VA hospital CLC

Nurses LPN/LVN

Published

I was recently offered a LPN position at my local VA hospital at the CLC (nursing home). I was wondering if anyone can give me some insight on what to expect. I'm starting as a new lpn (no experience) coming from a totally different position (& higher pay sadly). Its been almost 3 years since i graduated from school and its been tough finding a nursing job when you have a great desk job lol... I'm just thinking i'll be a nervous reck... Can anyone tell me the orientation process also ? Thanks

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Specializes in Cardiac ICU; CV Nursing; Medical Surg; Psychiatric.

I've been working for the VA for since 2013. I work in an outpatient CBOC. So it is different compared to working in a community living center. I have a friend who did work there prior to coming to the outpatient setting. So with all VA employees you will get a 2-5 day orientation at the main hospital where you go over benefits and policies. Eventually you will get to your unit and you may be in orientation with another staff member for a month. You probably will shadow someone for the month and then you are on your own.

So pretty much you will be working in a nursing home for veterans. The VA is a great opportunity with good benefits and retirement. Also, once you are in you have a job for life. Don't forget to sign up for the union ASAP so they can back you up in case you get caught in a mess. Be good for your one year probabation and you will always have a job. In addition you can transfer to any lvn postion once you are in the VA. So if you are in the CLC for 3-6 months and an LVN postion pops up in the outpatient clinic or hospital, you can transfer right over. With that you can also apply to any federal position in the government anywhere in the world. So if they have an LVN position in italy you can apply for it.

Welcome to the VA!

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Thank you for your response, I'm already an employee at the VA im just switching careers which im nervous about but def. looking forward to it.

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I'm an LPN in the CLC unit of my hospital too. While I can't speak for all CLCs, I love the one I work at. Some of them are long-term care oriented, others are short-term rehab, still others are a mix. I currently work for the short-term rehab unit but occasionally float to the long-term care unit too. The whole general feel of one feels like a nursing home/SNF.

In my unit we have about 50 beds. We've got 2 RN charge nurses, 10 LPN med nurses (on day shift, NOCs are 5 LPN med teams), 6-8 CNAs who do ADLs and other tasks, 3 mid-level providers on staff, and all the other disciplines (PT/ST/OT, SW, NM etc). In my state LPNs and CNAs have a broad scope of practice so I am not sure how it will be for you as far as what you're allowed to perform.

Basically, your day involves passing meds (up to and including IV meds if your state allows it, which mine does), treatments, very occasional charting, and a few other small tasks. It's a piece of cake compared to being an LPN in a private LTC/SNF. Low stress, manageable patient load, and very supportive of the staff. Another perk? The VA actively encourages further education so they are willing to work with you on that. Good luck!

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I will be a lpn at a clinic at the v.a starting tomorrow. I can't wait but still

Nervous. Happy to be only mon-fri. Ltc was killing me.

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