Clearly, the VA s RNs are an important resource and a vital part of the workforce. This bill dramatically changes the way RNs in the VA will get pay raises by guaranteeing that VA RNs will get the same annual wage increase that other federal employees currently receive. Still, VA nurse wages are not subject to the same pay levels or pay increases as nurses working within the private sector. The salary of VA nurses must be made competitive with those of the private sector. More competitive pay rates will help to combat the problem of low morale within the VA nursing workforce.
Job satisfaction leads to less job turnover and increased productivity.
This would reduce the RN recruitment and retention problems that the VA is experiencing. Additionally, the VA should offer specialty pay rates and bonuses for nurses working on specialty care wards, specifically those nurses working on the SCI wards where shortages have been so prevalent. Congress long ago authorized the VA to offer specialty pay to its nurses, but the VA has thus far been hesitant. EPVA calls upon Congress to urge the VA to exercise this option and even to earmark dollars in next year s VHA budget to go for SCI and other specialty care pay incentives. Appropriate and earmark dollars in the FY 2003 budget to go for specialty pay rates or bonuses for working on a specialty care ward.