VA offer came today...

[NurseCocoBSN, BSN]

But I am reeling. I was rated as a Nurse 1 Level 2 as a BSN with 21 months Intermediate/Critical Care experience. I've been told that I will not be starting until after September (my 2 year mark at my full time is in August), so I was expecting to be rated at a MINIMUM of Nurse 1 Level 3. I have looked at everything online and it reads that a Nurse 1 Level 2 is a BSN with 0 experience, and a Nurse 1 Level 3 is a BSN with 1-2 years. I submitted a huge packet, showing my involvement in my current unit, shared governance, and even policies I have helped implement.

I do not know what to do. Human resources cannot tell me how I move up after taking the position, and I was told this rating will not be revisited. Evidently she forwarded my email to whomever deals with the board and they said no.

What am I supposed to do? This is an LTC job that is going to take me from acute care...how am I supposed to further my career? Can someone tell me how you move up? Am I supposed to spend the next 20 years moving up "steps" being seen as a nurse without a day at the bedside?

I'm a disabled vet, I know the benefits, but it concerns me that I am already being undervalued. It has me questioning as to whether or not to take the position. Any input from anyone who knows how this works would be great.

[jeckrn, BSN, RN]

Once you have worked on the unit for some time, no sure how long, you can apply for another position when one opens up. You will get step raises over time.

[caliotter3]

Don't make a hasty decision to reject the offer. If after further investigation, or after a certain amount of time on the job, you determine that you are still being held back, you can decide to look for a different employer at that time. Don't feel bad. I get told that I am supposed to be happy with wages that are right at the soon-to-be minimum wage. Talk about insult to injury.

[CraigB-RN, MSN, RN]

Every year you will complete a performance review and that will be when you move from Nurse 1 to Nurse 2 etc. I had a LOT of experience including CNO and Clinical Educator at a 1000bed hosp. Came in at level 1 Step 3. Jumped to Nurse 2 at the one year mark and already have everything set for nurse 3. I will have completed MSN by the time of the next eval.

I was initially upset about the $$ but I'm working nights and the differential adds a LOT of money to your paycheck.

The benefit package far outweighed the initial loss of money.

Don't discount the job offer.