Do you work in a VA CPAC as UR RN?

Hello Everyone,

I have ten years of experience as a Med/Surg nurse, and I'm considering my career options. I'm interested in working as a Utilization Review Nurse in a VA CPAC (Consolidated Patient Account Center). I know that there are several around the country:

Las Vegas, NV

Lebanon, PA

Orlando, FL

Middleton, WI

Leavenworth, KS

Smyrna, TN

• Is there a CPAC that you would recommend, or suggest that I avoid?
  
• Is there something that you wish you had known before taking the Utilization Review Nurse position?
  
• What is your workload like? Is it stressful?
  
• What do you see as the pros and cons of working in a CPAC?
  

Any information that you are able to provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Hello,

I was curious, did you ever get a job working for a CPAC. I am considering taking a position at one and am curious to know if people like working there as a UR nurse.

Not sure if you got the job, but RUN. I work there for 6 years and it is miserable. I am trapped, there is NO promotions, staffing is horrible, leadership the worst.

Wish the job was what I had dreamed of, now I am left in pieces.

But maybe its for you, i don't know. I have a master's in nursing and I can't seem to get out find another job.

I work for CPAC as a UR nurse and I have to say that it's been the most frustrating of all VA jobs I've had. I left a great job because I wanted growth and am regretting it so far. Just started earlier this year. One benefit is telework up to 3 days a week. Other than that, I believe most nurses would leave if they could.

Hello Missrn818,

I have an interview this coming Tuesday, April 18th, with a CPAC here in Vegas. I wanted to get some insight on the job. I currently work as a PACT RN Care manager in the clinic. You mentioned in your response that your job as a CPAC UR nurse has been the most frustrating VA job you've ever had. Can you please expound on that? I do not have any UR experience, but I do have my masters in nursing with a concentration in case management. Can you give me some tips to help me decide if UR with CPAC is the route I want to go? Are you still working as a CPAC UR nurse?

Interested in reading from anyone who currently works as RUR Nurse in CPAC. I will like to gain more insights on how a day to day runs like. I am currently working at the bedside and even though I enjoy being hands on, I will like to try something else I might enjoy doing minus the pressure of being on my toes all day long. Thank you all for reading and hoping I read someone's experience to help me determine if this is for me or not.