VA Pay Scale

[allymdd]

I was hoping to possibly pick some brains. I recently applied to the VA, for a psych nurse position, and have had a few contacts with recruiters and other employers, including HR reps. I currently work for a public school district, so I have all of the benefits of a NY state employee, just a crummy pay rate. I was looking into potential pay scales if I were offered a position and to see what that might mean if I gave up the benefits I currently have. That said, the range stated on their posting is 56-100K. I understand there is a grid/rubric of sorts, but I don't know exactly where I'd fall on this, or how to make an educated guess. I was hoping to maybe throw my experience, etc. out there and maybe get some thoughts? I am also considering, if I were to be offered and accept a position, staying per diem at the school, or part-time, or whatever the case may be, and need a lot of info as to how that would effect pension and vesting. I am a Tier 6. I know there are grids based on location available but, fun fact, none of those include Buffalo, NY or the surrounding area.

I was an LPN from 2009-2015, and have been an RN (Associates degree) ever since. The bulk of my LPN career was in psych. I also have a Masters Degree in "Counselor Education and Human Services therapy", which, I assume, is that "related field". I'm sure there are a lot of factours that go into figuring out a salary but any thoughts are greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!