I took a 10k pay cut to work with this company due to the fact that they really sold me on its benefits, work values, work/life balance, flexibility and that it was an overall great place to work with, wonderful department and great people.
None of it was true and I've never worked for an organization that lacked so many values that an Organization needs to run well.
The flexibility was great until upper management took over and there was nothing but micromanaging and no understanding to life outside work. If PTO was requested or personal and private matters were raised to where a day needing to be out we were almost forced to disclose the personal matters in detail, this is all while people had leave balances and even gave notices, not calling in the morning of. The pay is not competitive at all and employees in my department were working double, almost triple duties for less than half the deserved salary. The turn over rate was incredible! I had only been there for 6 months and I was one of the most tenured employee in the department! The department I was in could never be fully staffed due to someone leaving monthly if not weekly. However the worse of it all was that the own director of the department had no knowledge of how work was done or its processes and the only thing he knew how to do was point fingers as how work was not being done well, how it should be done without having any knowledge of the work, or holding employees accountable for mistakes that were not cor
Prossome nice people to work with
Conspay, flexibility, disorganized, high turn over rate, over worked, under appreciated, supportive higher management, lack of knowledgable directors
CEO's got their million bonus while employees raises dependent on whether Inova reaches their financial goals
Management on all levels does not support their employees; environment of blame,failure to listen to employees concerns about low staffing levels,transport system often takes over an hour to pick up/deliver pts for tests. Pts have extended stays due to inability to get diagnostic tests done,sometimes critical care pts do not get their first MRI's for 24-48 hours; high turnover in staff; administration does not fill positions when people fired/resign; no help moving critical pts from exam tables to gurneys;managers have fired employees by lying /misrepresenting employees actions because they have personality conflicts I personally know of 3 employees who were fired bacause a current manager lied about the employee;safety issues constantly a problem due to short staffing;mandatory employee satisfaction polls annually, but tell employees not to put anything derogatory on surveys; questions regarding administration concerns are directed at your immediate supervisor, when the real problems originate with the highest management; cutting costs paramount; pt care lacking; administration clueless as to what real needs of dept are;no longer have town hall meetings with employees about their concerns as they became angry sessions highlighting employees complaints about no raises, low staffing/no aids on floors or radiology depts, being asked to do the work of 2 people, no raises, no breaks...no help buttons in MRI rooms for pt emergencies; no help button planned for new magnet now under
Prosabiliity to transfer to many other facilities in the area
Please see experience summary in which this information is covered.
I loved most of my employment at Inova Fairfax Hospital, which was over 18 years. I was an experienced RN at the time I joined Inova Fairfax Hospital, with extensive experience as a medical surgical nurse with large knowledge base and adaptability and accountability. My vocation has always been for behavioral health nursing, I trained at Payne Whitney Clinic, worked on staff on the metabolic research unit and adolescent borderline units. Later I worked as staff nurse and then nursing coordinator at Psychiatric Institute in NYC. I yearned to master nursing competency and excellence in other areas, including but not limited to routine med-surg, oncology, and obstetrical nursing. I studied REBT , and had a small counseling practice for 4 years collaborating with a psychiatrist and LCSW. I moved to VA from NY in 1989, and joined the staff pool working full time at Inova Fairfax Hospital in the summer of 1990. The Nursing Coordinator of the Cardiac Telemetry Unit asked me to join their staff, which I did after about 3 months on the pool. I worked on the CTU and developed skills with pre and post surgical open heart surgery and heart transplant patients, as well as medical and cardiac patients on cardiac telemetry. I developed competency in this very demanding area and received good reviews. In 1993 I decided that I would prefer to return to psychiatric nursing, and was employed on Psychiatry 4 Main in the fall of
Prosopportunity to provide excellent patient care, many learning and teaching opportunities, high salary with excellent benefits
Conswas terminated in a very hurtful and undeserved manner, and subsequently vindicated by the VEC.
Inova says a lot of the right things, their policies sounded great but their management and lack of leadership is awful. The policies aren't upheld.
They have a lot of integrity issues with staff lying, helping their click out to get the schedule a certain way for some and not for others.... people that can call out regularly and not get in trouble meanwhile others are written up.... they write you up even with a doctors note where you have no voice and are hacking up a lung, sick but you shouldn't call out! Now you have nurses coming to work sick and getting everyone else sick because everyone is scared to use their PTO to call out. Nurses that have a death in their family but they aren't allowed PTO without 6 weeks notice so they write you up for calling out or force you to work and miss your own family's funeral. You have nurses sitting around on their cell phones throughout the shift, and then the clin techs won't help unless it is a patient they were assigned for that shift (even if they are just sitting on the internet shopping they won't help with another patient).
