Deciding on job: VA OR vs. Cardiac OR

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  1. Help me choose my career :)

    • 1
      Cardiothoracic OR
    • 0
      VA OR

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Specializes in Plastics/Reconstruction, General.

Hi all!

I am finishing Nursing school in May (YAY!). Because I am already part of the health system (8 years of OR experience as a Surgical Tech) I have several options available to me as far as OR Nurse jobs.

The two I am considering are: The VA Operating Room, 4-10 hour shifts a week, and a light call schedule. I am unsure of the pay rate, but I will get more than average due to experience. Here I would have specific service, but since I have experience in all services currently (except Cardiothoracic) I could do a little bit of everything.

The other is Cardiothoracic OR at a level one trauma center. Likely 3-12 hour shifts. The call is one night per week, and every 5th or 6th weekend. This is the same hospital I have 8 years of service at. I would have to learn this service from scratch, but I'm willing to put the time in.

Background: I currently work every weekend 12 hour shifts in the Main OR. Previously I have 6 years of Ambulatory OR experience. I have not yet ever had to deal with taking call, but I am adjusted to the fast pace of emergent surgery. I am married with a 5 year old. I plan on working towards my BSN within 5 years.

While I am a bit nervous to leave my health system/ years of service behind, I am really trying to make the best choice for me and my family. I know the money is there with Cardiac, but I have always heard the VA has great benefits, and also the satisfaction of helping our Veterans.

I would appreciate any feedback, and any information regarding call schedule, cardiac lifestyle, and benefits/life style at the VA.

Thanks!

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

I take it your experience is as a surgical tech? This is really a decision you're going to have to make for yourself- which option appeals to you more? I took a CVOR job knowing that I'd have an insane amount of call (average about 100 hours per 2 week pay period), but it's a specialty I truly enjoy and the team is a lot more cohesive and supportive. It sounds more like you'd need to speak with employees at the two jobs you're considering to get the specifics- it really does vary from facility to facility what things are like.

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