My internship is at the VA (and I have a question).

[Kiringat]

I'll be working nights in the ER and the Denver VA for my final internship. I actually feel a bit honored to be able to work there, but I have no idea what to expect. How do the patient demographics differ between the VA and a general public hospital ER? Can anyone give me a snapshot of what my nights may be like?

Thanks!

[BeachBayNurse]

You will probably be doing pretty much the same things as you would do at another hospital. However, 98% of your patients will probably be men! I did some clinicals at a VA during nursing school and I loved it, the staff was great, the patients were so sweet to the students, it was a nice experience.

[1studentnurse]

I've never done work in our local ED for the VA, but I just recently finished orientation for our local VA system.

Statistically, VA medical systems treat predominately men, who are sicker and have little means (approximately 26-30% have incomes less than $15000 per year).

Don't worry that these stats are skewed due to working for the VA. Certain areas, like mine (spinal cord injury) always seem to have more male patients than female, because overall statistically, men are more affected.

I enjoyed working predominately with men, so this was not a problem. If you worry about "needy patients", you'll run into them wherever you go, male or female.

[DanznRN, RN]

I recently spent two grad school rotations as an NP student working in a VA. They sometimes have complex medical conditions which will make the experience a good one for you. They sometimes have psych issues as well, which is always a challenge. Demographics and income aside, do yourself a favor and actaully ask them what they did in the service, you'll be amazed. People how are seemingly normal have done some unique things. I cared for a gentlemen this past summer who was "average" by society's standards. Once I got to talk to him I found out he had designed our modern berthing (sleeping) compartments used on Navy ships today, he was the head designer. It was just a neat experience. You never know what some of these men and women veterans have done, just ask and they'll tell.

LCDR Dan

[surromom]

I am currently doing my internship for MA in the outpatient clinic at my local VA and I see both females and males. I am enjoying my experience.

[surromom]

oh and another I am a veteran but my husband stayed in so I found no reason to use the VA, so before I went on my internship I assumed I would be seeing ALOT of old patients but our clinic sees them from 17-108 I believe.

[blueheaven]

Granted there are more male patients than female in the VA system. Our demographic IS different than outside the system. Our patients usually have multiple comorbities, many directly resulting from their service to our country. Since the first gulf war, the number of female vets increased in the system. We don't do peds, OB, but we do have womens services for our female vets. As another poster has said, you can hear some facinating and some heartbreaking stories from them. Most days I love it, but just like anywhere else...some days... :rotfl: