Robert L. Jesse, M.D., Ph.D., was appointed Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Health in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on July 4, 2010. Prior to his appointment, Dr. Jesse had served as the Acting Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Health since March 7, 2010. In this position, Dr. Jesse leads clinical policies and programs for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the Nation’s largest integrated health care system. In addition to its medical care mission, VHA is the Nation's largest provider of graduate medical education and a major contributor to medical and scientific research. Previously, Dr. Jesse was the Chief Consultant for Medical Surgical Services in the VA’s Office of Patient Care Services, also serving as the National Program Director for Cardiology. In this capacity, he implemented broad reforms in the delivery of specialty, sub-specialty and emergency care that have significantly improved the quality of care provided across the VA health care system. Dr. Jesse received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from the University of New Hampshire in 1974 and later worked as a research associate at the Harvard School of Public Health. In 1980, he earned his Ph.D. in Biophysics at the Medical College of Virginia, followed by his M.D. in 1984, completing both his Residency and Cardiology fellowship there. Dr. Jesse began his career as the Director of the Acute Cardiac Care Program at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Health System. Prior to assuming national leadership positions in VHA, Dr. Jesse was the Chief of the Cardiology Section at the Richmond VA Medical Center in Virginia. Dr. Jesse has published widely in areas of acute cardiac care, systems management and quality in health care. His basic research has focused on platelet physiology and cardiac biomarkers. Dr. Jesse is a diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine with specialty boards in Cardiovascular Medicine. He is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, and has served as a Governor for the College. He is also a Fellow of the American Heart Association and is currently the President of the Richmond Metro Chapter of the American Heart Association. In addition, he holds the rank of tenured Professor of Internal Medicine/Cardiology within the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System.

Registered nurses constitute the largest health care occupation, with 2.5 million jobs. About 59 percent of jobs are in hospitals. The three major educational paths to registered nursing are a bachelor’s degree, an associate degree, and a diploma from an approved nursing program. Registered nurses are projected to generate about 587,000 new jobs over the 2006-16 period, one of the largest numbers among all occupations; overall job opportunities are expected to be excellent, but may vary by employment setting. Registered nurses (RNs), regardless of specialty or work setting, treat patients, educate patients and the public about various medical conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients’ family members. RNs record patients’ medical histories and symptoms, help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, operate medical machinery, administer treatment and medications, and help with patient follow-up and rehabilitation. RNs teach patients and their families how to manage their illness or injury, explaining post-treatment home care needs; diet, nutrition, and exercise programs; and self-administration of medication and physical therapy. Some RNs work to promote general health by educating the public on warning signs and symptoms of disease. RNs also might run general health screening or immunization clinics, blood drives, and public seminars on various conditions. When caring for patients, RNs establish a plan of care or contribute to an existing plan. Plans may include numerous activities, such as administering medication, including careful checking of dosages and avoiding interactions; starting, maintaining, and discontinuing intravenous (IV) lines for fluid, medication, blood, and blood products; administering therapies and treatments; observing the patient and recording those observations; and consulting with physicians and other health care clinicians. Some RNs provide direction to licensed practical nurses and nursing aids regarding patient care. RNs with advanced educational preparation and training may perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and may have prescriptive authority. paloma home health agency is looking for registered nurses