VA Nurses! Have a question for you!

[NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN]

Is it difficult to change specialties in the VA once you are hired?

I am currently an ICU nurse going for an interview for their telemetry department next week.

I've floated to tele a lot at various jobs, found it kinda boring (except for the crazy nights),but had no problem handling it.

I'm just concerned because of the low turnover at the VA, or that because I will be in Telemetry, not only will I lose my skills, but I will end up being "stuck" there.

Any advice from nurses who have been in the VA?

Thank you!

[sandnnw, BSN, MSN, EMT-B, APRN]

Curious, why are you going from ICU to Tele? I figure you'd be a snap for an ICU job.

I'm on my third hop in the VA over 12 years. Get to know the managers and keep a great attendance record, no problem if they have positions open.

The low turnover in the VA is usually in the CBOCs and primary care/specialty clinics. Otherwise, most units hire 1-2 folks every year at my VA.

Best of luck, welcome aboard, you'll love it!

[NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN]

There hasn't been any ICU postings and I've been applying at the VA for over 3 years. It's the first time they've ever even called me back. I pretty much apply to anything they have open and I apply weekly. I figure tele was better than nothing. I've got heart skills/CRRT/vent hemodynamics/swanz background, but if the position isn't open I can't apply. I'm guessing there's a low turn over in ICU, otherwise I would have seen something by now.