U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

"If you are a caregiver engage with the caregiver community on social media and via other available avenues. Advocate for your patient and stay up to date on all medical care needs/issues/limitations/guidelines as much as possible. "

"Veterans are special and treating our hero’s everyday is rewarding "

"Good part-time opportunities that still provide full benefits (for physicians, not sure if this applies for other jobs)"

"Depends upon department, depends upon leadership.....get any and all offers in writing as sometimes things change and without documentary proof you may not get what you were promised."

"Select the location where you choose to work wisely as all are not equal."

"I thrive here. I’m even working from home three days a week."

"I have experienced a fair amount of sexual harassment both from the male dominated patient population as well as male coworkers. There is no maternity leave, you can combine some sick leave, vacation time, and leave without pay under FMLA. You can also borrow advanced leave, but this has to be paid back."

"The pay is not the best, but it’s not bad either. It’s better than struggling in private practice. "

"Depends on dept mgr. stay away from educational service at all costs "

"The VA actually does a good job of promoting women to leadership roles, most of the bosses I had while working there were women. "

"I love the work. It can be challenging to work here because most of the patients are male veterans, and so harassment within and around the hospital (from non-employees) is a huge problem and difficult to tackle. But the fellow staff are progressive, interesting, diverse, and mission-driven."

"Not flexible as it is a government job. Be prepared for this. Many jobs do not offer telecommuting options. "

"Hit or miss. The organization doesn't reward competence. Minority women are often given promotions as an obligatory gesture. However, women are not considered for jobs that require competency or technical depth. Frequently comments are made that imply young women cannot do difficult work. Bosses often say completely inappropriate things to women. Male chauvinism is alive and well and accepted in the culture."

"Gain as much experience as you can. Take copious notes. Rub elbows & get references. Then move on."

"Save your PTO, as there isn't paid leave otherwise. Also, don't begin by getting into the habit of why you're taking sick leave (sick child). Stay as private as possible, so you're not looked upon as not dependable."

"Some VAs have very few women in leadership positions. Men are more easily promoted. "

"Employees were verbally encouraging and accommodating regarding my recent pregnancy and maternity leave, however there are many inconvenient practicalities that my VA location, which is large and well-funded, needs to address. For instance, human resources was unable to provide me with the correct paperwork to request advance paid leave (which consisted of my vacation and sick time for the year) despite multiple calls and assurance that I was "all set." As a result, several weeks into my leave I was surprised to learn that I had technically become "overdrawn" on my sick time, and my boss as well as the entire administration of my department was emailed about it. Highly embarrassing! I had to file a retroactive request for the leave. Also, there is no convenient parking for expectant mothers unless you are able to procure a handicap placard for yourself. The employee parking garage (5 stories) has no elevator. Also, there is no lactation room at my hospital such that my department has to reserve a conference room daily where I can pump."