Why VA: Carli Plunkett, RN/MSN

What is your current role and where do you work?

I am the nurse recruiter for VA Illiana and I am based at the Danville VA Medical Center.

Tell me about your education and career journey?  

I went to Indiana State University in Terre Haute, graduating in 2009 with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I went back to school in January of 2015 to pursue a master’s degree and graduated in December 2016 with my Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Leadership and Management from Western Governor’s University. I used a VA Scholarship for my MSN. I came to the VA while in school and have never left. 

How many years with VA? 

15 total. I started at VA in 2007 as a student nurse technician and a year later I was chosen for a VALOR student position. I completed the program, extending through the school year and accepted an RN position and transitioned after passing my boards in 2009. I worked as a RN on a locked dementia unit (101-7 at the time). I wanted to pursue leadership opportunities and took a role as an Assistant Nurse Manager in 103-7, our locked inpatient mental health unit. I transitioned out of the leadership role after some life changes and worked a couple of different positions (safe patient handling facility coordinator and then interfacility transfer coordinator) before taking the Nurse Recruiter position in August of 2020.  

What initially drew you to VA?  

My grandfather, Pop. He was a WWII Veteran and received his care here. I remember coming here with him as a child. Pop was involved in a car crash and ultimately died from injuries he sustained in the crash, passing away here at this facility after undergoing surgery and other life-sustaining treatment at Carle. Once the family decided to pursue comfort, he was transferred to VA Illiana where he passed away on our acute medicine floor. He is buried at the Danville National Cemetery. I always heard that the VA has good benefits from older adults and so I was looking for student nurse opportunities close to home and reached out to the VA.  

What is the best part of serving Veterans?  

It is very fulfilling, being able to serve those who have served our country. I feel like I am able to make positive patient impacts in all of the roles I have held. However, the most rewarding years were the ones I worked as a staff nurse. Over the course of those 5 years, I gained back the grandpa I lost in the Veterans I was able to take care of. It was kind of healing, really. I had a Veteran who was identical to my grandfather, dressed like him, smelled like him, gave big hugs like him. It was nice to be there for those Veterans who were just like my grandfather, especially at the end of their lives – something I wasn’t able to do for Pop. 

Why did you choose a VA career?  

There are many opportunities for nurses in the VA. You can advance academically and professionally. I started working as a staff nurse and have worked in a variety of settings – program manager, leadership. The sky really is the limit with the VA. You can work locally or even advance to roles within the VA Central Office or Veterans Health Administration.