New Grad VA or Hospital

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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?

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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.

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

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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.

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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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