Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work for Veterans Affairs? Three Atlanta VA Medical Center nurses with long careers answer that question for us this month.

Despite recent investigations into substandard care at some VA facilities, a presidential commission's call for an overhaul of the system, and the challenges of caring for a growing and more acutely ill patient population, nurses Mary Walker, Sandy Leake and Doris Spruill love what they do.

BARRY WILLIAMS/Special (ENLARGE)

Dr. Sushma Chandan (left) and nurse Doris Spruill discuss a patient's chart at the Atlanta VA Medical Center.

"Nursing can take you anywhere, but I'm beyond happy, excited and enthusiastic about our holistic approach to care. [I am] honored to work with our staff and [am] proud of their commitment," said Walker, BSN, RN-BC, OEF/OIF, a nurse case manager.

Leake, MSN, RN, the associate director of nursing and patient services at the Atlanta VA Medical Center, said that it's not the nursing practice that makes her job different; it's the patient population.

"Serving the men and women who have served their country is the most satisfying career I could have wanted," she said.

Leake had a ready answer for anyone considering a nursing career with the VA.

"Come on over," she said. "You can have an absolutely extraordinary career. With the exception of OB and pediatrics, we have everything that nursing can offer, and you'll be rewarded more than you can imagine."

From talking with nurses about Veterans Affairs, I learned a few things.

• The VA system was a pioneer in moving to electronic medical records. Since 1999, the VA's hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and rehabilitation centers have been linked by a computer network, which gives caregivers ready access to patient records, increases efficiency, decreases errors and improves care.

• In the 1990s, the VA opened community-based outpatient clinics to give veterans easier access to primary care.

"Primary care is the entry point for most veterans, who are then referred to our specialty care services. We treat the whole patient, and most remain with us for life," Leake said.

• The VA participates in cutting-edge research. The Atlanta VA Medical Center has one of the largest research programs (more than 400 projects) in the nation, including one of 12 VA Rehabilitation Research and Development Centers.

This month's story about Dr. Douglas Bremner's research on post-traumatic stress disorder is a good example of that work.

• The Atlanta VA Medical Center continues to expand its specialty services, especially in the areas with the greatest need. For example, there is a need for more services related to traumatic brain injury in soldiers returning from combbat. This malady occurs frequently but is difficult to recognize, diagnose and treat, Leake, said.

• The Atlanta VA Medical Center is a teaching hospital and is affiliated with Emory University, Morehouse School of Medicine and 33 other institutions.

• The VA encourages staff education and upward mobility.

"Getting my master's degree gave me the ability to give back to other nurses and to be a resource for staff," said Spruill, BSN, RN, MPH, nurse manager for physical medicine and rehabilitation at the Atlanta VA Medical Center.

I wasn't surprised to find that the VA nurses are dedicated to their practice and their patients. That seems to transcend all health care settings.

- Do you have any story ideas for Pulse? We'd love to hear more about your career and what you do after hours. Send e-mail to pulseeditor@ajc.com or call 404-526-2078.