Anyone work at the VA?? Need info

[Sl1011]

I'm looking into applying at the VA here , and I know a nurse manager that works there. She is going to see what she can do to get me an interview. I know the application process is a bit lengthy there, but I currently have a job.. so I guess there isn't a rush.

I've never been to the VA, so I would love some information about it.

Are there floors/units just like a regular hospital?

Are the hours for a floor nurse the typical 12 hr shift, 7am-730pm?

Are there more holidays there to get time and a half?

Any other info would be great. Those are the only things that popped up in my head.. I already read about benefits online.

Thanks :)

[iangood]

nursinadream

You can check on the USAJobs website, they post most job openings there. You can also go to the VA you want to work at and there is usually a job posting board in one of the main traffic areas (ours is by the cafeteria). Our VA has a job fair for nursing once or twice a year.

OP

I have worked at the VA for 2.5 years now as a nurse practitioner. I really enjoy my job and love working with the Vets. As far as the benefits go, they are excellent. All Federal Holidays are paid + 26 days of paid vacation a year and 2 weeks of sick time a year which you can rollover to the next year if you don't use it. Medical, dental and vision benefits are also quite good. They have a regular retirement program, plus a program called the Thrift Savings Plan that works like a 401k, the VA matches up to 5% of your contribution each year. Most of the people I have worked with at the VA truly enjoy their jobs and love working with Vets and there is a very low turnover rate for nurses and medical staff. I would highly recommend the VA to anyone.

[dreamon]

What is it like to work at the NYC VAMC? Has anyone been employed there?

[turnforthenurse, MSN, NP]

Does the VA hire new grads? And is every VA set up like a hospital, like different units? I still have to get my ATT and take my NCLEX, but I'm considering applying to the VA if I can't find a job elsewhere. Does the VA have ICU units, too? I would love to work in the ICU or ER, or med-surg or tele.

[SummitRN, BSN, RN]

Are most places rotating shifts?

Are 12s more predominant on certain wards?

How does using your vacation work? Do you have to apply way ahead and is there some seniority system or something?

A 12 hour nurse having to work an extra 8 every 2 weeks makes 26 extra 8 hour shifts a year. Suddenly that 26 (8hr) days of vacation is not such a selling point from a time off perspective. If you used all 26 days then you are working the same number of days a normal 3x12 nurse works without vacation.

[jeckrn, BSN, RN]

are most places rotating shifts?

are 12s more predominant on certain wards?- this will depend on the facility you work at. at the va where i am on military leave from most of the inpatient shifts are 8 hours. also no one who works inpatient is assigned permanent days but are also assigned to cover either the evening or night shift. since most nurses on the off shifts like to work them seldom do the day nurses have to work an off shift.

how does using your vacation work? do you have to apply way ahead and is there some seniority system or something? again each va has its own system. we signed up for vacation every quarter with seniority having 1st choice. if someone had made long term plans for a vacation we as a group would work with each other to ensure the person recieved those dates.

a 12 hour nurse having to work an extra 8 every 2 weeks makes 26 extra 8 hour shifts a year. suddenly that 26 (8hr) days of vacation is not such a selling point from a time off perspective. if you used all 26 days then you are working the same number of days a normal 3x12 nurse works without vacation.

yes, you have to work 80 hours in a pay period. you also have to remember you are only working 72 hours on a 3x12 shift. if you end up in a clinic position which is a mon-fri position those 26 days are nice. at the civilian hospitals i worked at you could be called off if the patient census was low and you had to use benefit time, which could use up your vacation time. at the va it is your option if you want to work or use benefit time when the patient census is low saving your vacation time for when you want to use it.

as others have stated the va is one of the few who compenstate you for having your bsn. this year is my 6th year with the va and my salary has increased 35%. when i started i had my adn and now i have my bsn. when i complete my msn i will be inline for another grade increase.

as with everywhere you work there are pro's & con's you just have to see what is best for you.

[79Tango]

The VA Health System is Awesome! You will be hard pressed to find an employer with as much to offer as they do. Working for them could be a career within a career as many will stay until retirement. Yes the hiring process is long and can sometimes take 6-12 months to get through the credentialing but it is well worth it! The best thing you can do is be prepared to turnover information or documents ASAP. When they ask for something, get it back to them. Order your official trancripts yourself and address them to the facility. Help them Help you---Good Luck

[icunurseforlife]

Are most places rotating shifts?

Are 12s more predominant on certain wards?

How does using your vacation work? Do you have to apply way ahead and is there some seniority system or something?

A 12 hour nurse having to work an extra 8 every 2 weeks makes 26 extra 8 hour shifts a year. Suddenly that 26 (8hr) days of vacation is not such a selling point from a time off perspective. If you used all 26 days then you are working the same number of days a normal 3x12 nurse works without vacation.

AMEN. Glad someone else realized this. GRRRR*@(%*@()%