LPN has 2 job offers; 1 for VA clinic as Health tech and 1 LPN private clinic. help

[cynthy]

Can anyone out there help me with a really tough decision.. I am an LPN-IV certified with med/surg, er, school nursing, clinic, and homehealth experience. I have a dilemna, I have been offered a job with VA working in community oubased clinic as a health tech. doing phlebotomy and ekg's etc. No license needed. same pay as lPN. Also, a private Dr. office/residendcy program are begging me to work for them... I have people there that know me and they really want me to work for them.. I just don't know which is the better career choice.. which would be the happiest road? need to have advice Now.. they need to know.. Help!! Thanks:sniff:

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

VA, Cynthy. Get your foor in the door.

Frankly, doctors are notoriously cheap.

[caliotter3]

I am 43 yo.. and I really am ready to find a home and start building up my retirement. the private clinic doesnt allow me to join retirement until after 2 years of employment.. I became a nurse at age of 40..late bloomer..

For this reason I would choose the VA job. You can't beat their retirement. Remember that once you are in the system you will be allowed to apply for nursing positions for transfer if you so desire. My friend stated that the VA was the best job she ever had.

[Lacie, BSN, RN]

Part of me is leaning toward the private clinic because they are being so nice and want me to work for them... that makes me feel good about myself and makes me want to help them and work there.. but.. I have always heard that you want to get a fed. gov. job.. If you get in (VA) then you can always move up and travel.. more opportunities.. Do you know if they help pay for school? I am planning on gettting my RN.. just don't know how that will work into my job for VA

VA has many educational opportunites and does have tuition assistance particularly if you sign to stay on once you get your RN. VA is very education oriented and encourages it. Even as a veteran they push education to us and foot the bill. I honestly feel you would be doing yourself a favor in the long term. Most VA clinics and Hospitals are related to teaching institutions, so keep that in mind.

[cynthy]

For this reason I would choose the VA job. You can't beat their retirement. Remember that once you are in the system you will be allowed to apply for nursing positions for transfer if you so desire. My friend stated that the VA was the best job she ever had.

Wow, good to hear... I was worried about not actively practicing as a nurse and hoping it wouldn't affect my career chances in the future.. :)

[cynthy]

VA has many educational opportunites and does have tuition assistance particularly if you sign to stay on once you get your RN. VA is very education oriented and encourages it. Even as a veteran they push education to us and foot the bill. I honestly feel you would be doing yourself a favor in the long term. Most VA clinics and Hospitals are related to teaching institutions, so keep that in mind.

thats exactly what I am hoping for. Being of middle age, I still need to help support my family while trying to get my RN so if I can get help with cost and then a job offer after school thats even better... I heard the VA was a good job and that it is hard to get your foot in door.. Now I'm just waiting for the phone call to set up my physical, fingerprinting, and drugtesting so I can begin working.. It is such a long process. It took 5 - 6 weeks to get the job offer itself.. UUGGHHH!!.. But we are holding on making it through day by day..