What's so bad about working for the VA?

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi, I am currently a second semester nursing student. Since I do my clinicals at the VA, we were told about an opportunity to sign up with the VA at the end of second semester for a program that sounds really great. They will pay everything for the last year of nursing school (which is two semesters). You just have to promise them three years after you graduate. However, I often hear other people talking badly about the VA and how so many people hate working at the VA. But no one has ever told me why and I feel stupid for asking. Can someone please share their experience, good or bad?

I am currently employed with the VA, and have been now going on 23 years.

I did 15 years in the private sector prior. there is no way I would go back to the private sector.

the autonomy at the VA is wonderful. Because most VA hospitals are affilliated with medical schools, they are teaching institutions. Not only do you have the opportunity to be on the forefront of new discoveries, but you play a major roll in teaching new doctors and helping them develop their practice.

Any job is what you make it. For me it wasn't about the job, but what I can give back. I believe our service men/women deserve to be looked after and cared for.

as for educational opportunities: depending on what you want...ask and you will find. This has been my experience with the VA.!!

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When someone goes back to school for their BSN- does the 3 years start after graduation or while they are in school?

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From what I understand it starts after you graduate. there are different programs also, so time is determined by which program has financed your education.

The VA paid for my BSN and I only had to do two years.

The way I looked at it....I am going to be working anyway so why not let "them" pay for my education plus earn my salary at the same time.

Also, if you earn your BSN through some of the on-line schools, the VA is considered a Clinial approved area. I did all my clinical in my own facility. I never experienced problems with arranging my schedule.

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The benefits of working for the government far outweigh the negs. You won't have to worry about your retirement! Although there are most likely some PTSD issues, most vets are disciplined so you won't see the entitlement issues of wealthy retirees or the constant threats to sue because they got a hang nail! :D I know there is a VA hosp in Gainesville, but not sure I want to drive that far. I live in JAX. I am hoping for a short commute (maybe NAS JAX?). I am a military spouse. :D

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Go to VAcareers dot com and they have some information about programs available for nurses.

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Specializes in ED.
When someone goes back to school for their BSN- does the 3 years start after graduation or while they are in school?

It starts after graduation. There are two programs though. One is where you get tuition reimbursement, and don't have a service contract to satisfy. The other is a scholarship and that is the one that you have to serve so many years with them. I think I'd like to try for the scholarship when I'm ready for a master's degree and use the reimbursement for my bsn.

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I've always considered the VA...there is one a few blocks from where I live. The only thing I am concerned about is the economy...would I be the first fired if I am the last hired? I searched the site provided and didn't see a listing for LPNs in my area, though. And, I do hope that the salary is better than what I saw. I already work for a city job, and our benefits are similar, and we do get paid much more than what I saw posted. I am wondering, however, if the pay is related to the geographical location.

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Specializes in ICU, School Nurse, Med/Surg, Psych.

I worked at the VA for 6 weeks before I had a colitis flare that caused me to be off work for 2 months and got fired for lack of attendance. I loved that job! The pay was great. The hours were wonderful. The patient to nurse ratio a dream not to mention enough equipment and support staff as well as computerized charting that allowed me to read provider orders clearly! Since I was fired I cannot be considered for a position anywhere in the VA system. I worked at the VA hospital in Iowa City, Iowa but any application to a VA facility anywhere would be rejected since I was fired. (ps. I needed the health insurance to continue so I didn't quit when I got sick- I had not been there long enough to get COBRA)

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Just letting you guys know that I have applied for the program and am hoping to be accepted. They pay my tuition, fees, books, and I get a paycheck every two weeks. I then work for them during breaks (spring break, winter break, etc) and promise them 3 years of service after I graduate. Some people thought maybe three years was too much, but I don't see it as me promising them 3 years...it is more like they are promising ME 3 years. After all the stories I've been hearing about new grads not being able to find a job as nurses, a guaranteed job at the VA sounds pretty darn good to me. And if I wanted to leave San Antonio (where I currently live), I can go to any other VA in the country and continue my 3 year contract there.

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oh, so not only do they pay for books, you get paid while in school full time??? that is a deal. I didnt understand that from before. I thought it was just them paying for books and tuition. Imagine being paid to go to school fulltime and no student loans at the end. i say go for it. I applied myself for a job. Its a sitter position, but while in LPN school, it might be okay for me. Anyone else have experience as a sitter for the VA?

Regi

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