RN 2 APRN in the VA

Here is myexperience, every hospital is different. Some faculties encourage ‘growing' staff, and supporting personal development, other facilities that could care less.

At my previous facility, it was almost impossible to receive a step increase. During the several years I was there, only hear of a couple of floor nurse'sreceiving them. Usually it took incessant amount of paperwork, documentation, and constant hounding of the‘boarding team and manager's' to get it. Most had to threaten to quit, or transfer out before getting their steps.

Also, I see your gong for your NP. Did you take the VA's tuition reimbursement agreement? Not sure if I would want to work as a NP with the VA. At our clinic, the NP's work load is unbelievable. All of them are dong 12 hour days, and most having to come in on their day's off to catch up with theirpaperwork. Real sad.

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.

No, step increases are not automatic. You have to apply for them. Again,it's up to the ‘boarding team' whom gets their step increase. I've been with the VA over 10 years, and still only a step one, grade 14. I've triednumerous times applying for the step increase, but had no luck. Played the game, involved myself with committees,been an instructor for PMDB, and established new out-patient programs. Still, I'm only a grade one. Pretty much given up. I'm a few months away from early retirement. Hoping to follow a new path

As for the going for the Master's in Nursing, the only advantage you find in the VA is going into management. Almost all of the clinical specialist I've worked with in the VA, they tend to end up doing floor nursing due to chronic short staffing.

Others may have different experiences, but this is what I've observed at the 6 different VA's I worked on.

You are wrong in that the RN and ARNP share the same pay scale. They do not.

Also I have worked at the VA for 7 years and was able to accomplish nurse 3 in 5 but it

took extensive national level work.