VA vs Private Hospital

[I<3Nursing]

Ok. So here is my situation. I currently work at a private hospital on an orthopedic floor. I can't say I love it there, but I don't hate it there either. I enjoy who I work with but I don't enjoy those nurses that have been there forever and are massive gossipers. I can handle them, because they aren't on my shift. Anyways I graduated in may of 08 and have about 6 months in there. I applied at the VA the same time I got this job, if any of you know it takes forever. i had given up on working there and then they called to asked if i was still interested to start the "boarding" process. I know a few people that work at this VA and said they have already gone through two nurses becaues of how mean the older nurses can be there, nothing new for me I'm use to that. So I can't decided. I am trying to list positives and negatives. Positive now I work 12 hour nights and have a really good rotating schedule with every third weekend off and my supervisor sets it up so I get 7 days off every three weeks. The VA doesn't do 12s and it would be five 8 hour nights, so basically never sleeping at night. Also, they pay a little better, not sure how much haven't gotten that to me yet. The floor they want me on is telemetry with an opportunity to float to ICU which is great for me wanting to continue my education. They will pay for continued education but not NP. I don't know if I want to be a nurse anesthetist yet but they would pay to send you to Army school for that. I'm just really unsure about what to do. I'm just waiting for the boarding call. I asked if I could call her back and seh said to remind me? sure. So I haven't called yet, got the call last week. Some people are saying why let go of 7 days off every three weeks for not a huge pay increase and working 8s? Others are saying you can't say no to those benefits, and then others are like what about the gossip that you hate and those mean older nurses. Any body have any more input? Anything is appreciated, no I won't make my choice off of one thing that is said, but will allow it to be included in my though proces on what to do next. Oh and the VA you can work at the VA anywhere in the country with a simple transfer. But the private hospital has almost the same perk. Thanks in advance!:redbeathe

[tizell]

I know that you will make the right decision. I'm trying to get in to the VA also. I graduated in June 08, took my nclex in sept 08 and looking for a job but it's hard when you dont have experience and looking for that one person who will give you a chance. If your pos outweigh the neg I'd say go for with no regrets.

[debi49]

Wont hurt to start the process.....it takes forever to get vetted.It was almost 3 months from the time my brother had his first interview, to the time he started. But seriously, it is a tough place to work....lots of turn over (from what I hear). You can start the process but you'll probably have lots of time to continue to think.

[jstewart3]

Im a new grad, MAy 08, too. I got hired at the VA, for my first job. I can say that I really enjoy working there, for the most part. I also don't know any different, except for clinicals. I am suprised that I enjoy the patients so much and not having to scan every little thing (llike supplies, socks, flushes, etc.)

I was originally hired as a new grad in the SICU, which was tremendously hard and I came home crying every day. I have a fantastic manager, who allowed me to go to a med surg floor for some basic experience, after my orientations/preceptorship and I have fallen in love with this med-surg.floor. Never would have thought that! I do understand the gossip thing...why are so many nurses like that? My VA experience has been wonderful, as far as training and people mentoring me mostly. We have the options of working 12's or 8's or 10's. I do 3 12's. Also, we are federal employees and have a union.....so even though this new nursing thing is exceptionally difficult, I am very happy that I chose the VA.

:heartbeat:nurse:

[just_cause, BSN, RN]

You can check out this part of the forum

https://allnurses.com/forums/f57/

for a bunch of VA prior posts and a better place to post specific questions after you review,

v/r

[sim-sim future nurse]

I work as a Student Nurse Tech at the VA in my city and will hopefully work there as a RN when I pass the NCLEX. I want to work there because they have a great Union, a Thrift Savings Plan (they will match you up to 5% of what you put away), and nurses get 5 weeks of vacation, 2 weeks of sick time with pay and paid holidays. The patients are great too! I love working with the Vets.

The only thing that I don't like is that all employees have to work 80 hours per pay period. So nurses work 3 12's, and then 3 12's and one 8. That kind of sucks. I am wondering though if all VA hospitals are like this.

I hope that you make your decision and then :redbeathe whatever you pick.

[core34]

5 nights is really tough. say goodbye to those 7 days off. the thing with working 5 8's is that you can barely switch with anyone either. if you haven't done 5 11-7's, i would advise against it.

[medsurgrnco, BSN, RN]

I strongly advise against leaving a tolerable job with a good schedule where you've been working as a new nurse for only 6 months to go to a job where you know there are some very unpleasant nurses and would have a worse schedule. It would be wise to get at least a year's experience at one hospital before you start making job changes that you may later regret. I also don't see how anyone can work 5 8-hour night shifts and have a life! Yes, the VA benefits are great, but you only get those benefits if you are able to tolerate the workplace!

[NeoNurseTX, RN]

I agree with most of the above posters. 5 nights a week is TOUGH. I've done it and you really have no life outside of work. VA benefits are okay, but do those outweigh what you have now? You sound like you have a great schedule!