u/Unable_Water3961

I'm heavily considering taking a VA job as an experienced PMHNP. I understand that overall experiences can vary by VA center, but I am hoping to get some feedback from actual PMHNP's employed in GS positions.

I am wondering about how it is day to day, how many patients you see, productivity expectations, acuity, burnout, admin requirements, Bureaucratic burdens.

Overall, the Southeastern VA I am looking at seems to have a pretty good reputation and is noted as a smaller VA compared to larger cities.

Looking for ideas on where to shop for a ball outfit/gown? I am challenged in the DIY department.

My family and I (early 40s with a 4 year old) live in NW Florida/Pensacola area. We grew up here but have also lived all over the world and in several different US cities for past work travel (Seattle, Portland x 4 years, Eugene, Va Beach, San Diego, Norcal, Tampa, Orlando). I work remotely and husband can easily transfer with his job. Income is around 175k. I am feeling very bored in Florida and want a richer parenthood for us and childhood for our daughter. The cost of living here is absurd considering everything it lacks.

What's not working in Florida - oppressive heat, lack of outdoor activity (aside from the beach), limited culture, lame food scene, nonexistent music scene, lack of decent schools, MAGA heavy influence, and overall uneducated community. I feel like our lives revolve around work, Target, the beach, and occasional playdates at the same places over and over. It's too hot to enjoy anything outdoors not centered around water.

Things I'd like:

• mountains + greenery - a must
• variety of seasons - Summer humidity and Winter snow are okay
• progressive-ish but not hyper intense on either side
• good food/culture
• enough amenities to not feel isolated
• outdoor lifestyle for kids (rivers, hiking, swimming, waterfalls, etc)
• less heat than Florida, less gray than Portland
• somewhere that feels alive but not overwhelming

What I liked in PDX - greenery, cooler weather, outdoors, amenities, opportunities, stimulating in terms of daily life and new experiences, left-leaning

What didn't work in PDX - endless grey skies for 8+ mos, some burnout with the political intensity there, homelessness/drugs, and I missed swimming (water was cold for me)

I’m very drawn to Asheville/WNC because it seems like a good middle ground more centered on mountains and outdoor life. Still warm and humid but not FL warm and humid.

Have also briefly considered:

Roanoke (too small, lacking in amenities), Charlottesville, VA (intrigued), Knoxville, Chattanooga, NW GA

Concerns with WNC/ETN:

• possibly too small long-term
• enough kid infrastructure/amenities for kids of all ages
• surrounding politics in NC/TN
• homelessness/drugs in AVL - I am aware of the similarities with PDX

Would love thoughts from people who’ve lived in Portland, OR vs Asheville/WNC/ETN, or any of the above towns, especially families with young kids.

Please forgive me if this is a dumb question, but I want to gather as much info as possible. I was selected for an interview in HI, but I am thinking of declining. 0600 series.

The job posting does not mention EDRP and the contract is two years temporary. For anyone who has experience with this, does this usually reflect accuracy that there will not be loan repayment and unlikely to become a perm job? As a temp job, would I qualify for PPP in 2 years?

It seems kinda weird to me that someone could be expected to move across the ocean for little no incentive for such a short contract.

I am married, in my 40s, working remotely as a PMHNP in a colleague's PP with 80/20 split. I've been with the practice a year so I'm still growing my caseload. I'm doing 2x week right now, which isn't much, financially.

We have a child who will start school in 2027. We currently live in Florida, where we are both from, and we both have careers in the medical field. We moved back here from the PNW when our daughter was born four years ago. This is the longest I've been in one place - I've always moved a lot, even as a kid, but this is a separate topic for my therapist ;)

I owe about $130k in student loans which I haven't paid a dime toward and I've been out of school for six years. I regularly browse jobs, mainly federal, and have found several that pay well and that I am qualified for - all offering student loan repayment and some with relocation assistance. None of which will likely be remote, but okay.

I've been putting in A LOT of effort into "watering my grass where I am", but I do feel like there is just something missing here. I know the grass isn't always greener, but I'm wondering if this student loan repayment thing is an extra kick in that direction. My husband hates the idea of moving again, though he'd do it if it meant setting up for retirement more easily. He also has the ability to transfer with his job most places.

Not looking for the "100% do or don't" answer - just the perspective of others.

I am married, working remotely as a nurse practitioner. We have a child who will start school in 2027. We currently live in Florida, where we are both from, and we both have careers in the medical field. We moved back here from the PNW when our daughter was born four years ago. This is the longest I've been in one place - I've always moved a lot, even as a kid.

I owe about $130k in student loans which I haven't paid a dime toward and I've been out of school for six years. I regularly browse jobs, mainly federal, and have found several that pay well and that I am qualified for - all offering student loan repayment and some with relocation assistance.

I've been putting in A LOT of effort into "watering my grass where I am", but I do feel like there is just something missing here. I know the grass isn't always greener, but I'm wondering if this student loan repayment thing is an extra kick in that direction. My husband hates the idea of moving again, though he'd do it if it meant setting up for retirement more easily. He also has the ability to transfer with his job most places.

I should add that we are a former military family and my husband has prior GS service so we're not totally new to this side of things.

Not looking for the "100% do or don't answer" - just the perspective of others.

I am married, working remotely as a nurse practitioner. We have a child who will start school in 2027. We currently live in Florida, where we are both from, and we both have careers in the medical field. We moved back here from the PNW when our daughter was born four years ago. This is the longest I've been in one place - I've always moved a lot, even as a kid.

I owe about $130k in student loans which I haven't paid a dime toward and I've been out of school for six years. I regularly browse jobs, mainly federal, and have found several that pay well and that I am qualified for - all offering student loan repayment and some with relocation assistance.

I've been putting in A LOT of effort into "watering my grass where I am", but I do feel like there is just something missing here. I know the grass isn't always greener, but I'm wondering if this student loan repayment thing is an extra kick in that direction. My husband hates the idea of moving again, though he'd do it if it meant setting up for retirement more easily. He also has the ability to transfer with his job most places.

Not looking for the "100% do or don't answer" - just the perspective of others.