Sarah918

I believe 685 hours can be carried over annually as long as you are a title 38 covered under the current system which is FERS. More tha 685 results in a "use or lose" situation and I've seen people actually lose AL! We (RNs) get 26 paid AL days per year, 10 sick days and 10 paid federal holidays (paid day odd or double time if you work the holiday). Our LPNs and NAs fall under the GS and receive far less annual leave. Our leave benefits as title 38s are good. The biggest problem is a manager who won't approve AL requests even when requested FAR in advance. That is not supposed to happen but does more than you think it would- especially on acute units.

I love our Vets. I hate feeling a pit in my stomach when I drive in to work everyday and think about the micromanagement and bullying that lies ahead. I used to think my career would be here but I cannot imagine feeling like this for years and years. I feel trapped by the need for benefits and I would be very sad not to work with our Vets anymore.

Happened to me, too. They even got our biometric information. I recommend calling the 3 credit bureaus and putting freezes on your credit. It blocks anyone from applying for any credit line. If you yourself want to apply for credit or allow anyone to see your credit report you can pay $5 for a temporary lift on the freeze. It's crazy the level of information that was stolen. Given the disorganization I see at other federal levels, I'm not surprised it happened.

Thanks, all. My PMs are disabled- I'm a new member. Will PM as soon as the system lets me. The proficiency process needs expansive overhaul IMO. Maybe other NPSB boards can each review proficiencies from VAs other than theirs. It's such a game of favorites. That and just flat out unfair denials. Staff nurses who rock it and deliver amazing care are shut out. I've seen it over and over at my hospital.....and now it is my turn...... Best yet, proficiencies cannot be grieved I've learned. Cheers

I know this is an old question but if you are like me you are reading all of these and trying to work your way through an inconsistent, bureaucratic web. A bit of advice, try to come in boarded as high as you can. Make sure to fill out VerPro and include all nursing experience- leave nothing out. If you don't agree with the boarding try to appeal.

I am feeling frustrated with the entire VA NPSB proficiency process. At my hospital, it is a good old boys system in which board members promote their friends and the other managers and shut the door on others. I am a staff RN with a MSN and years of experience. I applied for my nurse III after completing a hospital wide project and doing other work that met the 9 dimensions. This whole process has me frustrated beyond words. My profIciency has been lost by HR multiple times. My initial NPSB review said I didnt meet 7 of the 9 dimensions. Before submitting my proficiency, I had it reviewed by 3 former board members who all said I would meet for a 3. I submitted a request for reconsideration after the initial denial, and suddenly I met 6 out of 9 dimensions. I am now appealing my denial to VACO. Has anyone ever done this? What was he outcome, and how long did your appeal take to be answered after it was sent off? I have been repeatedly been told by my own manager "you cannot get a 3 without working in management" and "it takes multiple submissions to get approved". I do not think this is correct. It may be harder to find the time and get approval for a project, but staff RNs cannot be essentially "blocked" from promotion. The dimensions are black and white, yet a subjective system is used to approve or deny proficiencies. It seems so unfair at my hospital. I've seen other nurses get promoted who were friends with board members, while other truly deserving RNs who meet the dimensions and make lasting changed within the hospital are shut out. Any guidance and other nurses experience with this would be greatly appreciated. I love working with our Vets, but the good old boys club and the oppressive bureaucracy had me ready to bash my face into something. I feel defeated. Thanks all