Bill Overview
Title: VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act
Description: This bill increases the maximum rate of basic pay for advanced practice nurses, physician assistants, and registered nurses of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sponsors: Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
Target Audience
Population: Nurses, Advanced Practice Nurses, and Physician Assistants at the Department of Veterans Affairs
Estimated Size: 112000
- The bill specifically targets employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs who are advanced practice nurses, physician assistants, and registered nurses.
- The Department of Veterans Affairs employs a significant number of health professionals across the United States.
- Registered nurses, advanced practice nurses, and physician assistants employed by the VA nationwide will be directly affected by the pay increase.
- According to the VA, they have one of the largest nursing staffs in the U.S. federal government.
- The bill's impact will also indirectly affect the veterans who receive care from these healthcare professionals as enhanced benefits may lead to better retention of skilled staff.
Reasoning
- The target population consists of a significant number of advanced practice nurses, physician assistants, and registered nurses employed by the VA across the U.S., but not all healthcare providers will show high impact on wellbeing. This is due to varying circumstances such as current salary levels, job satisfaction, and local cost of living conditions.
- The impact on wellbeing will also vary based on personal factors like age, years of service, and career plans.
- Additionally, veterans receiving care from these practitioners could be indirectly impacted, although this group is outside the scope of direct financial benefits and isn't covered in these interviews.
Simulated Interviews
Registered Nurse at VA (Denver, CO)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A salary increase would help me focus more on patient care and less on financial worries.
- My job satisfaction would increase because I would feel more valued.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Physician Assistant at VA (New York, NY)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The increase in pay will definitely aid in covering the high living expenses in NYC.
- This change will make the VA a more competitive employer.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Advanced Practice Nurse at VA (Cleveland, OH)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- With student loans and housing to pay for, a raise would alleviate a lot of stress.
- It may influence my decision to stay with the VA long-term.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Registered Nurse at VA (San Diego, CA)
Age: 54 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am close to retirement, so the direct impact may not be as significant for me.
- It is still appreciated and shows that the institution values the workforce.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Physician Assistant at VA (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 17/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any raise would help, especially as a single parent.
- It would relieve some financial strain, potentially allowing more work-life balance.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Registered Nurse at VA (Seattle, WA)
Age: 26 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased pay is attractive but won't be the sole factor in my career choices.
- I'm also looking for professional development opportunities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Nurse Practitioner at VA (Houston, TX)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A pay raise will certainly help with college expenses for my kids
- It boosts morale knowing the organization is investing in us.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Physician Assistant at VA (Chicago, IL)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Compensation is important, but I also value work conditions and support.
- A competitive salary might make up for other shortfalls in the job.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Registered Nurse at VA (Miami, FL)
Age: 61 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Although nearing retirement, a pay increase would help with saving more for the future.
- It's a positive move for new nurses joining the VA.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Nurse Practitioner at VA (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This means I can clear some debt faster and focus on personal and professional growth.
- Having worked at VA for several years, this pay rise means a lot.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $355000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $410000000)
Year 2: $365000000 (Low: $310000000, High: $420000000)
Year 3: $375000000 (Low: $320000000, High: $430000000)
Year 5: $395000000 (Low: $340000000, High: $450000000)
Year 10: $445000000 (Low: $380000000, High: $510000000)
Year 100: $900000000 (Low: $770000000, High: $1030000000)
Key Considerations
- The VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act may help alleviate staffing shortages by improving job satisfaction and retention among healthcare workers.
- Increased salaries may necessitate budget reallocations within the VA or increased federal funding.
- Potential positive impacts on patient care outcomes due to greater consistency and experience in the workforce should be considered.