Got accepted into VA, Quit current job?

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hello,

ever since i began my very first clinical at the va, i just knew that was the place for me. i absolutely enjoy the environment, the nurses, and especially the veteran patients. i've had two later clinicals at the va during the remaining of my bsn program. i also worked there for a couple of months as a student nurse technician (snt), but must've made such a great impression that i've been selected for the inpatient position! i am super excited! :yeah:

so, my question is whether or not i should quit my current job or just take it down to prn. it's a night shift in which i'm working 2-3 nights per week (i'm hired only part time) and i've worked there only for a month. it's for an addiction and recovery center, so it's basically just a "cushiony" job as it does not advance any of my nursing skills except for brief assessments.

i've spoken to a few people and half say to just keep it as prn and only take one shift a month or when i would like a little extra cash (holidays, etc.). while others say that i'll be so set at the va that i shouldn't even bother with the extra stress and the little extra money isn't going to really make a difference.

i am so excited that i got into the va!!!! :yeah: i didn't need to do my physical since i just had it done for my snt position, i completed my fingerprints, now just waiting to get the e-mail to do the e-qip (which i've heard was a pain???). i already have my start orientation date. so, when should i submit a letter to my current employer about whichever decision i'll be making (quit or prn)?

thank you everyone and i enjoy reading everyone's current experience with the different vas on here! :)

Specializes in Primary Care.
Make sure you check with the floor you will be working, some VA's work 8 hour shifts.

Thanks, the floor I will be on work 12 hour shifts.

Congrats on you new career with the VA, I've heard wonderful things about working with this oragnization & I pray to be apart of their team in the near future and would like to hear some suggestions from you or anyone that can help :)

What is the interview process like? Types of questions asked.

Is the orientation Monday thru Friday during the entire 6 mo orientation?

Do you receive holiday pay during your orientation?

What unit will you be working?

How is scheduling and time off done?

How long after you applied did they call you back for and interview?

Congrats again :) Any tips/ suggestions would be appreciated and used.

Specializes in Primary Care.
Congrats on you new career with the VA, I've heard wonderful things about working with this oragnization & I pray to be apart of their team in the near future and would like to hear some suggestions from you or anyone that can help :)

What is the interview process like? Types of questions asked.

I can't answer this question since I never had an interview. I got hired by my experience working at the VA as a Student Nurse Tech and also initiating new things for the VA during my time there. I must've made a huge impression, enough for them to bypass the interview process.

Is the orientation Monday thru Friday during the entire 6 mo orientation?

The orientation is one day and the following two to three weeks is the "nursing training", Monday through Friday from about 7:30am-4:00pm. Thereafter, you will be placed with a "preceptor" (for lack of better term) for the remaining of the 6 month period. I've heard that depending on how well you do, that 6 month period may be shortened, thereby letting you "loose" sooner.... to have your own patients.

Do you receive holiday pay during your orientation?

Yes, you always receive holiday pay, regardless of whether you are on orientation or not.

What unit will you be working?

(A bit too much info at this point.)

How is scheduling and time off done?

I can't answer this since I'm still in the beginning phases of training.

How long after you applied did they call you back for and interview?

I put in my application as soon as I passed the NCLEX, which was early September, and I start this month, so about 3-4 months from application to start date. I knew I got the position for about two months now, in October. The hiring process is very lengthy.

Congrats again :) Any tips/ suggestions would be appreciated and used.

I apologize for taking SO long to respond as I've been quite busy. Since I'm still a newby to the VA, I could only answer some questions at this time. I'm not the typical candidate as I've experienced 3 clinical rotations at the VA and during that time there, I have initiated some great new things that are now in effect at the VA. Those things along with my eagerness to learn and be a part of the VA has shown so well that they have taken me on board. I am SUPER excited!!! Thank you so much!

keep the prn if possible till full-time is available. Welcome to the VA Family. If your med center has a professional union that represents RN's join to get all the information you need to make a smooth transition to government employment.

Congrats

It depends on what VA you work for. Unfortunately they are not run the same. If you are an RN you are on 2 years 'probation" before actual hiring. If you are an unprofessional as they call them aide, lpn etc you are on a 1 year probation. Depends also on the union, the unprofessional union is strong the professional one isn't at my place. In the past there have been several VA closures. With the money crisis we have now the future is uncertian. There is a big emphasis on outpt care/clinics Unsure what smaller VAs will be doing

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