Is working for the VA rewarding or simply a typical government job full of bureaucracy and hierarchy?

CPT Jason Mitchell, MBA — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 13:03:55 -0400

I am currently considering a healthcare administration career with the VA in order to work in an intrinsically motivating job that will allow me to help my fellow veterans. However, I am fully aware of the issues and leadership problems that the Veterans Administration is currently battling and the stigma that working in government carries. Would anyone working for the VA provide insight?

Response by PO1 Tony Holland made Jun 17 at 2016 1:12 PM

PO1 Tony Holland — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 13:12:53 -0400

Any job is what you want to make of it ---- that was my approach in the Navy and my dad's as well. My best experiences with medical care at the VA have been with Physicians Assistants and Nurse Practitioners who were ex-military or reservists. Even the clerks who are ex-military seem to have a better attitude when it comes to dealing with and helping veterans at least here in Dallas.

Response by SGT David T. made Jun 17 at 2016 1:15 PM

SGT David T. — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 13:15:43 -0400

I know a few folks who have worked for the VA. They didn't like it. It could be just those particular hospitals. I can't say for sure. Federal employment is always full of bureaucracy and hierarchy. It all comes down to choosing to serve or not.

Response by SGT Brian Wall made Jun 17 at 2016 1:20 PM

SGT Brian Wall — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 13:20:46 -0400

Although I don't work for the va I have talked to plenty of people. Some do it because they want to help the veterans and others do it just for a paycheck.

Personally I would say do what you heart compels you to do.

Response by SSgt Roy Jones made Jun 17 at 2016 1:31 PM

SSgt Roy Jones — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 13:31:29 -0400

One of the reason I chose to work at the VA was the fact that I could work with other veterans in a aspect. One of things that I hear from other veterans that visit the VA or a veteran I see outside of the VA is that why won't you give me what I earned. Then explaining that you do not control any of that. I'm not going to go into detail but there are issues and leadership problems within the VA. The only thing I concern myself with working there is that I give 110% when helping a fellow vet, if you worry about all the politics it will eat you up. At some point I would like to be in a better position in order to help out even further than what I can now.

Response by Col Dona Marie Iversen made Jun 17 at 2016 1:58 PM

Col Dona Marie Iversen — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 13:58:52 -0400

Any job/position could be good, bad or indifferent in any one day! I say go for it & make a difference. Our Vets need more Vets not just civilians 'taking care of them'. The NY Harbor VA is a 5 Star VA system, I speak as an RN Executive, patient & ret. Colonel! Aim High!

Response by PFC Al Sethre made Jun 17 at 2016 5:08 PM

PFC Al Sethre — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 17:08:50 -0400

It really depends on the people you work with. The biggest problem is running into supervisors that are retired military and pretend they are still in the military. Morale was always low in those departments because the supervisors would still utilize the military punishment and control styles, most of which are considered harassment and retaliation in the civilian world.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2016 5:57 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 17:57:05 -0400

I love my work at the VA. Yes, there some typical government drones just collecting a government paycheck, but more that truly care about the patients. As a Combat Vet & medical provider, I see the change in their eye when we first meet and they see I am also a vet. They feel I am someone who can relate to the and will do my best to help them.

You can be one of those administrators who can affect change.

Response by SrA Sarah Dauback made Jun 17 at 2016 6:36 PM

SrA Sarah Dauback — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 18:36:05 -0400

CPT MITCHELL: There is a saying in VA that if you've worked at one VA, you've worked at one VA. In my experience, that is absolutely true.

I initially started working in one Regional Office which is outstanding. Most of the people in that office were veterans and we all did everything possible to get the job done right. There were a couple of lazies, but they didn't impede progress. The biggest issue in that office was a lot of BS that came down from Central Office (CO), which was beyond the control of local management. The biggest BS that came down was in 2013 when CO received a grant from Congress, I believe, earmarked for additional training that had to be used by fiscal year end. CO apparently just pulled names out of a hat, sent out lists of names of people who were allegedly not making production and those people were ordered to go to a two or three week punitive training camp for rehabilitation somewhere in...Virginia, I think. Problem was about half of the people on the hit list were not only making production but exceeding it and local management couldn't replicate the production numbers CO came up with. Local management submitted objections to those people and were essentially told it didn't matter if they were doing their jobs or not, the money had to be used. However, that punitive training camp went into permanent personnel files. The first folks to go had about two weeks to prepare for the training camp which caused hardship for some. Caused a lot of heartache.

