VA Hospital vs. Private Hospital

[I<3Nursing]

Ok. So here is my situation. I currently work at a private hospital on an orthopedic floor. I can't say I love it there, but I don't hate it there either. I enjoy who I work with but I don't enjoy those nurses that have been there forever and are massive gossipers. I can handle them, because they aren't on my shift. Anyways I graduated in may of 08 and have about 6 months in there. I applied at the VA the same time I got this job, if any of you know it takes forever. i had given up on working there and then they called to asked if i was still interested to start the "boarding" process. I know a few people that work at this VA and said they have already gone through two nurses becaues of how mean the older nurses can be there, nothing new for me I'm use to that. So I can't decided. I am trying to list positives and negatives. Positive now I work 12 hour nights and have a really good rotating schedule with every third weekend off and my supervisor sets it up so I get 7 days off every three weeks. The VA doesn't do 12s and it would be five 8 hour nights, so basically never sleeping at night. Also, they pay a little better, not sure how much haven't gotten that to me yet. THe floor they want me on is telemetry with an oppertunity to float to ICU which is great for me wanting to continue my education. They will pay for continued educaiton but not NP. I don't know if I want to be a nurse anestist yet but they would pay to send you to Army school for that. I'm just really unsure about what to do. I'm just waiting for the boarding call. I asked if I could call her back and seh said to remind me? sure. So I haven't called yet, got the call last week. Some people are saying why let go of 7 days off every three weeks for not a huge pay increase and working 8s? Others are saying youc an't say no to those benefits, and then others are like what about the gossip that you hate and those mean older nurses. Any body have any more input? Anything is appreciated, no I won't make my choice off of one thing that is said, but will allow it to be included in my though proces on what to do next. Oh and the VA you can work at the VA anywhere in the country with a simple transfer. But the private hospital has almost the same perk. Thanks in advance!:redbeathe