[nocoldiron]

Anyone know anything about it? I'd hate to relocate close to it and be referred to Little Rock-thats a loong drive to me.It looks to be a small VA.

[NOEM1226]

I work at the Fay VA. Right now it is a small VA. However, In about 6 months they will be breaking ground on several new additions- including an outpatient surgery clinic. The # of veterans being seen at Fayetteville has just skyrocketed. They just added an MRI this year. Between adding to radiology and building clinical additions they should only be referring out to LR for major surgeries.They may continue to send cardiac cases and things of that nature to LR, but your basic care (and minor surgical procedures) they could handle here. As far as the quality of care, I think most of the vets are pleased with our facility. I hear gripes about the VA system itself, but most comments made about our facilities are positive. Vets often tell me Fayetteville is "better than most" VAs.I hear alot of complaints about the LR VA. Honestly I am not sure if this negativity is caused by what the vets feel is "poor care" or the frustration and stress they feel about having to find the means to commute there when referred out.

[gimme it]

Originally Posted by NOEM1226

I work at the Fay VA. Right now it is a small VA. However, In about 6 months they will be breaking ground on several new additions- including an outpatient surgery clinic. The # of veterans being seen at Fayetteville has just skyrocketed. They just added an MRI this year. Between adding to radiology and building clinical additions they should only be referring out to LR for major surgeries.They may continue to send cardiac cases and things of that nature to LR, but your basic care (and minor surgical procedures) they could handle here. As far as the quality of care, I think most of the vets are pleased with our facility. I hear gripes about the VA system itself, but most comments made about our facilities are positive. Vets often tell me Fayetteville is "better than most" VAs.I hear alot of complaints about the LR VA. Honestly I am not sure if this negativity is caused by what the vets feel is "poor care" or the frustration and stress they feel about having to find the means to commute there when referred out.

I used to work at the VA in my area. I was wondering if your VA has a mental health (in and outpt), a day hospital and/or substance abuse programs. I'm mainly interested in the SW dept. Not sure if I would ever go back to work for a VA, but just curious. The pay scale is certainly very good. Also, I was wondering how their pay compares to the other local hospitals. Thanks.

[nocoldiron]

Can one be seen at Fayetteville but also at Muskogee? I know they are the same system and it would seem to me some vets are closer to Muskogee than LR for referrals.I use to be a LPN-the VA provides good care,often better than the private sector-vets just don't realize it because they aren't using the private sector.

[NOEM1226]

Our VA has both a inpatient mental health ward as well as an outpatient clinic that include substance abuse programs.They are really expanding the SW department here at our hospital. Everytime I check the job listings there are openings for social workers and most of the time openings for techs and clerks for the SW clinics as well. All across the board our pay at the VA here in Fay is higher than surrounding civilian hospitals. For some positions (like mine ) the VA pays only slightlly higher than it's counter parts- but certain jobs here such as nursing and social work the pay is significantly higher than anywhere else in the region (as far as I have seen).

As far as the question regarding being seen in Muskogee, I just know there are very specific rules concerning referrals to other facilities. I have seen some examples of a patient living closer one facility and being required to drive to another facility that is farther just because this is the only place the staff is authorized to give a referal to. So I don't know for sure, it's something you should continue to look into. Wish I could be more help on that one.

[gimme it]

Thank you, Noem... Very interesting and helpful information. I'm a certified social worker, so it's great to hear the pay is decent.

[nickyphilip23]

I am a big admirer of VISTA and the Veterans Administration. In fact, I borrowed the National Coordinator of HIT from the VA, Dr. Rob Kolodner. The problem comes in creating compatibility between other systems and the VA because most patients, even in the VA system, deal with multiple providers outside their system.
________________________
Nicky Philip


Moderator cut: edit

[Quirky Cynick]

Originally Posted by nocoldiron

Anyone know anything about it? I'd hate to relocate close to it and be referred to Little Rock-thats a loong drive to me.It looks to be a small VA.

That VA facility is a great place and they are the nicest people and so very respectville of the veterans. The only time one has to go to Little Rock is when they aren't set up to do certain things. My husband has to go to Little Rock for a hip replacement operation but that is all. Everything else has been done by Fayetteville. Of course the basics for my husband are taken of at Mount Vernon, MO, since we live south of Springfield.