I transferred to a second Regional Office on a hardship and thought I had dropped into hell itself. Lazy people, incompetent people, Union had their favorites whom they would not allow to be punished regardless of what they were doing. Incompetent management who had their favorites and intentionally pitted employees against one another. It was, hands down, the most toxic place I've ever worked. I lasted just about 18 months and threw in the towel. Veterans were not being served. Period. There were some great people there, but the bad far outweighed the number of good.

If you decide to go for it, I sincerely hope you get in one of the great VA hospitals or Regional Offices. All the best!!

Response by CW2 Shawn Stevenson made Jun 17 at 2016 7:04 PM

CW2 Shawn Stevenson — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 19:04:26 -0400

I honestly couldn't see myself doing anything else. You will find that there are many great leaders within the administration who can do amazing things with very limited resources. You will definitely find it challenging but also very rewarding. In my opinion, the more service members the VA can get in leadership positions the better.

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made Jun 17 at 2016 10:00 PM

MAJ Keira Brennan — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 22:00:43 -0400

Cpt Mitchell. I am both a retired USAR 04 and medically retired Gs13 law enforcement agent from USDHS. I am 60% disabled and get 100% medical care from VA here in Denver. Screw the nonsense BS you hear over and over about Gov Service and go for it! VA is a huge organization (health/benefits-ed/cemeteries). Are there loud and authentic complaints, yes. But I think overwhelming majority of clients / patients love their service, especially from dedicated professionals. My own feeling is that the badmouthing comes from those who expect to have their hand held. The quailty of care is on par with mil and civ counterparts. I know Im cared for. Cheers.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2016 10:11 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 22:11:48 -0400

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.. even if it is to those Veterans that you take care of..

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2016 10:25 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 22:25:27 -0400

CPT Jason Mitchell, MBA Sir. I don't have first hand knowledge of working for the VA, but my last CDR(M-Day) before I retired does and works for the VA. He told me it is probably the most rewarding job he's had. I asked him why he chose to work there and his response was pretty much spot on why you are wanting to. Yes he said there is beurocracy etc, but the end result is he has an active part in assisting all vets.
Plus side he had a lot of good down to earth info helping me as I'm filing my claim, and has no qualms helping any Soldier anytime/anywhere.

Response by Capt Michael Greene made Jun 17 at 2016 10:27 PM

Capt Michael Greene — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 22:27:54 -0400

I worked for VA healthcare for three years and quit in disgust. There were good people and terrible people, but many didn't care about veterans and many were careerists just out to increase their own paychecks with no sense of integrity, duty or mission. On the plus side, there are many workplaces in the VA where people really care about doing the best they can for veterans. Civilians dominate, and they often suck bad. Veterans are often good, caring workers. However, even in the offices with the best people, there are limits. Regs and policies are incredibly restrictive and the system is so complicated that you'll rarely find anyone who is even aware of what goes on outside his own silo. The system attracts people who are attracted to no-challenge, iron rice bowl kinds of careers. Watch any clinic at 4:59 pm: the parking lot is empty by 5:00. You'll never believe how much grief I got from supervision when I attempted to clear up the backlog after 5 pm. That is just my limited view. I hope everyone else has had the opposite experience.

Response by CPL Daniel Schwinge made Jun 21 at 2016 7:31 AM

CPL Daniel Schwinge — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 07:31:12 -0400

I wish you luck. I had a bad experience working at the VA. As a Army trained Operating Room Tech. I did my job at a different level than the civilians at the VA. In the end I was fired 11 months in. The VA is a different caliber of, I wish to say professionalism, but I did not see that. Maybe if the VA had more military people the culture would change. The way I see it now, management is in it for themselves, the hell with the patients and what is right. Good luck, maybe you can make it a better place for all vets.

Response by SPC Doug Hitchens made Jun 21 at 2016 9:25 AM

SPC Doug Hitchens — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 09:25:17 -0400

First, thank you for wanting to continue your service by working with veterans in the civilian world. It is always great to go into the VA and be helped by somebody who once served, there's an instant trust that builds with us patients.
Like Erin said, every VA is different, with different lower-level employees, as well as management and supervisors, but person that starts work there who actually has great integrity makes it a better place, and we need more of that!
Don't forget to take advantage of the 5 or 10 point Veteran advantage when applying. Another accuracy that Erin pointed out is to read the job description very well, and mention the requirements and "what we are looking for in an applicant" points in your resume. They now have software that scans your resume to see if it includes the stuff they need, and if it doesn't, no one will ever see that resume.

