ohioann59

Hi Tom7044 thanks for th input. I think in 2009 they revamped the boarding requirements and while they have a basic rule of thumb -- Nurse Level I (ADN or Bachelors with no experirence), Level II (BSN with 2-3 years or ....) and III (Masters level nurses)...they also have some sort of Nursing Dimensions that you must meet before going from one Level to another. What I think might have happened is that they didn't see my BSN transcripts or my Masters transcripts. I got my ADN in 2002 then my BSN in 2005 and have no breaks in experience. It's a mystery I guess. My friend with less education than me and the same amount of time as a BSN came on as a Level II step 9 so I was thinking I'd be where she started, or higher since she has nothing towards a Masters. I hope to find out something more this week. He did tell me (the HR guy) that the first year I'd be a I/III step 12 (maxed out on Level I) and then go to Nurse II step 7 in one year if I had a good review.

LOL, well, even though you're not counting, good luck with the next 254 days! Thanks for your input, it's appreciated!

Hi Shondra! I'm working for DODEA, the school system, so it's on a TP (Teacher Plan) salary, not GS. I was GS abouat 5 years ago in a place called Vilseck. So many different ways to work as an RN. Where in Cali are you working now?

Thanks for getting back to me, Lisa! Yes, you have the facts right; actually I've been an RN in total since 2003. But the HR guy is looking into it, to make sure a serious mistake was not overlooked. (For example if they missed that I had a BSN and only my ADN shows. I am also one credit short of receiving my Masters, so they have that set of transcripts (or not) I'm not sure. He said in one year if I go through the proficiency well, on the next appraisal I'll be a Nurse II/Step 7. I know what you mean about pay cuts for benefits and better opportunities. I left a good job as a Community Health nurse in Vilseck Germany for a 10K drop to become a school nurse for the Army kids, and it's been a good move. I still hope they realize it's a mistake and they'll come back and say they missed the BSN or something, and start me out at a II/8 or so. Are you with the VA now?

Hi Shonda, and thanks for the quick email! To clarify, I already went through the process of the interview, VETPRO, Eqip, physical, etc etc. It's on the VN scale at the VA for Registered Nurses. The pay levels in the VA for RNs are Level I/I, I/II, I/III, II, III (and IV and V, for top management positions). As a BSN with 10 years experience, they have "Boarded" me at a Nurse I/III, Step 12. I feel this is too low! Especially with the type of experience I have. Last night I called him and said I had expected to get at least a Nurse II and was hoping it would be something like a II/10. I asked him why I wasn't a II, and he couldn't answer, except to say "The Board" came to that decision, and the Nursing Executive concurred. He then said in 1 year, if everything went well, I'd go to Nurse II/Step 7. But he can't explain why I am not already a Nurse II. I am wondering if they somehow did not SEE my transcripts for BSN, nor the ones for my MHR which I'm just about done with. He said the decision is final, but I am asking to make sure my degrees are in the packet! I started out with an ADN degree, THEN earned my BSN, and now almost my Masters. Does that make more sense? It's with the Veterans Affairs, which is completely different from the GS system. Can I fight their decision? Or should I just take it and be happy? In a year I'll be on Nurse II.

Hi Jeckrn, I have an offer as a Caregiver Support RN at a VA in California. I have a BSN and got it in 2005. I've been working on my MHR (Masters of Human Relations) which I finish in the spring. They want to start me off as a Nurse I/III step 12. I am like "huh"? I don't know of any BSN nurses with that sort of experience/education starting out as a I. I asked them if the Board could see I have my BSN already...because something is really wrong with that offer! He said it is a final offer and can't be changed. In a year, he said if I did everything right, and passed my first year proficiency, I would be a II/step 7. What on earth is going on? What have I done wrong and is there a way to find out what they heck the board was looking at? Help! I am working in Germany as an RN and have been with the government for over 20 years. Thanks!

Hi MrsTaz, I'm going through the VA hiring process. I'm an RN/BSN. Was an ADN for two years and got my BSN in 2005. Now working (one class away) from my MHR (Masters of Human Relations). The VA Board found me at a Nurse I/III step 12. NOT a Nurse II. They are saying take it or leave it. I am asking why I was not found to be a Nurse II. Did they not realize or see my transcripts? I don't know whether I should turn this down or what. Have you EVER seen an RN/BSN with 5 plus years exp start off as a Nurse I? HR is being difficult and saying I can't argue with what the Board said, that it's a final decision. What can I do? Ideas? Help please! Thanks!

Hello, I'm an RN/BSN with just over 10 years experience. I am also just a course away from my Masters in Human Relations (not MSN) and I am going through the boarding process for a job at the VA. From all the literature I found, I believe I should be placed 'somewhere' on the Nurse II level. They have offered me a Nurse I/III step 12. I have asked what was deficient and how I could make it to Nurse II...I have not accepted the job because I am quite confident the board is wrong! Maybe they don't see I have a BSN??? I am getting very frustrated with this process and they say it is a firm offer and unless there is a huge Administrative error, it will stay at this rate as it is a final decision, concurred on by the Nurse Executive. I have NEVER met an RN/BSN with over 5 years experience who started at Nurse I. Any advice? HR told me on the phone that in a year I would be considered for Nurse II Step 7. Just like that. ???? Should I take the position even though I feel like I'm being low-balled?