VA on record-setting hiring spree amid nationwide layoffs

The Department of Veterans Affairs has been on a major hiring spree since the end of March thanks to the billions of dollars allocated under the new federal budget. 

The record breaking $240 billion budget has allowed the VA to fill long-vacant spots in its medical and housekeeping sectors as it battles coronavirus, hiring from those already retired and those laid off or furloughed by other healthcare systems, reported Military.com.

Between March 29th and April 11th, 3,183 new staff were hired by the VA, including 981 registered nurses. In the next few weeks, the VA plans to hire 4,500 more staff members, including registered nurses, respiratory therapists, anesthesiologists, housekeepers, and supply technicians to work in its 170 hospitals and more than 1,200 clinics across the country. 

“Many of VA’s new hires come from health care systems that have seen temporary layoffs due to COVID-19,” VA officials said in the release.

The VA’s workforce now boasts a record 390,000 employees, or “nearly 55,000 more than we had five years ago,” the VA spokeswoman said.

“Caring for Veterans requires dedicated staff. On behalf of the Veterans we are charged with serving, I salute those who have recently joined the VA team so we can continue serving Veterans during this national emergency,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie.