Buckeyern12

Totally agree. Nurse 3 seems extremely unattainable at my facility. I'm graded on making change in a system that doesn't allow change, hmmmmm. I just want to be paid for the work I do, in a system that is well designed. That's why I was leaning towards insurance nursing.

Thanks Pixie! Ive too been looking at non clinical jobs. I work as a care coordinator now but would like to move into a case management position. I like the idea of working in a company(prob insurance) that pays and retains you for your work ethic. I find in govt nursing, they can't fire the dead weight and these are the people who stick around making the job miserable

JeckRN, by switching do you mean working for DOD? There are not many military bases in our area and I haven't seen listings for other agencies.

I know there are a ton of Artna threads but I'm posting a new one because the other threads are do old. I'm looking at Aetna jobs in central Ohio and I was looking for reviews on the company. Do you enjoy your job? I'm looking as case manger positions. How is the pay and bennies? Thanks for reading!

Has anyone left govt. nursing and been happy with their decision? I've been at the VA for almost 2 years and I'm not sure if this is what I want for the next 30 years. People think you're crazy when you talk about possibly leaving because of all the bennies. As a veteran, I love taking care of this population but the system isn't the easiest to function in. Thanks in advance.

Yes, I would use the scholarship. Honestly, being an NP at the VA wouldn't be my first choice but I would do it to pay my time off. I'm actually on the fence about being an NP or just going for my MSN. just trying to figure out where I want my career to go. And I want to make the VA a career, so maybe going the NP wouldn't be the best option. You mentioned step increases are difficult. I thought they were automatic every 2 years? At my facility going from a nurse 2 to 3 is the most difficult.

Long time member, new screen name. Im currently a nurse at the VA and I have questions for other VA/federal nurses. I'm thinking of going to NP school and I'm curious if I would get a couple steps once I'm done? The NPs and RN share the same pay scale. I can't imagine I would assume all that responsibility for the same pay. Any thought? Thanks.