va nursing

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I am in orientation at the VA hospital in Salisbury nc. I was wondering how is it like working here compared to the private sector. I will be working on the floor. I have heard varying things from accountability issues to lazy people. I just like to have some expectation before I actually get there.

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

I'm sure this thread will get moved there, but be sure to check out the Government Nursing forum (under Specialties). There are lots of threads about the VA.

As a vet, I have to say, the culture isn't great, but maybe it varies by facility. The care I've received at the VA hospital... has me getting my own insurance, even though I have 100% coverage.

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I love working at the VA hospital. You will find lazy coworkers everywhere, including the VA hospital. For me it not about other people I work with but about the veterans I am taking care of. I am there to be a patient advocate for the veteran and that is my focus. I will tell you the charting at the VA is a little old school but we do computer chart. We also work with residents on a regular basis. When comparing my experience as a nurse in the private sector versus the VA system. I never want to work at any other place because I feel honored to be able to take care of the veterans that have defending our country.

I will also tell you I have seen both sides of the VA hospital. I know what the veterans go through coming in and I see what happens internally. I will tell you that, in my opinion, some of the same things occur in the private sector. Veterans are a very special population of patients and have very specific types of common problems.

Again I will tell you I LOVE WORKING for the VA hospital as a RN.

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