Charge Nurse and ANM for the VA

Published

Specializes in OR/ Neuro.

Do charge nurses or ANM get paid more at your facility? I currently charge at my facility and was offered an ANM position that doesn't come with pay raise promotion. Is that the norm at the VA? Also would no longer be able to stay in the union since it's a "management" role. 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Tele, ICU/CCU, GE Lab.

ANM (Assistant Nurse Manager)?  Check the pay scales.  My locality has a separate scale for NM & ANM; not charge nurse.

https://www.VA.gov/ohrm/pay/ 

Up Vote Up Vote ×

What is the pay scale for an ANM?  If you leave the union, you should be entitled to something additional, IMO.  I would offer this...if the ANM doesn't work out, are you allowed to return to your "union position"?  Some institutions are a bit "dicey" about that because once you are in mgmt, they don't want you going back chirping to the union because you were "in the know" for a period of time.  Others may disagree, but that has been my experience.  Who invited you to apply?  Have there been  ANMs who have taken the position and then left or been dismissed shortly after?  Remember the higher in the hierarchy you go, the tighter and thinner the wire you have to walk.  Will the staff resent you for "crossing the fence"?  Some may resent you.  You don't mention if your unit is cohesive.  Looking forward to hearing from you.  In essence, give it some serious thought, especially if there's no compensating $$.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych, Substance Abuse, Case Management.

At my locality, there is no charge nurse position, and there is no separate pay scale for ANM, which is probably why they can't fill that position. The last person in that position left after less than a year. It's been vacant for about 2 years.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OR/ Neuro.

It's good to know other VAs offer separate pay scales. Our VA had a mass exodus in 2022 and half the staff left including the Asst Nurse Manager and our Nurse Manager left a year later so the position has been vacant for awhile and we just had a charge nurse until they hired a nurse manager. I fell into the charge nurse position when she left. They invited all the nurses to interview for the ANM position and I was offered the job. I do want the experience but the position requires you to be in staffing 50 percent and administrative 50 percent. The only true benefit is not having to taken call but that would be a pay cut. Just wanted to weigh my options. 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion