Total Reward$ of a VA Career Registered Nurses (RN), Nurse Practitioners (NP), and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA)
No matter where or how you serve as an or CRNA at support is there so you can focus on what matters most: the mission to heal and care for so they can thrive in life after military service.
Veterans
Published Date: July 2022
VA,
RN, NP,
Rest easy knowing that VA has you and your family’s insurance needs covered. Insurance coverage may follow you into retirement after 5 years of vested service and maintaining FEHB in the 5 years leading up to retirement (conditions apply).
Start your career at VA and benefit from opportunities to build your skills and career path.
Career and Growth Opportunities
Total Reward$
Compensation
As an employee, you serve with dedicated professionals and are rewarded with a strong support system, superior work life balance, and countless career growth and assignment options.
453216 2
Earn competitive compensation as you pursue excellence in health care for Veterans.
Earn an amazing retirement package including a traditional (defined benefit) federal pension, a 401(k) Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with employer matched contributions, and Social Security.
CHOOSE VA
Retirement Benefits
Mission
Coverage
As an RN, NP, or CRNA at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, you have more than a job— you have a mission to serve Veterans who’ve borne the battle with honor.
As VA employee, you have more than a job you have a mission to serve Veterans who’ve borne the battle with honor. In carrying out this mission, you’ll discover a career with competitive pay, opportunities for growth and mobility, a wealth of benefits and rich rewards.
At VA you will enjoy these perks #WorkatVA
• 1 active and unrestricted license allows you to practice at any VA nationwide site of care
As a VA nurse, you are an invaluable member of interprofessional health care teams. VA nurses contribute their knowledge and expertise to optimize patient- driven care and advance VA goals for improving access. They also provide safe, effective, high quality care as part of a dynamic team helping our hospitals outperform the private sector.
VA nurses receive unparalleled opportunities to continuously develop as professionals and positively impact health care. They are empowered through shared decision making, implementation of evidence based practice, simulation and training/scholarship
VAprograms.nursing
Did you know…
• 11 federal holidays
• No employment contracts, restrictive covenants, or non compete clauses
Nurses make up 30% of the total VHA workforce and serve as the foundation for providing outstanding care and contributing to positive outcomes for Veterans and their families every day.
MISSION
Take a closer look…
VA is the largest employer of nursing personnel, with more than 100,000 nursing professionals and projections for continued growth as we continue to fulfill the vision of advancing nursing and transforming health care.
3
practice provides Veteran health care across a continuum of services for acute and chronic conditions in hospital, ambulatory and skilled nursing settings. To improve Veteran access to care, nurses help create new models of care, introduce new nursing roles and advance existing ones.
From your start as a nurse at VA through retirement, you receive competitive pay and generous benefits that add to the satisfaction of a career based on giving back to those who have given so much to the nation.
VA nurses share lessons learned, tools and evidence based practices across the system. Nurses can advance their education, mentor and be mentored, become a principal investigator and move into executive roles. Nurses engage in emergency management and disaster preparedness both in VA and beyond.
For an up close look at a career as a Nurse Manager, check out this YouTube video: https://youtu.be/mJxsjRT8p1c
Earn a competitive total reward$ package as you pursue excellence in healthcare for Veterans.
Life Insurance = VA pays 1/3 of insurance cost for basic life insurance
Thrift Savings Plan Federal 401(k) = VA provides up to 5% employer contributions (1% automatic contribution and up to 4% employer matching contributions)
VHA National Child Care Program. This program assists VA employees in balancing work and family responsibilities. After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $149,000 may be eligible for childcare subsidy program (conditions apply).
Transit Benefit Program. You may qualify for transit subsidy monthly benefits of a max of $280/month; check with your local VA Medical Center (conditions apply).
Employment without strings. Whether you are full or part time, your employment at VA is without employment contracts, noncompete clauses, restrictive covenants or other significant restrictions on outside work.
Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) = f or employees hired after 1/1/2014, VA contributes 16.6% annually to FERS FRAE basic/defined benefit traditional pension
COMPENSATION
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) = free legal and medical services
VA Paid Benefits
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) = you may contribute up to $2,850 a year to your health care FSA with a $570 max carry over and save up to 30% on dependent care expenses
Regular Salary Increases. Receive annual increases when signed into federal law (as of 2022, the 5 year average was 1.72%), and periodic within grade or “step” increases.
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Social Security paid by VA = 6. 2% of taxable wages on behalf of the employee. If an individual has taxable wages over the taxable maximum of $147,000, VA will contribute $9,114
Medicare paid by VA = 1.45% on behalf of the employee
Liability Protection. VA healthcare providers are covered under federal tort laws and may be defended by the United States against allegations of malpractice or negligence (38 USC 7316).
