Most healthcare professionals, including nurses, physicians, and other personnel serving military veterans under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), are not qualified for the deferred resignation incentive announced by the Trump administration, as indicated in a message distributed by VA leaders to staff on Friday.
Originally, nurses had been included among those who could take advantage of the offer, but their unions advised against participation, warning that a significant staff departure would negatively impact the care provided to the 9.1 million veterans enrolled for services.
The email, which was reviewed, contained a letter from the VA’s human resources department along with a spreadsheet listing over 130 job titles that are ineligible under the “VA EXEMPTION REQUESTS.”
According to Mary-Jean Burke, a physical therapist and leader within the American Federation of Government Employees, “It appears that nearly everyone is out of eligibility.” She mentioned that the precise criteria for eligibility are still being determined.
The occupations deemed ineligible by the VA span a wide range, including laundry staff, chefs, nurses, pharmacists, and doctors. In contrast, the letter specified that full-time probationary workers and perhaps some employees planning to retire in 2025 may qualify. Irma Westmoreland, a registered nurse and head of the Veterans Affairs unit for National Nurses United, expressed concern, stating, “The regulations seem to be changing frequently. What remains clear is that the VA is facing a critical shortage of nurses, and our commitment to our veterans will never waver.”
A spokesperson from the VA noted that the agency collaborated closely with the White House and the Office of Personnel Management to determine which job categories were excluded from the resignation plan. The spokesperson emphasized that this decision was made to guarantee the continued delivery of essential healthcare, benefits, and memorial services to veterans, their families, and survivors.
On Thursday, a federal judge issued a temporary halt to the deferred resignation program, which was implemented with guidance from Trump advisor Elon Musk. The judge mandated that the deadline be extended until the following Monday.
Nurses within the VA, recognized as the largest employer in the federal government, represent the largest group of federal workers. With over 100,000 nurses making up 5% of the total full-time permanent workforce, their role is crucial, as highlighted by a recent analysis of personnel data.
