New to site, had interview at VA yesterday...

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Hi! I am new to allnurses.com but have been lurking for awhile. Any VA nurses that could give me a little reassurance...I had an interview at the VA hospital here in Seattle yesterday...very long, 3 1/2hrs.:uhoh3: It was alot like an orientation. The recruiter/ARNP who interviewed me was very thorough and great...very informative. She said that they don't give a firm offer until the ???Boarding???(is that right?)process is done, too many nurses hired at a temporary pay rate, then boarded and end up with a cut in pay due to lesser grade than anticipated. So...how long does the boarding process usually take? Should I keep applying elsewhere? And, how good of a chance do I have at getting hired? She told me to email her today and let her know which hospital (2 here in Seattle/Tacoma area) and what unit I want. In the past, I have applied for a specific job, this felt more like a general interview to get into the VA system, take care of specifics later---type of interview. VA is a whole new world for me as I have only worked in a private hospital. Anyway, thanks for reading and any replies! Take care!!!!

Danielle

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Once you get past the interviews, physicals, orientations, etc... it is worth it. Hang in there.

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Specializes in Nursing Education.
Hi! I am new to allnurses.com but have been lurking for awhile. Any VA nurses that could give me a little reassurance...I had an interview at the VA hospital here in Seattle yesterday...very long, 3 1/2hrs.:uhoh3: It was alot like an orientation. The recruiter/ARNP who interviewed me was very thorough and great...very informative. She said that they don't give a firm offer until the ???Boarding???(is that right?)process is done, too many nurses hired at a temporary pay rate, then boarded and end up with a cut in pay due to lesser grade than anticipated. So...how long does the boarding process usually take? Should I keep applying elsewhere? And, how good of a chance do I have at getting hired? She told me to email her today and let her know which hospital (2 here in Seattle/Tacoma area) and what unit I want. In the past, I have applied for a specific job, this felt more like a general interview to get into the VA system, take care of specifics later---type of interview. VA is a whole new world for me as I have only worked in a private hospital. Anyway, thanks for reading and any replies! Take care!!!!

Danielle

Actually, the boarding process can take a long time, depending on how long it takes for your information to get to the committee and when they meet to confirm your qualifications. Boarding is a process by which the VA confirms your experience and education. The reason boarding can take so long is due to the transcript. Many times nurses are NOT told that THEY need to request their transcripts from nursing school be sent directly to the nurse recruiter at their VA. Once the transcripts are in and they have verified your experience, your entire file is presented before the boarding committee, and they either agree that you are qualified for the position or that you are not qualified for the position. As an RN, you will most likely be qualified for the job .... once they have determined that you pass their criteria, your payrate is set (also your grading) and then you are offered a perm. position, if one is available.

The whole process can be a pain, but like the previous poster said, getting into the VA is really worth it.

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