Competitive Salaries. At VA, you receive compensation based on your locality, tenure, education, training, licensure, certification and experience.
Social Security paid by VA = 6.2% of taxable wages on behalf of the employee. If an individual has taxable wages over the taxable maximum of $147,000, VA will contribute $9,114
$ 4,900 $ 6,750 $ 9,800
employment. Certain elements vary and are based on specific
$ 98,000 $ 135,000 $ 196,000
Paid Parental Leave. VA provides up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child for employees covered by Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provisions
Value of combined paid time off
Transit Benefit Program. You may qualify for transit subsidy monthly benefits of a max of $280/month; check with your local VA Medical Center (conditions apply).
$ 259 $ 356 $ 517
Health Insurance Premium Subsidy
Sample Annual Total Reward$ Worksheet | Full time Employee*
Child Care Program (maximum benefit/conditions apply household income <$149k) $ 4,992 $ 4,992 N/A
Direct Compensation + Value of Paid Leave + Benefits = Overall Annual Total Reward$* $ 162,223 $ 217,234 $ 299,899
included in
Thrift Savings Plan Federal 401(k) (employer contributions)
*This calculation is a sample only and or of benefits or future circumstances. Paid leave is not an additional payment but is value of your paid time off your salary based on an 8 hour day. If your service includes part time calculations, your total rewards and benefits will be proportionally prorated. For more information, please see www.opm.gov
a
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Federal 401(k) = VA provides up to 5% matched/automatedemployercontributions to your savings plan
a guarantee
Medicare paid by VA = 1.45% on behalf of the employee
does not constitute a contract of employment
Total Reward$ of a VA Career as an RN, NP, or CRNA worksheet
annual
$______ $______ $ ______
Total Value of Personal Paid Time Off*
Basic Life Insurance
$ 11,024 $ 11,024 $ 11,024
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) = free legal and medical services
Compensation + Benefits = Your Total Reward$*
Let’s do the math!
$ 500 $ 500 $ 500
Social Security
Education Debt Reduction Program (conditions apply, $40k max/yr.)
Average Salary
SAMPLE
Life Insurance = VA pays 1/3 of insurance cost for basic life insurance
$18,783 $ 25,874 $ 37,566
VHA National Child Care Program = assists VA employees in balancing work and family responsibilities. After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $149,000 may be eligible for childcare subsidy program (conditions apply)
Direct Compensation RN NP CRNA
This Total Reward$ sample is a generalized report reflecting the potential monetized value of a full VA compensation package.
Total Rewards of Benefits Provided by VA
Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) = for employees after 1/1/2014, VA contributes 16.6% annually to FERS FRAE basic/defined benefit
FSAFEDS Flexible Spending Account = you may contribute up to $2,850 a year to your health care FSA with a $570 max carry over and 25% tax free savings on $5,000 of dependent care expenses for 2 children
$ 6,076 $ 8,370 $ 9,114
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Federal Employee Retirement System $ 16,268 $ 22,410 $ 32,536
Take time off. At VA, you start your career with 50 days of paid time off each year. Paid vacation, unlimited accumulated paid sick leave and 11 paid federal holidays accrue right away. See page 11 for more details on leave.
Medicare $ 1,421 $ 1,958 $ 2,842
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COVERAGE
Health Insurance. With Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB), choose from a variety of self or family health maintenance organizations or fee for service health plans that all cover pre existing conditions. Your spouse and children under age 26 are eligible, as are children regardless of age who are unable to support themselves. VA pays up to 75% of health premiums, a benefit that can continue into retirement (conditions apply). Your portion of the premium is taken on a pretax basis unless you opt out.
Rest easy knowing that VA has you and your family’s needs covered.
Parental Leave. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) provides up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child for employees covered by Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provisions applicable to federal civilian employees.
VHA National Child Care Program. The mission of VHA’s National Child Care Program is to assist VA employees in balancing their work and family responsibilities by offering a suite of high quality, safe, and reliable childcare services. After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $149,000 and their children are placed in an approved day care, home or after school program may be eligible.
Life insurance. Plan for what’s next with Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI), which is group term life insurance covering you and eligible family members. Receive this benefit with no physical exam if you elect to enroll within 60 days of being hired and get coverage that applies from your start date and continues into retirement. Additionally, become eligible for Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) death benefit after 18 months of vested service.
