Recent VA interviewing tips

jeckrn, BSN, RN · Jul 28, 2011

When I interviewed at the VA back in 2005 there was 2 head nurses in the interview. Was asked the standard questions, what was most diffucult nursing issue, how do you deal with diff co-worker etc. Even thou I was interviewing for 1 area was offered position in another so dont be suprised if this happens. What VA are you interviewing at?

79Tango · Jul 30, 2011

VA HR Representative's Famous Last Words:

"supposed to be simplified and expedited with the "new USA Staffing thing."

Columnist · Jul 30, 2011

Thanks for your responses. Jeckrn, I'm interviewing in Albuquerque. I was told I'm interviewing with just one person, the project manager for the Home Based Primary Care division. I'm studying up on the VA's "9 dimensions of nursing" and thinking up some good questions to ask them.

79Tango, I hear you! LOL But, let me tell you this: I applied and was designated "eligible" on the same day. The next day, I received a call from a manager, who told me exactly what's involved in the position and asking if I'd like an interview, to which I said "yes!". Two days after that, the interview was scheduled -- for the following Monday. This seems A LOT faster than anything I've heard about with the VA before. I do realize I may hear nothing for MONTHS after the interview, but at least it's gone very quickly up until now.

I definitely will keep others posted, in case this new system truly is expedited. :-)

Thanks again for replying!

Elizabeth

MrChicagoRN, RN · Jul 30, 2011

That's great to hear.

I almost applied 4 years ago, but it seemed like a long, tedious process and I pursued other opportunities

Columnist · Aug 1, 2011

Well, here's my update, for others interested in nursing at the VA.

I interviewed one-on-one with the program manager. She had a standard list of questions from HR that we went through. There were a LOT of scenarios, which I was unprepared for. Things like, "Your patient is 90 years old, takes digoxin and lasix, has a HR of 56 and O2 sat of 89 with resp 22 and c/o SOB. What are you going to do?" Also got a question that went something like, "Tell me how you would use the nursing process to create a care plan for a new admission." Heck, I can't even remember the steps in the nursing process! :lol2: And I'm pretty confident they were looking for me to name them off, like, "Well, first I'd make an assessment, and then I'd...." whatever.

Then there were the other requisite questions, such as how to deal with a difficult co-worker or patient, and things like that.

All in all, I'm not that confident about how well I did. I had prepared more along the lines of understanding the VHA, the specific program I was applying for, the 4 Dimensions of Nursing, and all that stuff. This interview struck me more like an oral boards exam. :lol2:

So, now, I guess I wait. I didn't inquire into the rest of the process, except to learn there might be another interview involved. I kind of don't think so. It sounded like they were interviewing maybe 3 or 4 candidates for 2 or 3 positions, so there probably isn't much more for them to wring out of us in an interview. heh

Anyway, I'll update this thread later with whatever happens next, good or bad.

Elizabeth

Columnist · Aug 3, 2011

Apparently, I did better in the interview than I thought.

My interviewer began calling my references today and told one of them I interviewed "very well." This makes me hopeful.

Again, just updating for anyone going through the VA process. My advice so far: don't bother studying up on the specific program or care area you're interviewing for. Be prepared for a number of relevant patient care scenarios instead.

Elizabeth

busydude · Aug 4, 2011

Good Job Elizabeth, Please keep us updated on your progress. Im in my last year of Nusing school and would all the info needed on how to get on with the VA.

79Tango · Aug 4, 2011

Thats awesome--you might want to think about ordering your "Official Transcripts" (dont open them) and have them ready to go. Also, when they give you paperwork or an online questionaire make sure you hop on it and give it right back to them. You always want to throw the ball back to them so you are the one waiting. Just like the military "Hurry up & Wait" is the key to getting through the process.

rexfreedom · Aug 5, 2011

that's great, elizabeth. yes, please do keep us updated. i, too, applied for nursing at the VA. hoping to hear from them soon.

good job ) :yeah:

SunshineAnytime · Sep 29, 2011

How did everything go Elizabeth?

79Tango · Oct 4, 2011

Yes, please give us an update.. Its the new Fiscal Year-- Did you start? Is the process really being expedited now?