Jana is an exceptional nurse leader and a tireless champion for patient safety. Over the past year, she has demonstrated unwavering commitment to strengthening the safety culture at VAPIHCS and ensuring that care for our Veterans is not only safer but more proactive and transparent. Jana has led efforts across multiple departments to enhance communication and learning from Patient Safety Reports (JPSRs). Monthly sharing of JPSRs has become a standard practice, significantly increasing staff awareness of safety events, corrective actions, and prevention strategies. As a direct result of her work, there has been a remarkable 200% increase in departmental participation in JPSR sharing; a testament to her ability to drive meaningful change.

She has also championed the recognition of staff who identify and prevent patient safety risks through the Great Catch awards, fostering a culture of vigilance and accountability. Her efforts have led to a 36% increase in staff being recognized for preventing harm; an achievement that reflects her dedication to celebrating and reinforcing safe practices.

Jana's advocacy for Veterans is relentless. She recently led a Root Cause Analysis (RCA) following a suicide attempt, where she refused to accept the initial conclusion that nothing could have been done to prevent the event. Her determination uncovered a critical systems-level issue: a widespread misunderstanding of the Foreign Medical Program (FMP). Jana discovered that the FMP is a reimbursement mechanism, not a care coordination agency; yet, staff were routinely referring Veterans to it for care abroad. This misperception posed a serious risk, particularly for Veterans in the Pacific region. Thanks to Janas persistence, this vulnerability was escalated all the way to the Secretary of the VA prompting awareness and conversations about improving care for Veterans living overseas.

Education and new processes have since been implemented to ensure Veterans receive appropriate care and support. Her advocacy has the potential to positively impact thousands of Veterans across the Pacific, ensuring they no longer fall through the cracks. Jana exemplifies what it means to be a patient safety leader. She is courageous, solutions-focused, and deeply committed to doing what is right for our Veterans. Jana's efforts have made a lasting difference, not just within VAPIHCS, but across the VHA.