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

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.

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.

Most rewarding Job I have ever had.

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!

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.