Response by MSgt Darum Danford made Jun 21 at 2016 9:41 AM

MSgt Darum Danford — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 09:41:43 -0400

I worked there for a year and it was the absolute worst place I have ever worked. All federal agencies are not created equal and that goes for both dollars and people. You do find some gems at the VA, honestly. However, they are few and far between and it seemed to me that most just didn't care. Very difficult culture to change...

Response by SGT James Colbert made Jun 21 at 2016 9:47 AM

SGT James Colbert — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 09:47:57 -0400

Sir... it is really a two headed coin, its either you like it or you dont. I know people who workat the VA in DC who hate working there butvlive there jobs and vice versa. I like my job a Walter Reed Betheada, but hate the place sometimes, i guess it would be up to the person.

Response by SGT James Colbert made Jun 21 at 2016 9:49 AM

SGT James Colbert — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 09:49:36 -0400

My other comment would be that at the end of the day, its what your happy with.

Response by PO3 Sandra Gomke made Jun 21 at 2016 10:04 AM

PO3 Sandra Gomke — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 10:04:07 -0400

I don't work for the VA but I do volunteer at the Denver VA Hospital. I love every minute of it! I find it very rewarding. I visit with a lot of residents at the Community Center and their opinions of their care vary. I think you can never have too many vets taking care of vets. I applaud your willingness to help your veteran brothers and sisters!! Best of luck!! Let me know if you take the job and if it will be in Colorado. I'd love to meet you. ;)

Response by SGT Cedric Wright made Jun 21 at 2016 10:44 AM

SGT Cedric Wright — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 10:44:43 -0400

I love serving my vets. Some of the most appreciative patients ever. Amazing, caring docs, but the bureaucracy made the Army look like a well oiled machine. I work in direct patient care, but it's an administrator'so dream

Response by SPC Craig Miller made Jun 21 at 2016 11:26 AM

SPC Craig Miller — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 11:26:28 -0400

I enjoy working with the veterans, and find most of my coworkers decent. The 20 % that don't give a rat's ass and have the stereotypical federal employee attitude do a lot more than their share of damage. They need a good overhaul.

Response by SPC Milford Dawson made Jun 21 at 2016 11:33 AM

SPC Milford Dawson — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 11:33:49 -0400

I went to work for the VA after separation. It's run like all government civilian jobs with opportunities for leadership positions better than most large organizations.
I stayed for 25 and got out early at 47 yrs old.

Response by PO2 Mike Vignapiano made Jun 21 at 2016 12:13 PM

PO2 Mike Vignapiano — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 12:13:36 -0400

I would have to say it is up to the individual and how the attitude of coworkers will effect you. I have seen firsthand those who couldn't care less for the welfare of Veterans and then there are those who go above and beyond what they are supposed to do, to ensure the Vet gets not only the information s/he needs, but information that is "nice to know" and also helpful. Personally, I believe that NO ONE should work for the VA if they themselves are not veterans.

Response by Sgt John Mizell made Jun 21 at 2016 12:16 PM

Sgt John Mizell — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 12:16:16 -0400

As a 100% Service Connected Veteren, I will never set foot in a V.A. Hospital , if it were up to me, I would close everyone

Response by CWO4 David Smith made Jun 21 at 2016 12:30 PM

CWO4 David Smith — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 12:30:48 -0400

YES! To BOTH Questions.
But wth enough VETERANS, I believe it can be changed. We need to get rid of (You're FIRED!) many of the TRUE civilians who have NEVER been there, done that, CARE about what they DO and the people they are RESPONSIBLE FOR, are REALLY responsible 'ADULT' Professionals, and look out for OUR OWN who have given some or all and ONLY ask for what they were PROMISED and DESERVE!!
There are TOO many career politicians, bureaucrats, AND CIVILIANS who SIMPLY can NOT understand the following:
"A VETERAN is someone who, at some point in their life, wrote a blank check made payable to the United States of America for 'an amount up to and including their LIFE'. THAT is HONOR, and there are WAY too many people in THIS COUNTRY who no longer understand it."
A PRIME example........WHEN was the LAST time you heard the term "Hero" used which WASN'T in regards to somebody in SPORTS?, Such as FOR a Military Member, Veteran, Police Officer, Fireman, Emergency Medical Personnel, etc.??
"It is a SAD state of affairs when somebody wearing a HELMET defending a FOOTBALL earns SIGNIFICANTLY MORE than someone wearing a HELMET defending their COUNTRY with their LIFE."
I remember Sean Connery, in one of his movies (Hunt for Red October?) said "A Little Revolution is GOOD sometimes". Maybe it's time for some non-violent REVOLUTION, like KICKING all POLITICIANS out of Office and out of DC??
HOW does a Junior Senator whom NO ONE ever HEARD OF, who had problems managing his two interns, and severely mismanaged a little local community organization, become PRESIDENT and LEADER of what USED TO BE the GREATEST NATION in the WORLD???
The U.S.A. is OUT OF CONTROL!!!

