The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has significantly increased hiring in the two weeks ending mid-April — a surge that will continue in the coming weeks as VA works to protect patients from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

During the timeframe from March 29 to April 11, VA hired 3,183 new staff members, of which 981 are registered nurses, a 37.7% increase from the prior two-week period.

“As VA proactively bolsters its workforce, the department expects to hire another 4,500 staff members during the next several weeks,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “Caring for Veterans requires dedicated staff. On behalf of the Veterans we are charged with serving, I salute those who have recently joined the VA team so we can continue serving Veterans during this national emergency.”

VA has moved aggressively to ensure each of its 170 hospitals and more than 1,200 clinics are staffed to handle the increasing flow of patients due to COVID-19. This effort protects both Veteran and non-Veteran patients VA treats as part of its “Fourth Mission” in serving as a backstop during a national health crisis.

VA launched a national hiring campaign to attract registered nurses, respiratory therapists, anesthesiologists, housekeepers, supply technicians, and other medical and related professionals to work in its facilities across the country.

Many of VA’s new hires come from health care systems that have seen temporary layoffs due to COVID-19. VA has also invited retired health care workers to work for VA, and waived salary restrictions that would normally apply to those potential employees.