VA Travel Nurse Corps??

[godbless-yute]

Hi all,

I'm wanting to get into travel nursing and I'm trying to get all my research done. I recently found out about the VA travel Nurse Corps and I wasnted to know if any of you experienced travelers are familiar with it. Do you get to choose your assignments the way you can with private sector travel companies, or are you pretty much assignd and SENT somewhere? Also, I know you get paid per diem for housing, but is there the option to find your own housing and have it paid for also?? Lastly, I've always heard that the VA pays well, but how does their travel nurse pay compare to private sector travel companies. Thanks in advance for your help!

[vanurse1022, BSN]

I got your message but couldn't respond since I'm a new member. So, in regards to the VA pay scale:

It's a bit tricky...but I'll try to explain :) RNs are considered a Title 38 position, and therefore are paid based on that pay scale, not the GS scale. The GS scale is for LPNs, NAs, and unlicensed employees. You have to apply to get promoted to a higher level (nurse I, II, III, etc.). You mentioned you'd be a nurse II based on your experience. However, I've been a nurse for 6 years and am still considered a nurse I. There are different steps within each level that you can get promoted to as well. If there are government cutbacks, which there have been recently, you're less likely to get that promotion (this has been my problem!). You are guaranteed a raise every other year though. I hope that makes sense!

As far as the pay itself goes, it depends on where you live to determine the extent of pay difference, but overall VA nurses get paid more. The benefits are much better than private hospitals too. Hope that helps! :)