VA: Got the job!

Specialties Government

Published

Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

Hey All!

So I got the job after my interview at VA Long Beach. And so begins the slow tedious process of actually finishing everything.

Sorta nervous, but we will see how it goes.

Congrats!!!!!!!!!! :)

Congratulations!!!!!! Keep us posted..

Yay!!! Let us know how it goes.

Congrats!

Specializes in Hyperbaric Medicine and Wound Care.

I work at VALB as well. Just started in January. Good luck. Where will you be working?

Specializes in Hyperbaric Medicine and Wound Care.

My situation is unique. I work in Hyperbaric Medicine and I'm an Air Force Vet. Because of the budget cuts I was hired through a registry so I'm not technically a VA employee. When next years budget is approved the position will move to a regular VA employee. But, I have worked for the VA before as an outside vendor, so my VetPro background was still up to date. Which meant that I didn't have to wait 3 months to start. Plus, the nurse that I replaced retired on Jan. 1st so they really needed a replacement. Luckily I was a Hyperbaric Tech before going back to nursing school, so it all worked out. I too am interested in the VA loan repayment program. And believe me, I will certainly take advantage of it when I become a bona-fide VA employee.

As to working there, keep in mind that I work in a very specialized clinic. I know from trying to get inpatients to their appts on time can be a hassle. AVOID SOUTH 8 if you can. That floor is a mad house.

I actually spent time as an inpatient at WLVA and went through their ER. Wow, what a day. Care was exceptional though and a really sharp Doc Dx'd me with an Omental Infarction about an hour before I was to go to surgery for appendix removal. Made my day, I tell you.

As to day to day stuff. Depends on how long you've been a nurse. CPRS and VISTA are your friends. Pay close attention when you go through that class. Hopefully you have some experience with EMR. It will make it much easier.

Specializes in Anesthesia.

Congrats! Never been to VA Long Beach, but VA is a great place to work, and It seems like very few people ever leave because it's so stable and offers such a great retirement plan. You will never be called off, you get 26 days paid vacation, 5% salary TSP(401k) matching, pension, uniform allowance, and more. A lot of VA employees are vets who have PTSD, so try to view things with a sense of humor, and don't take anything personally. Try to contribute 10% of your salary into your TSP. Since it's all pre-tax dollars that are put into the account, it affects your take home salary a lot less than you think.

Good luck!

"A lot of VA employees are vets who have PTSD, so try to view things with a sense of humor, and don't take anything personally."

A lot of Veterans have a higher BS meter than the average, so try not to mistake thier sarcasm & criticism for PTSD.

Specializes in Anesthesia.

Don't get your feelings hurt

yeeeeah, I thought I smelled poop.

Specializes in Pediatrics.

Can you give any insight into the interview process with the panel? What do you think of the program now that you've been in it for a bit?

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