Dr. Valerie Rodriguez-Yu has been appointed as the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) for the VA Heart of Texas Healthcare Network, part of the Va North Texas Health Care System. Effective February 25, 2024, Dr. Rodriguez-Yu will oversee nursing practice and provide guidance for over 9,000 nursing staff within VISN 17. Her role includes recommending goals, objectives, and policies to ensure consistent, high-quality nursing care and clinical services across the VA North Texas Health Care System.
Dr. Rodriguez-Yu brings extensive experience in leadership and nursing to her new position. In 2010, she played a key role in establishing the Veterans Affairs Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center, one of only five centers nationwide dedicated to intensive rehabilitation for severely injured veterans and service members. This experience provided a foundation for her future leadership roles within the VA North Texas Health Care System.
Following her work with the Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center, Dr. Rodriguez-Yu joined the executive leadership team at the South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS). She led significant cultural changes to foster a positive work environment for nurses. Under her guidance as Associate Director for Patient Care Services, STVHCS achieved Pathway to Excellence® designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a first for a VA medical center in Texas. In 2023, STVHCS, under Dr. Rodriguez-Yu’s continued leadership, became the first level 1A VA system to earn a second Pathway to Excellence® designation, further demonstrating her commitment to nursing excellence within the VA North Texas Health Care System.
Dr. Rodriguez-Yu’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Phoenix, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Nurse Leadership from Baylor University. She is board certified as a Nurse Executive-Advanced (NEA-BC) and holds a certification in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP) from the American Organization for Nursing Leadership. Her participation in the Veterans Health Administration’s Health Care Leadership Development Program and memberships in professional organizations such as the American Organization of Nurse Leaders, American Nurses Association, and Texas Nurses Association contribute to her expertise in the field and within the larger VA North Texas Health Care System.
Dr. Rodriguez-Yu’s proven leadership, commitment to quality patient care, and extensive experience make her a valuable asset to the VA North Texas Health Care System. Her appointment as CNO promises continued advancements in nursing practice and patient care within the VISN 17 network.
