Katie Lepine Honored with VALOR Internship

Nursing student Katie Lepine will spend her summer obtaining valuable hands-on field experience after securing one of three spots as an intern in the Veterans Affairs Learning Opportunities Residency (VALOR) program.

Working at the White River Junction VA Medical Center, she will gain insight on daily hospital functions, while assisting patients and fellow nursing staff.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has a rich history of supporting nursing students in both their learning and career pursuits. The organization is the nation's largest employer of nurses, with more than 50 percent of VALOR program participants hired as new register nurses in Veterans Affairs

Lepine was recommended for the highly competitive internship by Director of Nursing Education Ellen Ceppetelli, and marks the first-ever Castleton student to be selected for the program

"I get the opportunity to have valuable one-on-one field training in a hands-on learning environment," said Lepine. "I'm really looking forward to this experience.

The program gives outstanding registered nursing students who have completed their junior year in an accredited clinical program the opportunity to develop competencies in clinical nursing while at a VA approved health care facility. The full-time, paid position will include competency-based clinical practice with a qualified RN preceptor and participation in nursing-focused clinical conferences.

Lepine says this opportunity will not only move her forward as she continues to pursue a career in nursing, but will allow her to put her hours of hard work and training to good use.

"I'm most excited to use the skills I have in a hospital setting," she said. "I really wanted to get that extra experience."