Do you like working for the VA

[Bella RN, BSN, MSN]

Hello,

I have heard great things about working for the VA--I hear the benefits are phenomenal. I am just wondering how do you compare working for the VA in comparison to the private sector? How's the pay? Are the benefits that great? I read on their site that have 13 days sick leave, and then I saw a section on annual leave. Are these leaves separate--is Annual leave used for vacations only and sick leave used when sick? You definitely do not get that in the private sector.

I did pay the VA a visit years ago and I was turned off by how unkempt it looked. I thought our vets deserved a place that was nicer--but I don't know if it was because of lack of funds. But at this point I am getting older and I don't just look at the pay but also consider the long term benefits of a job. If you can give me some insight to being a government employee through the VA? Any info on tuition reimbursement? I would like to get a MPH one day.

Thank you!:)

[jeckrn, BSN, RN]

hello,

i have heard great things about working for the va--i hear the benefits are phenomenal. i am just wondering how do you compare working for the va in comparison to the private sector? there are pluses and minus working at the va. there is no call off for low census etc., annual pay raises, large choice of insurances etc. are some of the pluses, som of the minus is the red tape of the federal government, slow pace of change, etc.

how's the pay? va nurses are classified as title 38 employees. generally the pay start outs low but after a few years is equal or better then the private sector. pay is also based on your education a bsn can make 10k a year more in base pay as a adn with the same amount of experience.

are the benefits that great? benefits are pretty good, but health insurance can be a little pricey but it is also some of the best out there

i read on their site that have 13 days sick leave, and then i saw a section on annual leave. are these leaves separate--yes these are 2 differnet types of leave, since nurses are title 38 they get 1 al day a pay and 1/2 sl per pay. you are allow to carry upto around 5-6 years of sick leave and 2 years of al at anyone time before you hit use it or lose it. the amounts could be slightly differnet, do not remember from last year.

is annual leave used for vacations only and sick leave used when sick? sl can only be used for sl but al can be used for both.

you definitely do not get that in the private sector.

i did pay the va a visit years ago and i was turned off by how unkempt it looked. i thought our vets deserved a place that was nicer--but i don't know if it was because of lack of funds. but at this point i am getting older and i don't just look at the pay but also consider the long term benefits of a job. if you can give me some insight to being a government employee through the va? any info on tuition reimbursement? i would like to get a mph one day.

thank you!:)

the va is a good place to work, but it will take you aleast a year before you stop hitting your head on the wall because of some of the stupid things they do. i really enjoyed working for them, would still be there if i did not go on active duty.