Sebastian Comas Earns VALOR Internship

2015 Apr 22

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

While working at the White River Junction VA Medical Center, he will obtain valuable knowledge and understanding of the daily hospital functions, while working closely with fellow nursing staff to assist hospital patients.

Comas will be working in the mental health unit, with a coach or mentor guiding him along the way.

"It's a great educational opportunity and transition in to the clinical field," said Comas.

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.

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.

Comas was recommended for the highly competitive internship by Director of Nursing Education Ellen Ceppetelli, and marks the second Castleton nursing student to be selected for the program, joining former program participant Katie Lepine.

Eventually Comas would like to pursue a career as an advanced practice nurse by continuing his degree at Castleton, with future he plans to seek graduate schooling.

Having worked hard throughout his Castleton nursing career for this opportunity, he is both thankful and excited to begin this new journey.

"To me it's like a dream come true," said Comas. "I've always wanted to work with veterans."