VA ADN/BSN Question

pfchang · Apr 17, 2015

You may take a huge hit without the BSN. VA puts tremendous emphasis on it, even with many years of experience as an RN. But several people here on Allnurses have negotiated higher after an initial offer was extended and was lower than they felt it should be. Others have not been successful. You could go through the process and see where things stand as you move along. It could take months to be hired and by then you may have the BSN or be very close to graduation.

jeckrn, BSN, RN · Apr 17, 2015

I would take the position now since you do not know when the position will come up again and if you would even be considered again if you turn it down. Once you complete your BSN and you come up for your annual review you will be bumped up on the pay scale for having your BSN. From personal experience when went to work at the VA I had my ADN and then completed my BSN. When I came up for review I was increase 2 pay steps and then a pay grade to match the annual salary. It was over a 5K yearly increase.

Money is not everything you need to look at your benefits also. The benefits I received at the VA far out weighed what I received in the private sector. At the VA you receive a defined pension along with TSP (federal government 401K). Also you will receive 26 days of vacation( which is better than my 30 days of leave in the military) & 13 sick days per year, 11 paid holidays, several choices of health insurance options and companies. If you go to work at the VA you might start on the low side for pay but if you stay with them you will end up making more than you would at most civilian facilities. Also remember you will work 40 hours per week no matter what your patient load is and we all know that in the civilian world, no patients, no work and use your benefit time to get paid.