Transforming Workflow Efficiencies for Nurses in the Federal Health Arena

Nurses are at the heart of health care. They are often the first point of contact for patients and are central to the delivery of quality care. Nurses also provide compassionate, evidence-based care that makes them indispensable, especially in complex care environments such as those found in federal health care systems. 

According to the American Nurses Association, nurses are “the essential bridge in health care,” serving as connectors between patients, families, and providers. In addition, research from the National Library of Medicine has shown that nursing is critical to achieving equitable, person-centered care across all populations. Their work touches every aspect of health delivery. 

The Vital Role of VA Nurses  

At the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), nurses carry out critical clinical, administrative, and leadership roles. The VA proudly maintains the largest integrated health care system in the U.S., with nurses forming the largest segment of its workforce. These dedicated professionals serve more than 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.  

According to the VA, its nurses are leaders in research, education, and practice innovation, all of which contribute to the department’s mission to honor America’s Veterans by providing exceptional health care.  

The Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs (NOVA) also plays a critical role in advocating for resources and policies that protect and empower VA nurses. For example, NOVA’s 2025 Legislative Priority Goals urge Congress to safeguard VA systems to ensure nurses have the tools they need to deliver excellent care.  

The Burden of Burnout 

Despite their pivotal role, nurses across the country face increasing rates of burnout. According to American Public University System (APUS), burnout among nurses is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a reduced sense of accomplishment.  

Factors such as increased workloads, administrative burden, and understaffing contribute heavily to the problem. If left unaddressed, burnout can lead to decreased quality of care, higher turnover, and reduced patient satisfaction.  

DSS Team and Solutions Support Nurse Workflow Efficiency  

At DSS, we are proud to have nurses on our team who are integral to our commitment to clinical and operational excellence. As subject matter experts, they play a key role in developing and implementing clinician-designed solutions that truly meet the needs of frontline VA health care professionals. We’ve also begun participating in the annual NOVA conference to engage directly with clinical professionals and highlight how DSS solutions address key clinical and administrative challenges. 

To reduce the administrative burden on nurses and clinicians, DSS offers integrated solutions that improve efficiency and streamline workflows within VA health care settings.    

• CTM Plus Advanced Bundle: Improves consult management by automating manual tasks, reducing delays, and enhancing tracking, ultimately freeing up more time for patient care. Learn more here.
  
  
• LiveData Procedure Suite Manager™: Streamlines and standardizes VA procedural care, improving safety, accuracy, and documentation while reducing the cognitive load on nurses. Learn more here.
  
  
• Order Tracking Manager (OTM) Dermatology: Simplifies and digitizes dermatology processes, supporting faster diagnoses and treatment planning, and reducing paperwork burden. Learn more here.

• Order Tracking Manager (OTM) Lab: Modernizes lab request and result processes, minimizing duplicate work and enabling quicker turnaround on lab orders and interpretations. Learn more here.
    
• Order Tracking Manager (OTM) for Oncology: Addresses specific pain points in oncology through smart, integrated workflows that help clinicians and nurses focus more on patient care and less on redundant tasks. Learn more here
   
• DSS CyberREN: Enhances renal clinic operations with advanced digital tools that support better patient outcomes and reduce administrative overhead. Learn more here.
  
  
• Infusion Therapy Manager (ITM): Prioritizes patient safety through expertly engineered features and functionality to better support the clinical disciplines involved in the accuracy of ordering to assist in the safe administration of infusion therapy. Learn more here.
  

Please click here to learn more about DSS’ comprehensive suite of federal health solutions.