[queenjean]

I'm thinking about applying to the VA in a neighboring city. I know there is variation between facilities, but I was hoping some of you could at least share your experiences. I tried finding these answers on line, but their website isn't very specific on these questions.

Do VAs offer weekend options?

Is their insurance good? What about their other benefits?

How is it different than working at a "regular" hospital?

I'm a civilian. I'm assuming military personnel get first preference in hiring; I don't have a problem with that, it seems similar to the routine policy of giving in house personnel preference, you know? But are there any other issues I might face as a non-military nurse?

Can anyone tell me more about working in the VA system? Would you recommend it? BTW, my experience is in the medical floor, and that is what I would want to work.

Thanks, J

[corpsman3]

Did you try USAJOBS.GOV for openings??? The veterans usually get 5 preference points and if your a disabled vet you get 10. The points system is for any govt job but because your in healthcare the standards may be different. Also you have to remember its a govt job so the benefits will be great. Hope this all helps.

[queenjean]

I guess that one of my questions is that I don't want to work at ANY VS hospital or job; I only want a job at the VA close to my home. So when I search the VA job system, it is rather difficult to narrow in on information that is specific to the VA facility I am interested in.

Any nurses with comments or advice re: getting a job in a specific VA hospital?

Thanks so much!

[corpsman3]

have you tried this website its for healthcare jobs within the VA:
http://www.vacareers.va.gov/

[queenjean]

Thank you.

I've tried that, and I don't see any openings in the area I am interested. I suppose that they just don't have any; but my experience is that there are always openings. It seems difficult to contact a specific facility's HR department, so I was wondering if I could get a few answers off of here.

Thanks for all your help!

J

[jakp1139]

I had the same issue. you should go on va.gov. From that site you can put in the zip code you want and hopefuuly the VA your looking for is hiring. The job I just got hired for wasn't on the site that the others were giving you. I had to go on the specific VA's website. Once you go on va.gov, look to the left hand side for jobs and then go to careers and its self explanatory from there. Hope this helps and good luck!!!!

[1studentnurse]

queen:

It's very true that not all VA jobs are listed at vacareers. I was interviewed after I sent in an application for a job that was in a neighboring building at my nearby VA.

A lot of the recruiters put their phone number on the job postings. If something sounds interesting, and they don't have the location, send in the app, and explain this when you get a call.

I would have never found my job because it did not appear until 3 months after I applied (for a new position). FYI my application process (with VetPro, etc.) took 5 months from application, to interview, to hire.

[BensMom]

You should call the VA hospital you're interested in and ask to speak with the nurse recruiter. They can tell you all the positions open at their hospital and help make sure you get all the appropriate forms turned in. Good luck.

[blueheaven]

Try calling the HR at the facility that you are interested in. Or go in person! All VAs have a job positing board with positions listed (not everything is placed on vacareers or usjobs website). Benefits are fantastic, better than anything else out in the "real world". It takes time to go through their hiring process, so the sooner you look and see what's available the sooner you can get the ball rolling.

[turtletyme]

To briefly answer your question. Is is different than working in a civilan hospital. The benefits are good and the pay is usually better... but there are still the same problems as anywhere else mainly short staffing and in the hospital I work there are no weekend options or nursing pool.Personally,I would find someone in that facility that you are looking into and just ask them questions. Hope this helps.