Have you left the VA for a private-sector position?

[CEEdge]

I've been a nurse for almost 4 years, and I've worked at the VA the whole time. When I started, I was driving an hour and a half each way. After a year of that, I went per diem at the VA and worked full-time at a small community hospital much closer to home. That lasted less than 6 months because the benefits, pay, and management were horrible in comparison. I went back to the VA and my family relocated almost 2 years ago, and my commute is now about 20 minutes.

While I still really like my job, and my house (rental), new town, and kids' school are all fine, I miss home. When I think about buying a home here, I just can't help but feel resistance to building a life here. My husband and I are considering buying a house close to where we grow up, and where our parents and siblings and many of our friends still live. It would still be over an hour drive to the VA and I'm not sure I can commit to that again. The nearest hospital besides the one I've already worked at would be 40 minutes, larger hospitals, 55-60 minutes. Nursing homes and home health would be nearby possibilities.

I guess my question is, if you've worked at a VA and went to the private sector, did you regret it? After I came back to the VA, I vowed to never leave again, but I'm basing that choice off of one other job.

[Jules A, MSN]

In my experience although the VA had a lighter work load, offered more paid time off and a slightly better 401k type vehicle FERS my health benefits at 2 teaching hospitals have been comparable. I have also commuted fair distances for some jobs but it was because their wages were exceptional. Keep in mind if you are investing 10 hours but only getting paid for 8 hours in most cases your hourly rate would have to be super sweet.

You sound kind of all over the place so I wouldn't recommend making any permanent changes just yet.

[jobellestarr]

I have worked IHS for about 9 years and I couldn't go back to the private sector. I feel that federal institutions treat nurses far better than the private sector plus the benefits. Can't beat it.