What's so bad about working for the VA?

oramar · Jan 21, 2009

I have heard just as many people say good things about the VA as bad. My brother worked there and the only complaint he had was that they handed him his schedule and he had to work it the way it was with no input from him. Other than that he liked it but that is the reason he left. I am looking forward to reading the post of people that actually work there.

Risky · Jan 21, 2009

VA hospitals usually have the best equipment. Also, the VA I did clinicals at had computerized charting. That's pretty awesome.

patrick1rn, MSN, RN, NP · Jan 21, 2009

I have worked at the VA for 9 yrs now.

I worked on a med surg floor then I moved to ICU

My M/S manager would schedule us to work, with no input at all

Our ICU manager does a better job, we self schedule. It works out.

People say the VA is underfunded. Lies by opponents of the previous administration. The VA is overfunded and waste results. Like any good administration, they have way too many managers, supervisors, assistant managers etc..

If you want a good job, get a job with the VA

LisaDNP · Jan 21, 2009

I'm sure someone will come along and give you a more balanced view of working for the VA, but I'm going to give you all the positives because I love it!!

If you love to learn, this is the place for you. Our patients span from 18 to 100+ in age and they have every disease process known to modern medicine. You will see it all here. If you are a new nurse, you don't have to worry about killing someone because it is a well known fact that you can't kill a veteran. :wink2: Also there are many opportunities to participate in research and to try new and innovative ways to solve problems.

The patients (for the most part) are wonderful and very grateful for the care they receive. If you truly care about them, they respond in kind. You really get to care for the whole person here. Your patient is not the chole in Room 4. We tend to all their needs. Also, there is none of that, "How am I supposed to get my meds to take home?" The VA provides these at no or a very low cost.

Nurse perks are still alive and well here! We get 8 hours of leave every 2 weeks PLUS 2 hours of sick time PLUS gov't holidays paid off. Parking is an issue at my VA. Guess who gets the primo parking.....RNs! Chances for advancement are everywhere and tuition reimbursement for higher education is provided after a year of continuous employment. You can move all over the country and never lose seniority.

That's all I can think of now. Honestly, they will have to drag me out of here kicking and screaming. I love my job!

cooliegirl · Jan 21, 2009

There is nothing bad about working for the VA ...except for a lower payrate (im in Florida)versus what you'll get at the hospitals or clinic. As you gain more experience the pay rate will increase. But take a look into the future at the benefits you will reap later in life, and the perks you get now versus what the hospital offers.

Sign the contract I dont think you'll regret it. As many say they best person to work for is the government. My mom already tell me to make sure im employed at either the VA, school board nursing or the Health Dept.

I say sign the dotted line!!!! (but make sure you read the fine prints, 3 yrs is a long commitment for just 2 semesters of school). Keep us posted.

Keenay99 · Jan 21, 2009

Does anyone know if the VA hiring LPN? because I'd like to work there. When I was in the LPN program I started my clinical at the VA (nursing home) (St Petersburg, FL), but somebody told me that they don't hire LPN anymore. I worked with a couple of LPN when doing clinical.

Thank you:typing

bcraft · Jan 21, 2009

I am an agency nurse that works at the VA in Cincinnati, Ohio.... and they currently still have LPN's. As far as Florida.... I'm not sure.

patrick1rn, MSN, RN, NP · Jan 21, 2009

Does anyone know if the VA hiring LPN? because I'd like to work there. When I was in the LPN program I started my clinical at the VA (nursing home) (St Petersburg, FL), but somebody told me that they don't hire LPN anymore. I worked with a couple of LPN when doing clinical.
Thank you:typing

yea they do

go to

www.vacareers.va.gov

that is the website to show you what jobs are open

and they will pay for you to get your RN...

good luck

Patrick, RN, MSN, FNP graduate

emilysmom,RN · Jan 21, 2009

I often wondered this too. I live about 10min from Coatesville VA but it is mostly a psych VA with substance abuse and other mental health issues as there main types of pts. I know the benefits are out of this world but I don't consider myself as a psych nurse.

Anyone know how it is working for a VA that deals mostly with psych pts?

IronMaiden · Jan 21, 2009

I often wondered this too. I live about 10min from Coatesville VA but it is mostly a psych VA with substance abuse and other mental health issues as there main types of pts. I know the benefits are out of this world but I don't consider myself as a psych nurse.
Anyone know how it is working for a VA that deals mostly with psych pts?

In my experience, the majority of VA patients have some degree of psych history or substance abuse hx and no matter which unit you work on, dealing with patients' psych issues will be a part of your job. I work on a tele/stepdown unit and there is no shortage of issues that arise on any given shift.

I don't imagine that dealing with Veteran psych patients is all that much different from dealing with non-Veteran psych patients. You either like psych nursing, or you don't.

2008pn · Jan 21, 2009

Honestly that is one of the places I want to work because you would get great benefits and possibly retire early in florida that is where everyone want to work but you would also be your own CNA there would be all total care patients