VA RN pay? Step system- previous degrees?

[kss0740]

I was called by a nurse recruiter at the VA today and was told I was chosen for a psych RN position after an interview last week. I can't believe this and feel shocked, humbled & completely excited! This is really a dream come true. Some of my classmates hated precepting at the VA.....but I LOVED it and really can't wait to work with this population. I was told that after a background check and physical, a final salary offer will come.

I'm a relatively new grad RN- had license since July 2011 and have worked as a charge nurse in a psych hospital for 3 months. My background in psych is fairly heavy- I have my BA in psychology, MA in counseling and am a licensed counselor. Nursing is a career change for me. I have over 8 years paid FT experience in psych. I'm new to the VA system and am wondering if the VA will consider this experience as a related bachelors and/or masters degree since I will be working exclusively in psych? Some private hospitals will, others will not. Does anybody know what pay grade/step, etc I might expect to start out at the VA? Will this experience count? I know all states are different, but I believe they operate on the same grade system....?

Thank you!!! :redpinkhe

[gnursjr2]

From my experience at a VA in CA, you are going to do very well. They are really big into people with degrees, the more education you have, to them you walk on water. You will hire in at a higher rate of pay, or step, your promotion potiential with a master's is great. It really doesn't matter if you are a good nurse or not, if you have some letters behind your name you are set with the VA system for making excellent $$. Hope you like it.