Long- term care. Under the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP), VA RNs, NPs, and CRNAs can access long term care coverage for home care, adult day care and facility care. You may be eligible to apply for long term care insurance even if you’re not enrolled in the FEHB Program.
Plans can be adjusted during annual open season from November December. Start flexible, tax free spending accounts for up to $2,850 in medical expenses for individuals and up to $5,000 in dependent care expenses.
Insurance coverage may follow you into retirement after 5 years of vested service and maintaining FEHB in the 5 years leading up to retirement (conditions apply).
Dental and vision insurance. Under the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP), supplemental dental and/or vision benefits are available to you and your family, including children up to age 22. FEDVIP coverage may continue into retirement for RNs, NPs, and CRNAs enrolled as employees.
Long- term disability coverage. Become eligible for disability retirement benefits after 18 months of vested service.
If you’re a RN, NP, or CRNA, you may be eligible for VA’s Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP). If approved, you may be eligible to receive reimbursement for your student loan payments up to $40,000 a year for up to 5 years.
Continuing Education, in- person and virtual training. VA is the nation’s leading provider of continuing nursing education credits and hours. VA leads in clinical simulation training, with dedicated experts and state of the art resources to support the learning needs of VA staff across over 170 VA medical centers and more than 1,255 sites of care.
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CAREER GrowthVAOPPORTUNITIESGROWTHANDStartyourcareeratVAandbenefitfromopportunitiestobuildyourskillsthroughoutyourtenuretomeetyourcareeraspirations.OpportunitiesforCareerEducationDebtReductionProgram(EDRP).
Leadership skills development. VA provides a competitive, 3 tiered continuum of leadership development at the local, network, and national levels for employees with the potential and desire to serve in leadership positions.
Employee Incentive Scholarship Program (EISP). The National Nursing Education Initiative (NNEI) and National Education for Employees Program (VANEEP) are initiatives under EISP. NNEI focuses on RNs pursuing associate, baccalaureate, and other advanced degrees. VANEEP provides scholarships to allow participants to accelerate their degree completion by attending school full time.
VA Learning Opportunities Residency (VALOR). The VALOR program provides opportunities for you to develop competencies in clinical areas. Opportunities for learning include didactic or classroom experiences, competency based clinical practice with a qualified preceptor.
Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP). HPSP graduates serve as a future talent pool to fill health care staffing needs at a VAMC after graduation and licensure or certification.
RN Transition to Practice Program (RNTTP). The RNTTP residency program is a comprehensive 12 month program designed to assist new RNs in the transition from academic to practice setting.
Post- Baccalaureate Registered Nurse Residency (PB- RNR). VA’s PB RNR purpose is to help you become a confident and practice ready RN equipped with the knowledge and skills to address the specific needs of our Nation’s Veterans.
Nurse Practitioner Residency (NPR). VA’s NPR purpose is to help you to become a confident and practice ready NP equipped with the knowledge and skills to address the specific needs of our Nation’s Veterans.
Retirement System.* Earn a generous Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) pension after 5 years of vested service to VA through the basic/defined benefit retirement plan.
TSP Federal 401(k): Portable, transferrable, and low cost
Have you earned credits from your time in service?military
*Conditions apply. Seep pages 9 10 for more information and www.opm.gov/retirement services/fers information 8
Defined Benefit Pension:
BENEFITS
RETIREMENTFERS*
Get ready for VA service with employer matched Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Federal 401(k), a pension, and Social
Social Security: Portable with lifetime payments at retirement
Survivor benefits. Become eligible for survivor benefit plan after 10 years of vested service.
Don’t worry as a VA employee, you may carry over service time that is added to your total years of work for retirement purposes. This may increase your retirement pension payments (conditions apply).
Long- term disability and death benefits. Become eligible for disability retirement benefits (similar to long term disability insurance coverage) and employee death benefits after 18 months of vested service.
Security.FederalEmployees
Lifetime payments at retirement and deferred benefits after 5 years of service to use at retirement
MoreTSP
Catch up at midcareer. If you’re age 50 or older, grow TSP beyond the maximum with additional “catch up” contributions of up to $6,500 or more per year* for a total potential contribution of $27,000. Catch up ceilings are regularly increased so check the TSP website for the latest information.
Account$840,408valueexample
Vesting. When you’re “vested,” you have ownership of contributions they are yours to take with you, into the next job or retirement. You are automatically vested in your own contributions and VA’s matching contributions from day one of VA employment. Employees are vested in the 1% automatic contribution after 3 years of VA service.
