Anyone work for the V.A.?

navynurse06 · Oct 9, 2006

I worked for the VA (Johnson City Tn) whie I was in nursing school, and I love it. From your screen name it looks like you were in the serivce? Do you know that your time in rank counts toward your GS or increase in step/grade? Also, you can transfer your TSP over from the military.

The benefits are good, and its nice working for the government. But each VA differs, just like each hospital differs. But I loved it! And I plan on going back there when I retire from the Navy.

exnavygirl-RN · Oct 9, 2006

I've been out of the military a few years. It did help me get a higher GS grade but when I was in the service we didn't have the TSP but I'm definitely going to invest in it with the V.A.

I was in the Navy 10 years. 5 years active and 5 years reserve. My husband is retiring in December with 27 years active duty Seabee. (oorah!)

I think I'm going to enjoy working there.

I worked for the VA (Johnson City Tn) whie I was in nursing school, and I love it. From your screen name it looks like you were in the serivce? Do you know that your time in rank counts toward your GS or increase in step/grade? Also, you can transfer your TSP over from the military.
The benefits are good, and its nice working for the government. But each VA differs, just like each hospital differs. But I loved it! And I plan on going back there when I retire from the Navy.

Pompom · Oct 9, 2006

I work for the Pittsburgh VA. This is the best nursing job I have had, I've been working since 1995 as a RN. The VA is paying for my BSN now. Benefits are ok, not as good as you think some other hospitals are better. We do get 5 weeks paid vacation (that is the best benefit). Doctors put all orders in the computer so you can actually read them, plenty of supplies, staffing ratios are the best in the city. I don't think you will regret your decision. My only regret is that I did not work there years ago.

csiln · Oct 9, 2006

Graduated in Dec 2005 and the VA was my first job. Orientation was awesome, but patient ratio (nights) was awful!! 18 patients and my first night with my preceptor she told me the first half of the floor the patients were mine (9!). The night I was on the med cart, I had all 36 patients.

Emphasis was on electronic charting and not patient care. Also med cart and admits were done a lap top and I was soooo slow.

Quit.

Great bunch of people to work for, but most were waiting for retirement.

Good luck!!

exnavygirl-RN · Oct 9, 2006

Same here, I wish I had worked there right out of LPN school. My husband was travelling a lot so I worked at a near by hospital and was able to make my schedule month by month. Now he is retiring from the Navy in December after 27 years and I get work full time.

My time in military service really helped as far as my GS level. No complaints.

Thanks for replying.

Christy

I work for the Pittsburgh VA. This is the best nursing job I have had, I've been working since 1995 as a RN. The VA is paying for my BSN now. Benefits are ok, not as good as you think some other hospitals are better. We do get 5 weeks paid vacation (that is the best benefit). Doctors put all orders in the computer so you can actually read them, plenty of supplies, staffing ratios are the best in the city. I don't think you will regret your decision. My only regret is that I did not work there years ago.