Advice on a job offer while still in orientation

[kim.2007]

So I've just started my first RN job at a hospital in the orthopedic department near me as a new graduate nurse. This job was one of my last picks only because I was unsure I was even going to get the position; so I was really surprised and excited that the hospital even called for an interview.

However, during the time I was interviewing for multiple positions (back in November), I had applied for 3 positions at the VA hospital. 2 out of the 3 positions closed at the end of the year, and 1 was still open. Weird thing is: the day after I applied for my last VA position (a surgical clinic), the hospital I currently work at now offered me a position! Of course I said yes, being really excited. I never heard anything back from the VA hospital, other than the positions closed at the end of the year, so I thought nothing else of it. Not to mention that the VA takes such a long time to process applications; and then I didn't even think they would even consider a new grad nurse.

So this past Friday, I received an email from usajobs that the application for the surgical clinic I put in was deemed "eligible". I thought nothing much of it, because in the past my applications have been put under eligible, but never moved forward. Today, I received an update saying that my application has been referred to the hospital and that I should receive a phone call soon. My mom (who works at the VA) and my dad thinks that I should drop everything and go to the VA since they would possible offer more money and better benefits. Now although that may be true, I'm actually starting to like the hospital I've just started in. No, it's not really my dream job (it's really in pediatrics, but I gotta start somewhere), but I've had nothing but positive interaction with everyone I've encountered. Everyone is very deemed on teamwork and making things a learning experience since there's going to be some changes in the hospital in a few weeks.

However, the VA would be absolutely awesome to get into, especially as a new grad! Yet, although it would be an awesome experience, I'm not sure I would feel right to leave my job while I'm still orienting to the department and hospital for another job. Also, I've heard that if you deny a job at the VA (or probably any hospital) they put your name and information in an "un-hireable" pile for a while. If this is true, how would I go about possibly denying the VA, yet still be considered for future employment? This is probably a pretty silly situation, but I wouldn't mind some advice!

[calivianya, BSN, RN]

I would definitely go to the interview if the VA offers you one, and I would probably take the job if they offered. I believe you have to do what's best for you, and VA benefits are nothing to sneeze at. Their hourly rates are also higher than non-government RN jobs where I live.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

If your dream is really peds- the VA is not going to take you there. ever.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

The VA has a long and difficult hiring process, They are just now getting around to your application.

Whereas, the VA does not offer your " dream" of pediatrics.. A position with the VA is in itself a dream.

Pick your dream... but the VA is the way to go.

[NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN]

I dunno, i actually had a job offer from the VA once. I was disturbed by the fact as a federal facility they weren't bound by state ratio laws that we have in California. In other states it might be a good gig, but other that the benefits, the work conditions and environment seemed harsh.

id At least pursue your dreams, the Va will still be there when you are experienced and more marketable to them. But you can always go to the interview with no obligations.