VA Nursing Home Patient : Nurse Ratio

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Hi Everyone

I have an upcoming interview at a VA nursing home in Florida, hence doing some research. I know that most sates do not have mandatory nurse/ patient ratios. However, I am seeking insights on how the VA nursing homes' nurse/ patient ratio compare to other LTC facilities. Also, besides the typical interviewer and interviewee questions, are there any unique questions (as it regards to the VA) I should be expecting, as well as asking? Thanks

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Are you interviewing at a State of Florida Veterans Home? If so, just know there is a distinction between the "VA" (usually indicates federal) vs. a state Veterans Home. You may want to refer to the facility as a "Veterans Home" during your interview. That's how their website refers to the facilities.

I am familiar with state Veterans Home (SNF) in another state, and the job responsibilities and patient ratios are about the same as other local SNFs. The main difference is that that the federal VA does annual surveys in the state facilities (as well as the state agency that surveys all SNFs).

I would definitely read their website thoroughly so you know as much as possible about the Veterans Home - levels of care, # of beds, services offered etc.

Good luck!!!!

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On 9/13/2019 at 3:55 PM, Golden_RN said:

Are you interviewing at a State of Florida Veterans Home? If so, just know there is a distinction between the "VA" (usually indicates federal) vs. a state Veterans Home. You may want to refer to the facility as a "Veterans Home" during your interview. That's how their website refers to the facilities.

I am familiar with state Veterans Home (SNF) in another state, and the job responsibilities and patient ratios are about the same as other local SNFs. The main difference is that that the federal VA does annual surveys in the state facilities (as well as the state agency that surveys all SNFs).

I would definitely read their website thoroughly so you know as much as possible about the Veterans Home - levels of care, # of beds, services offered etc.

Good luck!!!!

Thanks for the info, it is indeed a State of Florida Veterans Home. I have made various searches, but only found one post with vague information regarding Veterans Homes (VH). It was noted that the ratios in VH were better than local SNF, no specifics. I will heed your suggestions. Thanks

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Their website lists the Homes, and the brochures give some info about the services offered. Obviously nothing about ratios. Good luck, the benefits package might be better than other SNF jobs offer!

http://floridavets.org/locations/state-veterans-nursing-homes/

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38 minutes ago, Golden_RN said:

Their website lists the Homes, and the brochures give some info about the services offered. Obviously nothing about ratios. Good luck, the benefits package might be better than other SNF jobs offer!

http://floridavets.org/locations/state-veterans-nursing-homes/

Ahh, I was on that site a few days ago!! I still find it odd that I can't find any specifics on this site or others concerning ratios and other practices. I'll come back and share what I learn. Thanks

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I went to the VA Veterans Home interview and was informed that the patient to nurse ratio is 19-22: 1. Orientation is 3 days classroom and 2 weeks on the unit. They have electronic medical records and onsite pharmacy which opens 8 hours/ day. It is an Other Personal Services (OPS) position (a.k.a. per diem) which pays $26.00/ hr. The only benefit given is medical, which is offered at a higher premium than what is offered to full time staff.

1
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Are you going to take it?

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Specializes in retired LTC.

Are they union?

The 19-22: 1 - is that 7-3, 3-11 or 11-7? The ratio matters for diff shifts, I believe.

Will you have any realistic chance to go regular FT (if that's what you may want)?

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On 9/25/2019 at 4:09 PM, Golden_RN said:

Are you going to take it?

No offer, just an interview. I will not take it if one made.

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On 9/25/2019 at 11:03 PM, amoLucia said:

Are they union?

The 19-22: 1 - is that 7-3, 3-11 or 11-7? The ratio matters for diff shifts, I believe.

Will you have any realistic chance to go regular FT (if that's what you may want)?

They are not union (unions are not common in Florida). The ratio is for 7-3 shift, marginal difference for the others. Considering the benefits for which FT employees are eligible, such position would be encouraging. However, the chance of going regular FT is very slim/ unrealistic.

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