VA Nurses***

79Tango · Sep 14, 2011

All of the CNA's I know are working 8hr shifts.

Tony1790, BSN, MSN, NP · Sep 16, 2011

Generally high pay with the VA, 10% extra nights, 25% extra on weekends, RN gets 26 days annual leave, LPN's get 13 days.

Not a bad place to work for RN's, CNA's, not the best for an LPN though.

I like the VA, but I work in the ER, which is a rarity now for LPN's, you'll enjoy it. Best thing is go straight to the nursing recruiter and get to know them, they can make things happen.

Good luck

Tony in TN

(going on 2 yrs with the VA)

jeckrn, BSN, RN · Sep 16, 2011

No call offs which saves your vacation for when you want to take it.

BVFD 333 · Sep 18, 2011

I was where you are a few years ago, and took the job based on feedback by this board! For me it was the best career move I have ever made. Patients in general are of course older, needing more care but in general the Vets are wonderful patients. One must love them…

Benefits are outstanding, no staff reduction unless it is voluntary, we work 12 hour shifts in our VA and have a governmental union. Pay is similar to the private sector, however over long term you likely make more money than you ever could make as a staff RN in the private sector (currently we do have a cost of living freeze). After 20 years you get retirement…

Negatives, after a two year probation period one is protected for almost anything (sounds good but when coworkers do not do the right things for the patient or are lazy they would be fired in the private sector,VERY difficult after the 2 year probation periode). Some rules drive me crazy, like one is not late to work until you are over two hours…no call in policy,…timekeeping done by hand…

I love my career at the VA and the patients we are privileged to take care off. If you have detailed question e- mail me. Good luck!

wife&mommyRN · Sep 19, 2011

Thank you for your comments, 2 years seems extremely long to be on probation Are you able to use majority of the benefits immediately. Is OT generally available. The positions I'm currently being considered for are the OR & ICU. The hospital is an hour away from me, hearing about the benefits make it worth the try, does anyone have experience with those nursing areas. Thanks again :)

jeckrn, BSN, RN · Sep 19, 2011

Yes you can start using your benefits right away. OT depends on the unit. The health insurance is a little expense, the government pays 75% of the cost. But, you have many insurance plans to choose from and they are top tier plans. Worked in a small ICU if you can call it that and it was a good place to work.

wife&mommyRN · Sep 19, 2011

How is was ur orientation? How long was ur app process from the time u applied til u actually began working? I kinda figured the VA icu would b pretty small.

jeckrn, BSN, RN · Sep 20, 2011

It was over 6 years ago so I believe it was about 3-4 months after I put in my application until I started. The process is a little different now and I have heard that it takes a little longer. A lot depends on how bad they need the nurse, funding for the position etc. Orientation was 8-10 weeks. ICU's in the VA can be from a small 4 bed unit that I worked at to a larger 20+ unit in the larger cities. It all depends on the VA how things move along and the size of the units.

riotgrrrl85 · Sep 20, 2011

Hello everyone,

I am currently active duty Navy, just got my CNA in Washington, and plan to continue on to LPN. I am planning to move to Murfreesburo, TN and was looking into applying to the VA. Would I have to be licensed in TN before I apply or can I obtain a job while seeking reciprocity? Look forward to any feedback.

Betty

jeckrn, BSN, RN · Sep 21, 2011

At any federal hospital, nursing home etc. you only need to have a active license, it does not matter which state. It does not have to be the one where the facility is at. If your LPN is from WA it will be fine but you will need a TN if you plan on doing any per diem work elsewhere in the state.