Response by PO3 Corey Poindexter made Jun 21 at 2016 2:14 PM

PO3 Corey Poindexter — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 14:14:07 -0400

I work for the department of veterans affairs in the healthcare side. I would have to say that it is actually very similar to being in the military. You have horrible leaders, great leaders, and those you wonder how in the hell do you even have this job type of people. There are opportunities for advancement but they are few and far between. There is a lot of inter office promotions. It's all of what you make of it though.

Response by MSgt Jonathan Stump made Jun 21 at 2016 4:41 PM

MSgt Jonathan Stump — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 16:41:01 -0400

RUN!!! RUN FROM IT! If you are use to the miltary and you step in to most of the VA's, you are going to try to jump off a bridge. I have seen civilian employees use the union as a battering ram against the management. The Teamsters have nothing on VA Union employees.

Response by PO1 Robert Teague made Jun 21 at 2016 4:44 PM

PO1 Robert Teague — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 16:44:25 -0400

I've been at theVA for 3 years. Good and bad experiences. Some people who work here feel an entitlement and will screw you the first chance they get. I've learned to pick who I talk to very carefully.

Response by PO1 Milton Wiseman made Jun 21 at 2016 6:28 PM

PO1 Milton Wiseman — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 18:28:00 -0400

You will find yourself in a minority, but I have friends that have had serious luck in making a difference. The VA is staffed with a lot of hardheaded people, rude bigoted haters. They need new blood to change the system from the inside out, if this is your goal, then do it, ignore the boneheads. I retired from civil service 3 years ago, the non veterans hate veterans, they say we get to many breaks, not true. You can make a difference so do it and best of luck.

Response by CPL Tina Koch made Jun 21 at 2016 8:13 PM

CPL Tina Koch — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 20:13:19 -0400

As with any job, you have good and you have bad. It's what you make of it!

Response by SFC Dean Wyman made Jun 21 at 2016 8:22 PM

SFC Dean Wyman — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 20:22:42 -0400

BWAHAHAHAHA. Well, bless your heart CPT. Don't try and polish a turd. As a veteran, nuff said

Response by Sgt Mike Herner made Jun 22 at 2016 5:00 AM

Sgt Mike Herner — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 05:00:02 -0400

My issition is simple:. ONLY veterans should run the VA.

Response by LTC Jason Strickland made Jun 22 at 2016 8:02 AM

LTC Jason Strickland — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 08:02:24 -0400

CPT Jason Mitchell, MBA, I've worked for the VA for nearly a year. As with any job there is good and bad, inspirational and depressing. Despite the bad press, the team I work with (both Veterans and "civilians" is passionate about serving our customers.
For anyone to work in either in the public sector or for a non-profit, association is critical. As a Veteran, you have an affinity toward our clientele and it would therefore serve as an excellent motivating impetus for your work ethic. I'm very happy in my role at the VA and would recommend pursuing that career opportunity.
Please contact me if you have any questions I might be able to answer.

Response by CW2 Max Dolan made Jun 22 at 2016 8:45 AM

CW2 Max Dolan — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 08:45:19 -0400

I enjoyed my contractor job with VA as a VA Benefits Counselor. I felt that I was making a positive impact on service members who were making the transition to the civilian world. There is so much miss-information going around, especially about disability benefits, that knowing and sharing the truth with my clients really made the job enjoyable and personally rewarding.