Probably like most places they are consistently understaffed to the point that you will have 5-6 patients regularly and many times you do not have clinical techs to assist so it is quite heavy. Not only do you have a heavy patient load but you will find yourself working with charge nurses with 1 year total RN experience, and be surrounded by one experienced nurse and the rest all new grads. T
3 OB is poorly managed with lots of busy work (unnecessary duties assigned to RNs- such as secretarial work in the nursery, RNs must empty the nursery trash and dirty linens, 1:24 RN/newborn ratio in the nursery without a tech or charge nurse to help the majority of the time! One RN to attend to transitioning several newborns at once, while crying babies are left unattended.) Techs are not as helpful as they could be (whether on the floor or in the nursery), nor are they receptive to direction. Management sets a bad example and does not support RNs. There is a fairly high staff (RN) turnover. The techs stay because they love their easy shifts and lack of enforcement by management to improve working conditions for RNs. Techs could be assigned so many more duties (paperwork in nsy, putting nsy charts together, helping with PKUs and NB VS, changing diapers, attending to changing and comforting infants, filling water pitchers more than once a shift...likewise, the secretary could also help with some of these duties. Even filing VS in infant charts at 6am would have helped, but NO- you're on your own). I am sorry I stayed as long as I did. In spite of numerous complaints and suggestions to management, NOTHING changed in the 7 years I was there. What I most enjoyed was my interaction with the patients and proximity to my home. Think twice before working here. I can't tell you how many wonderful RNs we lost due to the poor working conditions (sadly, the majority did not disclose the
Prosinspiring hospital orientation. close to my home. accommodating schedules.
Consnegative, unsupportive unit for rns, heavy workload, exceptionally poor management.
My day begins by printing my list of patients to visit and review their insurance benefits. I collect all of the paperwork needed for each patient and then begin to travel the hospital going to all departments. I review their expected patient liability and then collect their copay's, deductible and co-insurances or out of pocket estimates.
The most difficult part of this process is that I have to continually see patients that have serious medical conditions and at times they do not want to be bothered with their benefits. However, I look at it as a chance to provide them with a valuable service so they can have an idea as to what to expect in terms of patient financial liability and I get to thoroughly explain how their insurance plan will be billed. I also set up their financial arrangements as patients have different circumstances surrounding their ability to take care of their expected out of pocket expenses.
What I find to be the most enjoyable aspect of my work is that I get to interact and have conversations with the patients. Also, a part of me feels like I have really helped or had a positive affect on a patients hospital experience. Whether it be through setting up financial arrangements or just listening to the patients as some of them never receive any type of visitor or even family members.
As a result, I have learned a lot. Such as how to manage my workflow, conflict, and being more compassionate in relation to the patient experience. Many patients are in circums
When I originally started working with INOVA, I really enjoyed my job. You have the opportunity to learn a lot seeing as it's a teaching facility and a Trauma 1 Center in Northern Virginia/DC area. It can get busy at times depending on where you are unit wise and what position you are in. There are times I feel like I am back in high school with the amount of drama that occurs but I unfortunately feel that's almost in every job nowadays (personal opinion). They have been flexible with employees who are going to school on schedules so that's helpful. There are times I feel like management lets certain things slide as others don't. There are a lot of people who I enjoy working with while other I just am there to do my job and make sure the patients are taken care of appropriately. The hardest part of the job is time management seeing as they require Tech's to do a lot and depending on who you're working with you're doing more. There have been a lot of times that we are short on the floor and they still expect Techs to step up and take the majority of the load. (I am not dogging nurses, I know they have a lot of their plate as well; charting, plan of cares, assessments, medication administration, etc) The most enjoyable part of the job is also who you are working with because depends who's there can really set the mood for the shift. I also enjoy that while being a Tech you have the opportunity to do blood draws, start IV's, foley catheters, and just building a relatio
Busy office, short breaks, unfriendly staff, and unprofessional manager.
I worked in the primary care setting. The manager was awful not to mention her sidekick nurse. Both the manager and nurse were guaranteed positions prior to an agreement to sell the practice to INOVA. The patient care has gone down the drain because INOVA is more concerned with dollar signs than patient care. The majority of the doctors are new and lack the necessary knowledge to provide proper patient care. Nothing is done in a timely manner including refills whether urgent or not, they are done when they feel like it. It is more like babysitting doctors and constantly reminding them to address even important matters like anti-coagulation patients which are time sensitive. No one takes responsibility for their errors instead they just blame their errors on whatever nurse they want to get rid of and believe me they will find a way to get rid of you if they don't like you. Most of the nursing staff and lab tech are unprofessional not to mention just plain trashy. The training poor and no help when asked as a matter a fact no one says anything until it is too late. Forget about upper management i.e. area directors, HR, or even the clinical director for the area because they are no help. Can't believe I wasted so much time there. Keep your eye out for the help wanted ads, there are so many because the turn over rate is very high so they always need help. I would really think twice before applying for any primary care offices.
ProsGood benefits
Consshort breaks, hours increase at any give time, poor training on site, poor management as well as HR
I love the people I work with and the patients I take care of. The staffing for the most part is adequate however the number of nurses needed should be determined by patient acuity not the number of patients. There is a big disconnect between the administrative people in the offices and the staff on the unit providing care for the patients.
My current unit director is amazing. She is fair and really fights for what is right for our unit and what we need. She also stands up for us and has but a stop to the bullying we previously encountered from the providers.
