For nurses working within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the impending deadline for a deferred resignation offer introduced by the Trump administration brings renewed anxiety, particularly in light of ongoing staffing shortages affecting over half of the VA facilities. The situation is precarious as it could have immediate repercussions on healthcare provided to the 9.1 million veterans enrolled in the system.
Unions representing these nurses are actively advising against accepting the resignation offer, expressing concerns that an exodus from the VA would further diminish care quality. Irma Westmoreland, a registered nurse and leader at National Nurses United, emphasized the dire state of staffing in hospitals: “We’re already facing a staffing crisis in our hospitals. We cannot afford to lose any more staff.” The VA, being the largest employer of nurses in the federal government, employs over 100,000 nurses, translating to approximately 5% of the total permanent federal workforce.
Mary-Jean Burke, a union representative, noted that initial responses from VA staff were mixed. While some were initially inclined to consider the buyout an appealing option, they began to re-evaluate their feelings as more information emerged from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Burke, who is also a physical therapist, observed a shift in sentiment: “Originally, people were like, ‘I’m out of here,’ but as the details became clearer, hesitancy set in.”
The workforce dynamic among VA nurses reveals that a significant percentage, around 16.2%, are aged 55 and older, which is slightly above the average for the broader federal workforce. The retirement-eligible nurses have found themselves contemplating the buyout offer that guarantees a salary until September 30, yet many are raising concerns about the legalities surrounding the program.
Frustration among nurses has escalated as clarity around the offer has led to feelings of anger regarding the implications placed upon their productivity. Westmoreland mentioned that communication from officials has suggested that nurses are underperforming — a notion that has offended many. A recent email communication from the Office of Personnel Management suggested employees explore opportunities in the private sector, stating, “The way to greater American prosperity is encouraging people to move from lower productivity jobs in the public sector to higher productivity jobs in the private sector.”
Burke observed that workers are increasingly troubled by the broader uncertainty fostered by numerous executive orders. There’s a palpable sense of fear among employees, particularly in states like Indiana, with Burke describing their experiences as ones filled with chaos and unpredictability. Additionally, leaders within the department share these concerns; more than 80% of VA facilities reportedly face significant nursing shortages, according to a recent report by the VA Office of Inspector General.
In recent communications, the Office of Personnel Management has heightened the pressure on staff to consider the financial incentives associated with resignation, stressing enhanced standards for suitability and conduct moving forward. Burke voiced her worries not just for the nurses but for the federal workforce as a whole, expressing a sense of unease about the future: “I know it’s going to look different. A lot of people are stressed out because they feel like the predictability of their mission is a little bit different.”
Amid this turbulence, the VA has not provided comments regarding the situation or the resignation offer.
