VA RN pay scales

Specialties Government

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I am trying to figure out where I would potentially land on the grade, level, and step with the VA. I know it is subjective based on nursing boards, just want a get an idea. Thanks!!

BSN with 10 years of experience

2 specialty certifications

EMT

ACLS

working on MSN

Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.

Extremely subjective but one thing for sure it is very difficult to come in as a nurse 3.  Maybe things have changed but if I had to guess, I would say Level 2, step 4.  I have been boarded twice.   Both times as a Level 2 step 5 and Level 2 step 6.  I have a MSN, BSN, 2 national certs and double your years of experience.  All VA's seem to operate differently so take my advise like a grain of salt.  I have also met nurses with no master's get a waiver and make a level 3 with 1/4 of my experience and no certs.  Again, it is all over the place.

Good luck!

I would say RN 2 step 8 or 10 somewhere around there. They will give extra points for certifications so that will help.

Specializes in RN w/28yr nursing and non nurse MS.

Hired 12/2022 as a Grade 2 Step 12 w/BSN and non-nursing MS In strategic leadership. I have 28 years nursing experience, 43 years total in healthcare and am a Certified Case Manager. They take EVERYTHING you have done as a nurse in consideration at the nursing board review prior to their salary offer. Please have a VA nurse assist you through this process!! It is in YOUR best interest so you get the most money! I had a colleague who told me "write EVERYTHING you have ever done as a nurse. This includes precepting, mentoring, education (nurse and patients), committees, projects, awards, certifications, training, specialties, lean belt training, manager/leadership responsibilities, etc. Again EVERYTHING YOU HAVE EVER DONE AS A NURSE!! This is NOT your resume, this is an additional statement you write out to cover "what's NOT included on your resume". The VA offers great pay and benefits as a nurse. A colleague from my previous job did NOT do this additional information sheets and it cost her $1000s in her salary. Before submitting this additional information along with all of your college transcripts,licenses and certifications, please ask to speak to the nursing recruiter if you are unsure or want to clarify something before your submission. Good luck!!

1 Votes
MSRNKRL said:

Hired 12/2022 as a Grade 2 Step 12 w/BSN and non-nursing MS In strategic leadership. I have 28 years nursing experience, 43 years total in healthcare and am a Certified Case Manager. They take EVERYTHING you have done as a nurse in consideration at the nursing board review prior to their salary offer. Please have a VA nurse assist you through this process!! It is in YOUR best interest so you get the most money! I had a colleague who told me "write EVERYTHING you have ever done as a nurse. This includes precepting, mentoring, education (nurse and patients), committees, projects, awards, certifications, training, specialties, lean belt training, manager/leadership responsibilities, etc. Again EVERYTHING YOU HAVE EVER DONE AS A NURSE!! This is NOT your resume, this is an additional statement you write out to cover "what's NOT included on your resume". The VA offers great pay and benefits as a nurse. A colleague from my previous job did NOT do this additional information sheets and it cost her $1000s in her salary. Before submitting this additional information along with all of your college transcripts,licenses and certifications, please ask to speak to the nursing recruiter if you are unsure or want to clarify something before your submission. Good luck!!

Good job! So many people don't do this when getting hired and the pay difference is huge

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