Government med/surg or Private-sector specialty?

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Hi there! I just graduated from nursing school in May and passed boards in June. Before graduating I was part of an internship with the Dept Of Veterans Affairs, so I have a job lined up with the VA in August. Im just not sure if this is the best move to make right now... I am 21 years old and I was offered positions in the ICU in private-sector hospitals and like the idea of working three 12 hour shifts a week on a specialty floor (Cardiac ICU). However, family members are telling me that sticking with a federal job is best (for the benefits, like pension, etc). If I stay with the VA I will be in a nursing home for 6 months, and then on a Med/Surg floor for who knows how long (I don't know how hard it is to advance within the VA hospital). Also, the VA is doing 8 hour shifts, so that means work 5 days a week as opposed to 3. I don't really know if I should accept a position in a private-sector hospital on a floor I like with a schedule I would love, or stick it out with the VA on a med/surg floor where Im worried I won't be challenged :/

Any advice is greatly appreciated! :)

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Specializes in RETIRED Cath Lab/Cardiology/Radiology.

So, you have a foot in the door at a job that sounds like it has a lot of long-term perks but short-term sounds like you do not care for the arrangement.

Is there any room for negotiation with the VA? Say, to begin on a desired unit or to have 12-hr shifts?

I would be reluctant to burn any bridges with a sure thing but would want more of a defined plan for advancement into my chosen area/shift.

Comments from others welcomed. :)

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Yes, exactly! :) I have to look into that.. It seems the 12s are a no go :/ They told us we would be able to move to the ER or ICU in a year... but they've seem to have told us a lot of things that so far haven't held up (like that we would be able to start working as soon as we passed boards... that was a month ago, and I probably won't be starting for another month :/) I'll have to be persistent most likely I guess!

I think I may stick it out for at least a year before I apply elsewhere.. I just wasn't sure if anyone had any thoughts on working for the VA in the long run, but this may not have been the right forum to ask lol.

Thank you so much for your reply! :)

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

I encourage you to go with the VA - much better benefit structure & opportunities for advancement in the long term. The reason they are on 8 hour shifts? There is an increasing body of literature about the negative consequences of 12 hour shifts; on patient care and nurse health/safety... especially for 12 hour nights.

You are a lucky duck - with 2 job offers. Wishing you absolutely the best start for your nursing career!

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

I would recommend staying with the VA because of the long term benefits. Eventually, if you are truly not happy, you can apply to work elsewhere. Beginning your job at the VA will give you experience until you are no longer a new graduate.

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I would recommend going with the private sector. Make sure you leave the VA on good terms so that you have an option to return later should you choose to do so. It can be difficult to move around within the VA due to their tendency to preselect who they want to go where. It would be better to go with what makes you happy because believe me the VA has enough staff that is miserable with their jobs that they are keeping just for the retirement.

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Thank you all so much for your comments! :)

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Specializes in LTC Rehab Med/Surg.

When I was younger I would have wanted the private sector job. I was just plain dumb when it came to job benefits.

Now that I'm older, I recognize that would have been a mistake.

No private sector job benefits can compare with what the government offers.

The biggest part of your decision will be whether you look at nursing as just a job. That's how I look at it, so my decisions have always been made with money and benefits as a priority.

I guess I can't relate to the fear of not being "challenged". I can find all kinds of things to challenge myself with, outside of nursing.

Best of luck to you, but from your post I think you've already made your decision.

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I had exactly the same scenario happen to me last year. I stayed with the VA and I couldn't be any happier :) Which state is your VA in?

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