served as an example, she explained how employees can utilize these programs to amplify the positive impact of their innovations.
|
Stay in VA is an employee-centered strategy designed to improve employee retention by focusing on the employee experience through employee engagement. A 2018 VHA Shark Tank Competition winner, Stay in VA uses a simple but highly effective platform for supervisors to connect with each staff member. Stay in VA uses Stay Touchpoints as a quick, efficient conversation between supervisors and employees focusing on connection and building the 4 pillars to transform the VHA culture into a positive, welcoming and employee-centric culture.
One of VA's top health care priorities is to "Hire faster and more competitively." On April 2 from 10 AM - 4 PM ET, the Stay in VA team will hold a virtual conference with the goals of providing VA employees with:
- An overview and purpose of Stay in VA
- Guidance on the skills that are helpful when conducting Stay Touchpoints
- Support to track trends and data that may be affecting their employee recruitment and retention
Supervisors and managers implementing Stay in VA as a leadership and communication tool to promote a trusting and psychologically safe environment for employees. Participants will gain knowledge and practical skills to implement which can improve employee experience, engagement and retention.
VA employees can explore the Stay in VA SharePoint here and register for the virtual conference by filling out the form below. CEUs will be available for multiple disciplines. Want to share the invite and registration form with your colleagues? Download the flyer here. If you have questions or are looking for more information, reach out to Tiffany.Chavis@va.gov.
|
|
|
Around half of the Nation’s Veterans are 65 years or older, meaning VA serves an increasingly aging population of Veterans. Physically active older adults are less likely to experience falls and related injuries. However, over 80% of Veterans ages 65 years and older are not regularly physically active.
Gerofit is an exercise program designed for Veterans aged 65 and above that aims to improve health and wellness for this quickly growing population.
Since 1986, Gerofit has empowered older Veterans through personalized strength and aerobic exercise plans. Participant feedback has shown improvements in Veteran health, mental well-being, and physical function. “After six months in Gerofit, I lost 25 lbs., can walk without limping, and put on my jeans without losing balance,” shared one Veteran.
Gerofit classes operate in a group setting, providing personalized exercise training in a social environment. The expansion of Gerofit began in 2013 with support from VHA Office of Geriatrics and Extended Care's Mentored Partnership Program and additional subsequent funding from the Office of Rural Health Enterprise-Wide Initiative in 2016.
|
|
|
The VHA Innovators Network has launched the return of its "Ignite" series, a four-week virtual workshop experience open to all VA employees where iNET spurs new ways of thinking, introduces VA employees to the power of iNET, and fires up the inherent creative problem-solving power of our workforce.
The sessions introduce and expound upon innovative concepts that employees can apply directly to their work and serves as a sourcing mechanism for employees across VA to apply to get involved in iNET competitions, such as Go Fish! and the Spark-Seed-Spread innovation investment program.
Tomorrow's session will be hosted at 1PM ET and will introduce a number of opportunities to engage with VHA IE’s programming. This session will cover upcoming opportunities to apply for Go Fish!, Spark-Seed-Spread, iNET site status, Shark Tank, VHA Innovation Ecosystem fellowships, and more.
|
|
|
VHA Innovation Ecosystem Fellowships are unique opportunities for emerging leaders with a passion for health care innovation and vision for the future. The programs provide fellows with the experience and skills necessary to lead and expand their existing innovation and make positive contributions to VA facilities. Applications for the FY25 cohort will open on May 14. Check out testimonial videos for VHA IE Fellowships below!
|
|
|
|
|