TSP Fees: $462
Keep more of your investment with low TSP investment fee fee
.58%
Industry Fees: $4,620
Grow retirement funds by supplementing your pension, Social Security and other savings with
Employer matching. Earn VA contributions right away. VA makes an automatic contribution of 1% of your salary into your TSP fund. VA also matches contributions dollar for dollar on the first 3% of your salary and 50 cents on the dollar for the next 2% of your salary, for a total of up to 5% in employer contributions.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Federal 401(k)
after 20 years
Compounded annual rate of return $20,500 ANNUALLY AT 20 YEARS AT 30 YEARS AT 40 YEARS Compounded by 7% assumed annual rate of return $840,408 $1,936,466 $4,092,520 *indicates the 2022 amount and may increase in future years. **https://www.tsp.gov/tsp basics/administrative and investment expenses/ **https://www.investopedia.com/thrift savings plan vs 5212330#:~:text=The%20total%20expense%20ratio%2C%20which,to%20the%20administrator%20every%20year401-k-Annual % Annual fee 9
Plan for a comfortable life after federal service with TSP and compound interest Invest $20,500 annually toward retirement and see your savings stack up!
savings. TSP lets you contribute up to $20,500* a year to your account.
Low cost, choice based investing. TSP features matching funds, tax treatment options (pretax traditional/after tax Roth), investment choices and portability so you control how much you contribute and where to invest. TSP annual administration fees (total expense ratio) are roughly 10 times lower than industry averages at .055% for every $1,000 invested versus the industry average of roughly .58% for every $1,000 invested.** That’s more money in your pocket to use when you retire.
fees!.055%
• Age
• 1%
3
Under the federal retirement system, your future pension benefits are funded through an automatic 4.4% deduction from your salary and an 16.6% matching contribution from VA each pay period. After retirement, monthly pension annuity payments are distributed for life.
EXAMPLE PENSIONANNUAL 2Example $39,671$55,054 Registered Nurse • Age
EXAMPLE PENSIONANNUAL 2Example $49,918$61,644
Nurse Practitioner
Under age 62 the employee must have met their Minimum Retirement Age (MRA) between age 55 57 and they must have worked at least 10 years or greater under a retirement plan. of the highest 3 years of average salary for each year of service (conditions apply) or older with 20+ years of service benefits is calculated at 1.1% of the highest years average salary for each year of service.
•
•
•
• 41
or older • 1. 1% benefit • 63
•
Under age 62 benefit is 1%
• 63
Generousservice.pension
• 1%
1Example •
•
• $136,862
•
Age 62
Become vested in the FERS Basic/Defined Benefit pension after only 5 years of creditable civilian
FERS Basic/Defined Pension
1Example •
•
The examples below illustrates calculations for annual VA pension for full-time employees (not including 401k/TSP payments) using various retirement age and years of service combinations for salaries that align with nursing occupations. 62 years old years of VA service $122,072 average high 3 salary Under age 62 benefit 56 years old 34 years of VA service $116,680 average high 3 salary 65 or older benefit years old years of VA service average high 3 salary Under age 62 benefit 58 years old 34 years of VA service $146,819 average high 3 salary
• 1.1%
• 41
Age BenefitsDefinedDefined • Age 62 or older • 1. 1% benefit • 63 years old • 37 years of VA service • $199,000 average high 3 salary 1Example • Under age 62 • 1% benefit • 60 years old • 34 years of VA service • $196,000 average high 3 salary EXAMPLE PENSIONANNUAL 2Example $66,640$80,993 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist The information above is expressed in current dollars and based on the average salary of a VA RN, NP, or CRNA. Many different factors impact pension amounts; for instance, unused sick leave extends your creditable service time on a day for day basis. Review your specific situation with a VA recruiter and follow the links in the resources section for more information. 10
Paid Parental Leave** 12 weeks Prorated (Must work at least 1,250 hours per year)
EAP includes:
Annual Leave Max Carryover 86 days 240 hours
Sick Leave Max Carryover Unlimited Unlimited Military Leave 15 days Prorated Military Leave Maximum Balance 30 days Prorated
*Part time employees are entitled to federal holidays that fall on days employees would otherwise be required to work or take leave. This does not include overtime work.
Leave Category Full Time Part Time
REWARD$TOTALAVAcareeroffersyouabalanced,flexibleworkenvironmentfocused
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on your unique needs.
Sick Leave 13 days 1 hour for every 20 hours worked
• Community resources and referrals.
Annual Leave 26 days 1 hour for every 10 hours worked
• 24/7 access to and follow up with professional counselors.
• Internal and external tools on EAP services.
Federal Holidays 11 days 11 days*
Take time off. On day one as a full time RN, NP or CRNA, you start accruing 5 weeks paid annual vacation, 13 days paid annual sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays each year.
