VA Pay Scale For NEW hires

Editorial Team / Admin · May 3, 2015

Grade 2, yes, is usually the BRN pay scale.

Where you start within that Grade depends on how you present yourself when you "board."

You will need to write an initial document addressing how you meet or exceed the elements and criteria of the Grade.

This has a lot of information in it but if you can sift through it to get the elements and criteria of your grade, that would be a good start: http://www.va.gov/health/TRAVELNURSE/docs/NPSB_Presentation.pdf

Example:

"Dimensions of Nursing Practice

The NPSB is looking for a minimum of one specific example of how each Dimension is met ....:

What was done? ---> ACTION

For whom? ---> POPULATION

What difference did it make? ---> OUTCOME

When? ---> SUSTAINABILITY"

This is your chance to brag, which we as nurses seem shy about. Describe what you have done, how you have made a difference in patient care, in outcomes, have innovated to make evidence-based changes, have been involved professionally in committees, etc.

Hope this helps.

kerbear1969 · May 6, 2015

The link you provided EXTREMELY informative thank you so much!

pfchang · May 7, 2015

A BSN does not automatically translate into a Nurse II.

ORTech2RN · May 7, 2015

You pretty much need to sell yourself to the board. They look for things like: education, leadership, teamwork. etc. Were you ever a charge nurse? Make sure you list that on the dimensions of nursing packet that has to be filled out. Make it clear as day that you are interested in continuing your education. I came in the VA almost a year ago, still only 1/3 through my BSN, never charged on a floor, but was boarded Nurse I Level 3, step 7. Pay, like the military, is totally based on locality. So each VA within each VISN may vary in salary ranges. Even if you get lowballed on boards, know that people move up in pay and grade. In one year I received a Critical care adjustment raise and the standard 1% across the board for all Federal employees. Overall, folks make pretty darn good money within the VA. More importantly, you'll get to work with some of America's best. Before, in my old job, i was burnt out with the nonstop entitled attitude that I seen with patients. Nearly everyone thought they should have been handed narcotics on admission. It was sickening, and I was at the point of throwing in the towel and making a career change. Most of the vets are appreciative of care. And quite a few have awesome stories to share. I had the privilege of taking care of an older guy who was shot down over Germany and held POW-in 1944. Talk about neat. You will see a good share of sad stories. Many of our vets are homeless, or are not getting appropriate care for mental or substance abuse issues. Moral of the story, and I have to remind myself of this. While we are well paid and provided with great benefits, we serve a very important role in taking care of veterans.