[whiterfoam]

I'm a new nurse and am looking for practical advice. I hope to start working for the VA soon. So...any guidance on how to pick a good unit? Do VA nurses eat their young? How do you sign up to have the VA help pay off student loans? What are the benefits--practical, emotional, & supportive? How long are shifts? Are there questions that I should be asking but am not?

[jamangel]

as a new nurse i'd avise you to do some med surg first for at least 6 months (6 months at a va med-surg is as good as 1 yr in the private sector). do that before you slide into a specialty you may have been dreaming about. But if you interview for a specialty you like and are offered the job, do it. I'm a firm believer in "do what you love". Va nurses eat their young? Never heard that before but I will tell you this... if you had previously worked private sector you would find that the VA is a totally different animal. If you did any clinicals there you already know what to expect. Since you're new, you may adapt very easily without resistance. Human resources will guide to any resource but normally your union will steer you in the right direction as well esp where education and your rights are concerned. Every "VISN" is different so ask questions if they're not provided in orientation. Also, you have up to 6 months after your hire date to ask them to take care of it. Shifts are determined by the need on your floor. The standard is 8 hr shifts but you can work 9, 10, 12 hr shifts on some floors. Are you a LPN or RN?

[whiterfoam]

Thanks, JAangel. That's reassuring. I really just want an 8 hr/d job. Am a hard worker, but not a masochist. It's good to hear there's support. I've worked for the Feds before as a scientist and found the support and training to be the best.

[Pompom]

Call the local VA and ask for the nurse recruiter. The recruiter can send you an application and packet explaining all benefits. That is how I got hired. Good luck to you.

[whiterfoam]

Thanks. I did. She said that they'd call in 7 - 10 days. Let's hope!