Response by CSM Louis Rothenstein made Jun 22 at 2016 9:54 AM

CSM Louis Rothenstein — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 09:54:45 -0400

I am a retired CSM I worked for the VA in several capacities such as mental health counseling but had to leave for medical problems. My wife, a clinical nurse practitioner retired from the VA two years ago. She had difficulties with poor management people screwing up the works. This has largely been corrected with force retirement of poor management and some good new management. I have been volunteering at the VA on and off for many years. It is rewarding to me as at times I am able to help a veteran with some supportive veteran service organizations. You pursuit of healthcare administration addresses what I have seen as the VA healthcare system's biggest weakness. Many administrators to include SES simply move up the ladder, job to job without the background to really excel. There are 139 VAMC's and they are ranked from the top like Menlo Park VAMC to the bottom, El Paso, TX. (can be found online) Much of this has to do with the VAMC being located and partnered with a Class A medical school. General Shinsheki was on the right tract to fixing major VA problems but was back sided by lying staff to include the VA IG. The congress and veterans groups pressured him to resign. The current VA secretary has made some progress but there are still bad apples in directors and chiefs of staff that are protected by civil service laws. What I see as another major problem is the political decision made some years back to provide VA care for literally all veterans. This allowed many who are veterans in name only - eliminated from the service, no service connected problems, and generally taking up a lot of appointments that could be better used for those more deserving.

Response by Sgt John Mizell made Jun 22 at 2016 10:51 AM

Sgt John Mizell — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 10:51:48 -0400

I'm doing fine now as far as medical, I have blue cross/blue shield, plus part B . I went to the V.A. because I was have sleep apnea , The sleep people sent me to get an xray, the doctor stated I would have to stay overnight, my wife didn't want me to , I told the doctor I was going home, she stated she would put me on 72 hour hold. My Dauughter who worked at A hospial nearby told her that she could have me transfered to another hospital, while thiis was going on they told my wife, I was on life support and dyeing. Ended up at another hospital , found nothing wrong with me, as for the reason for the xray, cost my insuance 9000, cost me 1000.

Response by SFC Mamerto Perez made Jun 22 at 2016 12:27 PM

SFC Mamerto Perez — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 12:27:06 -0400

The VA is just like any other job. You have bad workers anywhere including the Military

Response by SSgt Michael Cox made Jun 22 at 2016 1:04 PM

SSgt Michael Cox — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 13:04:21 -0400

While I don't work at the Federal VA in my current position with the WDVA VetCorps I do send a lot of veterans to the Spokane VA Medical Center as workstudies also known as student employees. Just this year I out of the 15 I have sent down there to work 4 have been hired full time and they love it there.

Response by COL Mark Nelson made Jun 22 at 2016 8:33 PM

COL Mark Nelson — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 20:33:32 -0400

I only have this second hand from people who work in Federal civilian jobs in the Boston area. They tell me that VA is by far the worst government agency to work for. That doesn't mean you shouldn't pursue a position there. Changing a bad agency takes courage and good people who don't succumb to a rotten culture. It has to start somewhere.

Response by PO2 Ben Michalski made Jun 24 at 2016 2:22 AM

PO2 Ben Michalski — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 02:22:26 -0400

As long as you can handle dysfunction, politics and nepotism ...go for it!!

Response by PO2 Ben Michalski made Jun 24 at 2016 2:24 AM

PO2 Ben Michalski — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 02:24:19 -0400

opps forgot one other thing....reprisals for incorrect ass-kissing

Response by SGT Rocky Venti made Jun 25 at 2016 1:39 PM

SGT Rocky Venti — Sat, 25 Jun 2016 13:39:07 -0400

They should eliminate the VA health care system and replace it with a card each Vet can use at ANY local provider for the services he/she needs. They need to run it like Medicare.

Response by CPT Carlos Ribadeneira made Jun 28 at 2016 2:03 AM

CPT Carlos Ribadeneira — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 02:03:13 -0400