At VA you can…
**The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) provides up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child for employees covered by Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provisions applicable to federal civilian employees.
Receive assistance. Under VA’s Employment Assistance Program (EAP), get free, short term counseling and other services to cope with the stresses of life and other issues.
• Counseling on legal, financial, child and elder care, mental health, identity theft and wellness issues.
Work anywhere and relocate with ease. With one full and unrestricted active U.S. license, you can work at any of the 1,255 VA sites of care or by the beach, in a city or in the countryside and take your benefits with you. Apply for an open position at VA facilities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and the Philippines.
Retirement Federal
One full unrestricted license employment contracts, covenants, or compete clauses admin support Coverage Compensation Security & Welfare
Development & Career Opportunities
Clinical
Performance & Recognition
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) Insurance Spouse/dependent Life Insurance
Life
Credit for Military Service*
non
Short term/Long term Disability Insurance Care Program* RetirementEmployees(FERS)Plan
I nsurance Social
Prescription
Peer recognition programs Employee suggestion programs programs
Vision insurance plan (add on) plans
Health Care Flexible Spending Account Limited Expense Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Benefits Benefits
Attendance at outside conferences and seminars (virtual and in person) VA simulation training VA Leadership skills development
VA TOTAL REWARD$ INVENTORY A VA career offers you numerous benefits and rewards, take a closer look at your potential inventory of total reward$. Compensation Competitive Salaries Shift Differential Pay* Weekend/Holiday Pay* On call Pay* Transit Benefit Program* Special Advancements for Achievement (SAA) Pay for Time Not Worked Vacation (annual leave) Sick Leave Military Leave Paid Parental Leave Family Medical Leave Shared Leave Programs Recruitment & Retention Incentives* Performance Bonus* Referral Bonus* Recruitment/Hiring Incentives* Retention Bonus* Work - life Work anywhere at over 1,293 VA sites of care Receive assistance through VA’s Employment Assistance Program (EAP) All Employee Survey Flexibility/AlternativeWorkplace Work Arrangements* Alternative work sites Telecommuting Virtual Desk sharing Part time employment Intermittent employment Traveling Nurse Programs Telehealth/Telemedicine Health & Wellness On site fitness centers/gyms* Employee Wellness Disaster Relief Programs* Diversity/Inclusion Initiatives Federal Women’s Program
On t he job training
No
Medicare H ealth
Dental insurance plan (add on)
Benefits
Clinical residency/fellow and hea lth professions trainee programs Education Debt Reduction Programs* Clinical Scholarship & E ducation Programs* Tuition Reimbursement
Worker’s
Death
availability, and
benefits. 12
Child
Survivor
Performance reviews and evaluations Service Awards Retirement Awards
24/7 access to multiple web ba sed catalogs, filled with diverse online training options for career growth Promotional career pa t hways facility circumstances, eligibility requirements, are not a guarantee of
Appreciation
Liability
*Please note, certain elements vary and are based on specific
restrictive
FERS basic/defined Pension Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) 401(k)
Medical insurance
Coverage
VHA’s National Childcare Program: Pages VHA's National Childcare Program (sharepoint.com)
Liability protection https://www.vacareers.va.gov/Benefits/EmploymentBenefits/#insuranceexplained:
Insurance
Flexible spending accounts primer: http://www.opm.gov/healthcare insurance/flexible spending accounts
Social Security Retirement Estimator: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/estimator.html
Transit Benefit https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/WMCPortal/SubPages/Pages/Transit.aspxProgram:
Federal health benefits: http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/index.asp
Long term care: http://www.opm.gov/healthcare insurance/long term care
Federal health benefits comparison tools: https://www.opm.gov/healthcare insurance
Dental/vision: http://www.opm.gov/healthcare insurance/dental vision
Retirement benefits: http://www.opm.gov/retirement services/fers information
Retirement
RESOURCESBenefits,Education, and Employment Incentives
Life insurance: http://www.opm.gov/healthcare insurance/life insurance
Estimate future pension benefits: OPM’s Federal Ballpark Estimate https://www.opm.gov/retirement services/calculators/federal ball park estimator/ Thrift Savings Plan: https://www.tsp.gov/index.html
Federal benefits: https://www.opm.gov
Federal insurance frequently asked questions: http://www.opm.gov/healthcare insurance/insurance faqs
CHOOSEVA
Education support: https://www.vacareers.va.gov/Benefits/EducationSupport Employment benefits: https://www.vacareers.va.gov/Benefits/EmploymentBenefits
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