The pay is the best part and worst part of the job. I say the best part because it is always nice to receive a pay check. I say worst because the salaries are very low compared to other hospitals and systems in this area. We have lost a lot of great nurses recently that have gone to the competing hospitals because they are paying considerably more. I have been with Inova for 8 years and have received 2 pay increases, and those increases were less than $0.75/hr. I have been a nurse for 22 years and through discussion on our unit have found out that less experienced nurses that have been with Inova less time are making more (higher hourly rate). How is that? I did go to HR about this and was told that compensation reviewed my salary/pay and it is correct based on the pay scale.
I know we are going to continue to lose great experienced and non-experienced nurses to the other area hospitals. It's too bad
ProsMy co workers and the teamwork
ConsShort late lunches, PAY, no bonuses or increases
Inova could be a great place to work but it lacks the leadership and support for nursing. Most nurses on my unit come to work to provide the best care possible for our patients. Management is making this more and more difficult everyday. Management is only concerned about the north board and making sure the data is complete because upper administration may be coming to look at it. Administration is not coming to see the excellent care that the patients receive, they are not coming to show respect to those that provide excellent care, they are coming to look at the numbers.
Pay at Inova is pitiful compared to other hospitals and systems in the area. Once you are in Inova don't expect a raise. i have worked for Inova for 6 years and I just received my first real raise (more than 8 cents/hour). I'm sure it will be another 6 years before we get another one. I found it particularly interesting when our current manager sent out an email that included all the surgical technologist within the hospitals salaries. Surgical techs that were not certified, did not attend formal training, and do not hold a degree make more than most nurses. Nurses are being forced to go back to school to keep their jobs and there is no compensation. I'm looking to go somewhere else in the area where nurses are respected and paid. You should think twice before you jump into this mess.
ProsThe nurses and support staff
ConsManagement, salary and benefits
Questions And Answers about Inova Health System
How are the working hours at Inova Health System?
Asked Jun 29, 2016
Schedule is flexible for everyone, you start at 6:30, 7...I love that flexibility at Telestar Court, and Monday to Friday.
Answered Jun 6, 2019
12 hour shifts/ 3 per week 7am-7pm or 7pm-7am
some on call hours
Answered Apr 7, 2019
What is the most stressful part about working at Inova Health System?
Asked Sep 28, 2016
The turnover at every level is atrocious. There is little communication between support offices. Culture is, and has been, quite bad across the board. Every time there is a “regime change” a good number of projects will be scrapped and different priorities enacted.
Inova is a very large, very expensive barge without a captain who thinks that it is a luxury yacht. They are executive heavy with a generous bonus system for management. They do not provide routine cost of living raises that keep up with the economy. They launch programs such as “merit increase based rewards” without having a system in place to accurately measure employee performance. They don’t even have an accurate catalogue of job descriptions.
This place is a hot mess that continues to reward their top echelon without making any sustained progress on improving employee satisfaction.
Answered Sep 29, 2019
It depends on the unit, sometimes your unit can get very heavy and you’ll be running around to get everything that is timed
Answered Aug 10, 2019
What is the interview process like at Inova Health System?
Asked Sep 5, 2016
For MA position I talked to a recruiter who asked me basic screening questions, then the hiring manager who asked me typical interview questions like what is your weakness, strengths, how do you work in a team etc, then interviewed with the doctor at the site who asked me what I would do in certain scenarios. Heard back in 4 days after interview, no follow up email except from recruiter who gave me an offer letter
Answered Sep 24, 2020
Interview process was about 4 months. HR called me for a Sr level position that I applied and qualified for. I had a couple of interviews with leadership. They offered me a lower level position with much lower pay. The lower level position was never mentioned during the interview process. It was a huge waste of time and disappointment.
Answered Jan 15, 2019
How long does it take to get hired from start to finish at Inova Health System? What are the steps along the way?
Asked Jun 29, 2016
As an external candidate, applied, HR called the next day, interviewed with HR, one week later interviewed with manager, next week interviewed with staff. Got job offer two weeks later with start date pending background check. Background check took total three weeks - delay was because of my previous employer was slow to respond. Background check cleared one week before start date. Also one week prior, had to go to occupational health to do TB and drug screen, turn in vaccine records. Total time from application to start date, 7 weeks.
Answered Jan 26, 2021
Hired on the spot at the job fair was told I was getting a phone call this week or next week. Very quick hiring process! I think it will be an unofficial offer, and then email, and the next steps following the website.
Answered Nov 6, 2019
If you were to leave Inova Health System, what would be the reason?
Asked Mar 16, 2017
Resigned for being Harassed
I would rather work in a Retail Store where they appreciate you more than work for Inova. Upper Management is horrible and they only promote their favorites which in most cases are not qualified for positions they are being placed in. The environment is hostile, Manager harasses and recruits her pets to report lies on targeted employees. Unfortunately, they have a mission they truly don't stand by. You can't trust the people in this company not even HR when you file complaints.
Answered Jun 11, 2019
The pay , they don’t take care of employees, HR is not for employees, HR doesn’t consider employees complaints. They hire who they know, no knowledgeable person because they don’t want to pay. When you have degree and experience they know they will pay more, so they prefer to hire internal employees with no knowledge or experience in that area.