I am a retired civilian federal employee. I started at the VA, and transferred to SSA after about three years. I did it because the grade structure was higher at SSA than at the VA, and I wanted a job where I can help people. I didn't want to be a GS-4 for the rest of my life. I have no idea how the grade structure is now at the VA. I retired as a GS-14 District Manager. Civilian government employment satisfaction, dissatisfaction, and advancement is all up to you. If you are going in with the idea that you are going to change the VA, then I don't think you'll be satisfied with it. It is a huge bureaucratic institution, and it will take an act of congress (actually not even that - they've tried) to change it. However, you can be the catalyst for change within the position you are seeking employment as. You can go in with the mindset that you will bring a positive change, as far as your authority allows you, to all those that you come in contact with. Service jobs in the government is very satisfying, when you do it from the heart. I think you have that kind of heart. Be aware that unions are very strong within the government, and usually most of the people that seek their assistance are those that are poor performers. In my career, I've come across good, and not so good unions reps., but bottom line is the union's job is to protect the membership at all cost! Now, don't get me wrong, I am not anti-union. I always used to say to employees a good union is a fair union, and they are needed to ensure managers do their jobs, and treat employees with dignity and respect. On the other hand, it is also true that some employees abuse the union representation, worker's comp, and the EEO program to get away with things that in non-government jobs, they would've been fired for. So, basically do the job you were hired for, don't worry about your co-workers, report what you have to report to your superiors, seek advice from those show good work ethics, and knowledge, and show up to work ready and willing to help those veterans that come in seeking your help. If you want to advance, get yourself an mentor, preferably a higher management official, that shows the same passion for the job. Hope you get the job you are looking for at the VA, and be all you ca be - fellow Red Leg!

Response by SFC Jose Rivas made Jun 28 at 2016 9:20 AM

SFC Jose Rivas — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 09:20:14 -0400

It all depends on the location of the VA dept and who your work with. I am a previous employer of the VA. I worked mental heath and I found the VA to be full of red tape and employees only looking to get bonuses. There are many good employees working for the VA but there is no accountability what so ever

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jun 28 at 2016 11:19 AM

LTC Paul Labrador — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 11:19:50 -0400

Why would you think that those two options are mutually exclusive....?

Response by Cpl Kevin Osborne made Jun 29 at 2016 9:06 AM

Cpl Kevin Osborne — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 09:06:54 -0400

I served within the VA for close to three years as an IT Specialist. For the most part itwas very enjoyable helping Veterans. I will say that I was surprised by the entitlement that some Veterans displayed towards other Veterans.
While my Supervisor was not a Veteran himself, he was passionate about providing uncompromising customer service. I found the VA to be a very rewarding place to work and enjoyed my time there. The VA does have leadership programs and focused on patient centered care.

Response by LTC James Bozeman made Jul 14 at 2016 12:28 PM

LTC James Bozeman — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 12:28:09 -0400

I am coming late to this conversation, but have worked for the VA for about 5 years now. I have been in two branches of the VA, NCA (Cemeteries) and VHA (Hospitals). Both are rewarding and full of wonderful people who do their utmost to assist Veterans. Do we have the occasional dud - yes, it would not be a true system without the bell curve. I have been blessed to work in Minneapolis and NYC. NYC has a world class reputation with Drs and Nurses being shared between NY University, Bellevue, and the Manhattan VA system. As a Veteran I receive my care here on a routine basis and have not found any of the popularized "news-worthy" issues. In Minnesota, the doctors literally saved my life. If you are looking at a career with the VA, please note there is no higher calling - Veterans taking care of Veterans, except for possibly Military service. Are there days when I am frustrated - heck yes! But as leaders of change we are employed to handle the issues when problems hit the fan, not when everything is fine. So my recommendation is put on your waders, look for places you can get into trouble and solve problems and remember you are in it to win it for your fellow Veterans! Good luck and hope to see you on the team soon!

Response by Cpl Michael Reeder made Jul 15 at 2016 8:10 PM

Cpl Michael Reeder — Fri, 15 Jul 2016 20:10:11 -0400

Most rewarding Job I have ever had.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2016 6:41 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Sep 2016 18:41:27 -0400

A retired Health Care Administrator myself, I am quite familiar with those government drones who seem to be plentiful across the federal spectrum. THIS is where a leader can make a difference. I encourage you to do your best to provide leadership and personal example. If all else fails, it is NOT IMPOSSIBLE to change the employment relationship of those under your wing. Train & guide. Guide and TRAIN. You can make a difference here.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2016 8:19 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Sep 2016 08:19:05 -0400

Jason, i am in the same boat...been trying to get in the VA...but I havent had any luck yet...USAJOBS has not been friendly to me...Health IT is where I would like to be, but I'd take an MHA position as well if it would get me in there...A friend has told me there are alot of changes going on internally...but hey we are so used to that it doesnt make a difference. I am just going crazy in my transition and if I can take my education and expertise to the VA...that would be more than awesome...

