katduqrn

I've worked for the VA for 2 years as a NP and the salary is competitive in my area. Salary is set by a board and is dependent on how you answer the questions that are presented to the board. VA NPs work in all areas of the VA from primary care, long term care, ER and specialties. The benefits are great. 5 weeks vacation, 5 weeks sick leave per year, plus all federal holidays off. I don't receive health benefits so unsure the cost. Plus COLA almost every year. My COLA has been higher than my raises at civilian places. VA is not perfect and can be frustrating sometimes but it is a good place to work. I'm glad I made the choices to work there.

I live in Pittsburgh, PA area and I am currently enrolled in one of the FNP programs in the area. At my school we are required to find our own preceptors and it is extremely difficult. My school provides little to no help in this area and the student is left to cold call offices. I have express to the school how difficult this process is and how much rejection I receive each semester but nothing changes. Is there any advice that anyone has to help me through this last year of finding preceptors? How can I get the university to understand that this area of the program may need changing? And lastly if there is anyone in the Pittsburgh area in geriatrics, cardiology or endocrine willing to precept me this fall please let me know. Thanks