New Grad VA or Hospital

Nurses Job Hunt

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Hey all, I'm a recent grad and recently been offered 2 different jobs. One is at the VA (Veterans) hospital, and the other is a really good non profit hospital near where I live. I would have to drive to the VA hospital about 45 min to an hr each day, but I am a Veteran myself and the benefits at the VA is amazing. The other hospital is 5 minutes away from me. It is also a very good floor to learn on and to position me to get into ICU, where I hope to be some day. Both position's are nurse residency positions as well.

Are there any nurses that has worked both for the VA and outside? What are some thoughts?

RNpearls1908

273 Posts

Well I'm a new grad as well. And decided on taking the offer with the VA hospital. I felt the benefits and amazing opportunities i could not pass on. Additionally the possibility of them paying for you to go back to school since my goal is to become a CRNA. Overall I feel in the long run its a better choice. Plus you can always transfer anywhere since the VA hospital is all over the country. I've heard great things about this organization and there clearly a reason as to why its so hard to gain employment and that the nurses that are there don't leave.

mauiboyz

2 Posts

What I was thinking as well. Guess just needed input from others to help me know for sure lol. Thank you!

RNpearls1908

273 Posts

Yea sorry I can't give u any insight since I dont officially start until October. But those were the reasons I made my decisions.

RunBabyRN

3,677 Posts

Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

I would say to look at your long term goals. Do you want to work for either facility in the long term? Is there a location to which you'd like to move that has one of those hospital systems in the area? Is there a difference in pay? Have you been able to speak to nurses in either system to see if they're happy?

The nurses I know within the VA system seem to be pretty happy (also a vet), though the nearest hospital to here has HORRIBLE care for vets. Very discouraging for me. I did apply to a new grad program further away from home at another VA, but no word.

Good luck whatever you decide!

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