Response by SPC Joey Brown made Apr 17 at 2019 9:52 PM

SPC Joey Brown — Wed, 17 Apr 2019 21:52:41 -0400

I absolutely love my job at the VA. Yes there are challenges but all companies and/or Agencies have them. I been with the VA since 2013 when I got out of the Military.

Response by Sgt William Blackwell made Apr 18 at 2019 9:49 AM

Sgt William Blackwell — Thu, 18 Apr 2019 09:49:30 -0400

Easiest way to get a job with the VA is to already work there it seems. Every posting in USAJobs I see is only open to "internal candidates only". But then they send out an email saying 'VA currently has 3,833 job openings around the country.'

Response by PO3 Paul Barger made Apr 18 at 2019 6:54 PM

PO3 Paul Barger — Thu, 18 Apr 2019 18:54:00 -0400

I am a 40% disabled vet and I worked at my local VA. I was only there a short time but in that short time I found that there were groups that stuck together so moving around to select jobs were never going to happen, they hire who they want with no preference to vets working there. as they should. I know one case where a friend of mine had a degree in HVAC and they hired a young friend of someone in Maint from the outside, he ended up having to file a complaint with the union. I myself had a degree, served in 3 services, had several disabilities both service and non service connection. I was stressed at my job as a Police Dispatcher and per my doctor I was removed. HR said they searched but could not find a position for me so my employment was Terminated(I was fired).. I know not all VA;s are like this but I think its BS that they hire from the "Good Ole Boys club" which is what they call it. I liked my job because I started out in housekeeping and had excellent on my evals. I never thought they would have fired me. The union even tried to get them to let me just work the phones but I was told no they may be doing away with the operator jobs. They cannot tell me they could not find me a job I could do. I had 20+ years of industrial Maintenance, they could have put me on mowing grass. I had even put in for several jobs I was qualified for and used to do in the civilian world but lost out to others that I know were less qualified, they just knew someone in that dept. and I was also a Navy Postal Clerk so there were many jobs I could have done . I ended up filing for disability retirement which I did receive but its very little and I wanted to work thats the reason I got my college degree at 50 years old. I guess it depends who you are and where you apply to but my VA plays way to many games. I see others would disagree because they seem happy in the other reviews and thats good but many at my VA would tend to differ with that assessment. to many games and a lot of favoritism

Response by Maj John Bell made Apr 19 at 2019 3:11 AM

Maj John Bell — Fri, 19 Apr 2019 03:11:00 -0400

Maybe it is just me. Even jobs I loved became stale. With 5 exceptions
_Rifle Platoon Leader,
_Weapons Platoon Leader
_Rifle Company commander (interim because of extended absence of Company Commander 3 months)
_Surveillance and Target Acquisition Platoon Leader
_Marine Barracks Company Commander.
_Goat Herd and Cheese maker.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Apr 19 at 2019 10:24 PM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Fri, 19 Apr 2019 22:24:47 -0400

I suppose it would if an employee were there simply for a paycheck, or if they were there to continue serving our brothers and sisters. I teach in a high school on an indian reservation and I think of it as serving. the cool thing is it's fulfilling, I have purpose, and then I get money every two weeks for living my values and seeing someone (or more) become more for the investment of my effort. It's a blessing with hard work and an occasional frustration.

Response by PO3 Paul Barger made Oct 9 at 2019 11:11 AM

PO3 Paul Barger — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 11:11:47 -0400

I am alittle on the fence. I started in Housekeeping and move due t physical requirements. Then I was working as a Police Dispatcher, got stressed and had anxiety problems and was removed from that position. The VA said they looked for another position for me but could not find anything due to my stress and anxiety as well as depression. I was "Let Go". I am a 40% disabled vet and they fire me from a VA. I had perfect attendance, excellent reviews from my job and working on a college degree but it did not help. I was also a 20+ year ,maintenance tech before and tried to get into that dept. They have a "Good Ole Boys club" and if you dont know anyone in there you will not be hired. They have been cleaning house but its still messed up. Dont get me wrong most care for the vets but there are some that are mean and rude. I am happy with my doctors staff they are just great but contrary to what is said below from others it is political in there, at least at my hospital it was and from what I hear still is to some degree. Its a good and rewarding job but I dont believe that is everywhere. There is plenty of info and reviews from past workers that you should read. this is just my 2 cents and if there are others that are very happy then congrats to them. Its getting better here and vets are the priority but when I was there it wasnt so much.