Burnout is a very real concern among American employees, particularly health care workers. A recent study confirmed that 49 percent—almost half of all working Americans—feel at least somewhat burned out at their jobs.
However, federal employees are experiencing much lower rates, with a recent Gallup study reporting federal employees experiencing burnout hovering at around 26%.
That’s because, at VA, we’ve taken steps to address the causes of burnout among our staff. With the help of our Reduce Employee Burnout and Optimize Organizational Thriving (REBOOT) Task Force, our team members nationwide told us the driving factors behind their burnout. That input has been invaluable in tackling the problem.
What we’ve learned is that, by focusing on what matters to you, and giving you the tools you need to succeed, VA is leading the way in the battle against burnout. See how we’re making those investments, and what you can look forward to with a career at VA.
A balance between work and life
At VA, you’ll enjoy consistent, flexible schedules with shifts that can accommodate your specific needs and lifestyle to help you find the right balance between your life and your work. That’s in addition to generous vacation and personal leave, including 13-26 paid days off, 13 sick days, and 10 paid federal holidays.
“Our physicians are able to have a work-life balance unlike any in the civilian sector,” said Brad Cargill, one of our physician provider recruiters. “At VA, you’ll know what it’s like to have your family count on you being there for games, anniversaries, birthdays, and special occasions.”
Investing in innovation
With state-of-the-art tools, we’re a leader in clinical innovation. Our programs play a vital role in the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective care for the nation’s Veterans. Now, we’re exploring AI tools that will help clinicians take notes during medical appointments, as well as tools that can help analyze and summarize patients’ medical records.
“AI solutions can help us reduce the time that clinicians spend on non-clinical work, which will get our teams doing more of what they love most: caring for Veterans,” Under Secretary for Health Shereef Elnahal said.
The support of your peers
At VA, you’ll be part of a team of dedicated professionals who share in your same mission of service to Veterans. We build Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACT) to coordinate care and promote total health and wellness, including providing mental health integration in clinical practice and embedding clinical pharmacists in primary care.
“VA offers comprehensive patient-centered health care where the patient, family, and caregivers are part of the PACT, delivering a positive and proactive approach to healthy living,” explained national health care recruitment consultant David Z. Aragon.
Establishing better priorities
Unlike other health care systems, which may prioritize profit over patients, VA is focused on making sure our Veterans get the treatment they need to get them back to their whole health. At VA, our clinicians know there’s no worry about what an insurance company might approve.
“Ever feel the weight of being responsible for seeing more and more patients, just to pay for continually increasing overhead costs?” said Holly Martz, M.D., chief of primary care at VA Martinsburg Health Care System. “At VA, you can order the tests your patients need without having to convince an insurance company—or worrying about whether they can afford it.”
Results that matter
With attrition rates that are lower than expected, we believe that VA is on the right path to keeping our dedicated team members happy and fulfilled in service to the most important mission in all of health care—serving Veterans.
“Where else can you practice meaningful, team-based and comprehensive primary care in a manner that serves a higher purpose while also maintaining your individual life-work balance?” summed up Dr. Dhruv Gadhia, deputy associate chief of staff of the Ambulatory and Emergency Care Clinical Center (AECCC) at VA Maryland Health Care System.
The answer is simple: VA.
Work at VA
Jobs at VA provide rewarding, fulfilling opportunities to serve those who have served. Explore openings nationwide and see how you can enjoy a rewarding career.
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