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Discussion

from the VA to private sector ED

hey everybody! i have somewhat of a dilemma here. i currently work at a VA in progressive care. decent pay and good long term benefits. However, i am bored and feel like im not challenged. Our pt population is very limited and although ive only been a nurse for about 3 years, i feel like i mastered my unit. im even floating to icu and er to learn and get more experience, but theyre both kind of lower level and I feel like im robbing myself of getting the high acuity experience that i want by staying her, but when i calculate my retirement (30 years from now-im in my twenties) makes me want to stay. i guess i just dont feel very professionally satisfied here. Our new manager is also very inexperienced at the bedside, which has made it somewhat of a more annoying work environment than it used to be.

i just got offerred an emergency department position at a local private hospital. the pay is slightly better, but the long term benefits arent as good. They will also crosstrain me in ICU. This is the experience that i want and crave. however, im finding it very difficult to give up a secure and easy federal position. Transferring units at this VA isnt an option due to beaurocracy. What would you guys do??

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    • Author

    Sorry for the typos, I was on my phone when I posted this.

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    The benefits of working in a federal government job alone would keep me at the VA.. I think it's very prudent of you to be thinking about the long term benefits and retirement. Chances of you getting that kind of pension outside of the VA are low, unless you start investing a lot of your income right now. Good luck.

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    • Author

    Well, I have been investing my income for the last four years, so that wouldn't really be a problem. I really am on the fence with this one.

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    See if you can stay with the VA part-time, just the minimum # of hours to be eligible for benefits and then work elsewhere in private sector or per diem. Some state jobs (not sure about federal) allow you full benefits at as low as 17.5 hrs per week. This way you get the best of both worlds benefits and "acuity." God bless you for seeking higher acuity...just remember to plan for the future because as you change and grow older you may not want that type of acuity. That's why I say it's worth considering keeping you foot still in the door at the VA.

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    • Author

    yeah, I think im gonna try to stay per diem to keep my foot in the door, but what good are benefits if youre unhappy"

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    I understand what you're saying. Funny how this twenties age thing works because I am 38 and I placed happiness above all else when I was in my 20s too...then I got older and suddenly benefits make me happy. :-) Consider me the nurse ghost from Christmas future paying you a visit here on Allnurses.

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    • Author

    Thanks..still unsure of what i should do and I have to figure it out soon!

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