RN starting salary

Specialties Government

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I've been tentatively hired by the VA....im still awaiting my salary offer and hoping it's at least equivalent to what I currently make. I'm an ADN with 14yrs nursing experience (mostly in PACU and Open Heart Unit/Recovery). Thoughts or comments on what I should expect them to offer????

It varies widely from VA to VA.

Specializes in Med-Surg., Oncology, Observational Units.

I would strongly recommend you get a copy of the nurse pay scale for your va hospital and have them bring you in as a nurse 2 not a nurse 1. They may try to bring you in as Nurse 1 since you have an ADN. The VA pushes the BSN pretty strongly. Good luck, let us know how it turns out.

I know (about the BSN part). I hope I hear something soon. Should be any day now. í ¾í´ž

Specializes in ICU; Telephone Triage Nurse.

The salaries will be posted online for the VA in question. I believe with the number of years you've worked as a nurse you will likely start at a grade 2, and anyone's guess on the step - maybe 3 or 4?

As already mentioned, VA nurse salary amounts can vary greatly from state to state doing the same job (some VA nurses with only a short time until retirement apply the last 3 years to work in a state with much higher pay, if possible, because your retirement via OPM will be based solely upon the mean average of your last 3 years worked).

The shift differential for weekends, evenings/nights can't be beat with a stick either!

Thanks. I'm STILL waiting to hear what the "official" offer is.

Specializes in Utilization Review.

I was hired 6 years ago as a Nurse 2 step 2, I had a BSN and had just got my MSN. I was promoted to a nurse 3 after 1 year.

Specializes in ICU; Telephone Triage Nurse.

I recall waiting forever when I was hired too ... That much hadn't changed.

Specializes in ICU; Telephone Triage Nurse.

hello, can someone please help me with an example of nurse proficiencies for theVA RN 2 and 3, thanks in advance

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