Does the VA pay better than private hosptial?

[nursingqa]

Hello All,

I'm an RN, BSN with a little over 2 years experience, I was previously working in telemetry and recently switched to float pool. In my float pool position I make pretty decent money ($46/hr) doing nights full time. However, I am interested in possibly getting a job at the VA for the great benefits, and better staffing ratios. I noticed the starting salary is sig. less than I am making currently. I was wondering if I would really be losing out on that much money by switching?

[registerednutrn, BSN, RN]

It depends on the area. I have 13 years experience and just started at the VA a few months ago. I am also a BSN RN. And I got about a $6 an hour raise as a nurse 2 step 6. I also found out I am the second highest paid RN on the unit. I can actually be a nurse there not just running from room to room with no time for the patient and family. You can google the VA pay scale and look up where you live. One thing to remember is that everything is by seniority so example I am low man on the pole so I get to pick my schedule last so I work almost every weekend and holiday. They are super strict with their leave as well you pick vacations in October for the next year and that is set in stone so say you find out in January you have a big family reunion coming up in March you probably won’t get off unless co workers can trade shifts to give you some days off together.

[Dean Uguan]

3 hours ago, registerednutrn said:

It depends on the area.

This. Every VA is unique. Consider looking at the SAIL reports for each facility. There you will ratings for things life RN turnover rates, employee satisfaction and the like.

[OUxPhys, BSN, RN]

For me, yes. Like others have said it all depends on the area.