Proper way to leave a volunteering position? (VA)

[shockazulu]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I absolutely hate volunteering at the VA. I LOVE the patients. The Vets are the nicest people you will ever meet. I never thought I could have deep and rich conversations with people 4 times as old as me but it happens everyday. The problem is the absolute filth that the VA employees. I've heard everybody from desk people to doctors refer to the patients as "filthy drunks". The place is an unorganized mess. I literally trained myself (save for one sweet tech that has helped me since day 1). I'm terrified to ask a question because some of the employees are too busy playing angry bird and might snap at me for not knowing something. Most of my day consists of standing around awkwardly while people stare at me. Somebody might tell me to make a bed then 5 minutes later somebody else tells me the patient will be returning and I shouldn't have went in the room. The rules depend on who is working that day etc etc etc. I've done about 25 hours here give or take (can't believe its only that many) and ready to call it quits. I really don't want to give any notice and have to spend another minute in this place so will a text to my supervisor be ok? I'm not looking for any letters of rec.


/rant

 

[MrLogan13]

No text. You should call at the very least.

I'm not fond of the VA either. Been waiting 5 years for a decision on a claim. lol I can't complain, I know people waiting longer than me.

 

[shockazulu]

I left the Military with a back injury and didn't even bother filing a claim. The guy I was talking to told me it "wasn't worth it". This guy is being PAID to FILE for people. lol its disgusting.

 

[Cramster]

through the door, just make sure it's not an emergency exit

 

[MrLogan13]

I left the Military with a back injury and didn't even bother filing a claim. The guy I was talking to told me it "wasn't worth it". This guy is being PAID to FILE for people. lol its disgusting.

That was bad advice, you absolutely should file. It takes a while, but your pay is retroactive to the date you file. If a decision were to be made on my claim today, I'd be owed 65 months of back pay.

 

[xffan624]

That was bad advice, you absolutely should file. It takes a while, but your pay is retroactive to the date you file. If a decision were to be made on my claim today, I'd be owed 65 months of back pay.

Definitely file. Unfortunately, the VA is pretty slow for claims after you're out (which for some folks they have no choice). I filed my claim like 2 days before my official out day and I got approved for disability about 5 months later. So not too bad for me. It's a nice bit of extra cash during school and I do see the VA for treatment. Not every VA hospital is equal and the care I've received there has been decent. Not the fastest system, but the price is right for a poor medical student.

 

[MrLogan13]

Definitely file. Unfortunately, the VA is pretty slow for claims after you're out (which for some folks they have no choice). I filed my claim like 2 days before my official out day and I got approved for disability about 5 months later. So not too bad for me. It's a nice bit of extra cash during school and I do see the VA for treatment. Not every VA hospital is equal and the care I've received there has been decent. Not the fastest system, but the price is right for a poor medical student.

If I get the percentage I think I will, that 65 months of retro pay is going to pay a sizable chunk of med school debt. lol I know there's a backlog of claims, but 5 years is ridiculous. I've talked to some of the Vietnam era vets while at the VA, and some of them have been wrapped up in appeals for decades.

 

[Psai]

hands in the air, middle fingers up, walking backwards

 

[Spydra]

OP I agree that you should at least call your supervisor and give your notice. You don't have to explain much other than you appreciate the opportunity, but you don't feel it is the right fit for you and are moving on. My guess is at least doing that you'll probably be able to use them as a reference if you find yourself in a pinch in the future.

 

[MrLogan13]

OP I agree that you should at least call your supervisor and give your notice. You don't have to explain much other than you appreciate the opportunity, but you don't feel it is the right fit for you and are moving on. My guess is at least doing that you'll probably be able to use them as a reference if you find yourself in a pinch in the future.

Exactly right. You don't want to burn any bridges, and it's really just common courtesy. Don't quit via text, don't break up over text. I can't believe people do that. lol