VA Hiring Process

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From the previous posts I've read the VA hiring process is pretty long and drawn out. I've applied to two different VA sites. The VA an hour away from my home I can always get in contact with a nurse recruiter and my application status for two posting says "referred to selecting official." The VA closest to my home, I can't get through to the recruiter, she emailed me back once and the status of all the apps just says "application received." I do know a nurse practitioner that works at this VA site and she tried to give my resume to the recruiter, but I had to apply online.

For those of you that are familiar with the hiring process, any idea what the next step is. In all there are around 20 RN vacancies. The two systems have two completely different online application submissions, how will I know if I've completed the application process correctly, its a little confusing :(

I've been applying since I've graduated and earlier this year I found out that I was applying the wrong way so those positions don't count. These positions closed in September.

Thanks in advance ?

Specializes in Hyperbaric Medicine and Wound Care.

LPN819, you should certainly list every job you have held, no matter how short. VA contractors are a bit different in this regard. If the agency is cool with it, and the VA really needs to fill the slot, you should not have any problems. I held seven jobs over the last ten years, some for as little as a month. I think that VETPRO investigates you more through your SSAN to verify employment rather than actually contacting an employer that you worked for ten years ago for a month. Don't sweat, but don't lie either...

Thanks CaliBoy and Marshall1!!

Hello all! This is my first time posting here. I have started the hiring process with the VA for my dream job!I will do my physical and fingerprints tomorrow. I guess from what I have read here that I will likely recieve the link to my vetpro. I do have a concern though. Upon moving back to my home state I took a clinic job for about a month. Left on good terms and gave a notice. I did not list them on my resume though. I also "worked" one day at a shopping center bc I believed we needed the extra money. I could not bring myself to go back the second day bc I knew in my heart it wasnt right. I've been really struggling trying to find my "home" again in nursing since leaving my derm position after 4 years. Basically I'm worried that bc I did not add those places to my resume they may not hire me once I add it to my vetpro!Sorry so long!

Specializes in Hyperbaric Medicine and Wound Care.

VETPRO could care less where you worked as long as you list EVERYWHERE that you've worked. Tell the truth even if you are embarrassed of the job. As I stated earlier, I believe that VETPRO tracks your former employment through your SSN. Just be honest. It worked for me.

Thank you!

I've been told by instructors that your resume is a marketing tool and to only put down the pertinent jobs to the position you are applying for. That is usually essential if one is to keep their resume to one page anyway. (Except for those "spring chickens" who don't have 20+ work experience. My instructors told me that on the application one should list all of the jobs they have had for the requested time frame. Just passing on info I have learned along the way. I am not an expert in this area myself.

Good Luck

My ongoing VA job hiring process... i wrote a letter to my prev employer stating they were incorrect in their statements to VA and that I was very frustrated about the whole situation. Thankfully they did the right thing and wrote a letter to VA (and sent me a copy) stating I indeed worked there as an RN. It was faxed to VA last week. I called VA Friday and left message confirming the letter and asking about my status. No word yet. So hoping I get the call next week that I start working.

Hi bjorklover, I'm glad you posted this... I just received an email just exactly like that and am wondering the same things as you.. Did you get an answer to your questions?
Yes! Today I received the call but missed it, I will call tomorrow. Can't believe it took so long. And I see online they extended the app date. They must need people

Hi all- hope someone can help. I applied for a VA position in a different states. I really hope I can get this job. Anyway I got a call 1 week later and the lady set me up with a phone interview for the next week. The interviewers sounded positive. Now I looked on the USAjobs site and it says my application is incomplete but also completed???? What does that mean? It did say if you didn't submit everything they asked it would drop you out of the process but they did give me an interview. Anyway there is a form VA 2850a that I need to fill out. Here is my dilemma - it asks for references and my clinical directors name etc.. I only want to give this info if they are offering me a job. I don't want to create a nightmare at work just yet. Any advice. Should I fill out the form now or wait until the ask or give an offer. Also how long to you think this could take? I have to sell my house, look for a place to stay- its exciting and scary. Any advice would be appreciated.

Ok so I'm not actually done with my nursing I'm in my 2 yr of it and I've been a cna for awhile and wanted to try some place that I can see myself doing my nursing career at so I applied at the VA a week after submitting I was called for a interview a day after my interview I was called given a pay rate and she asked me would I accept.. But in the same breath sent me a email stating not to notify my employer because I still needed to complete my physical and finger print.. I'm a bit confused because she had already gave me a rate and honestly I work at another hospital and they want 6 wk notices.. I really want to work at the VA but I'm trying to find out if this takes very long like I have been reading

So, finally got a call back from HR. She stated I have the job, but now it is the end of their year and no $ for my position. I may have to wait for new year...which starts in September, unless somebody decides they can budget in my position. I enrolled in a few classes and will wing it for a while. I really do not want to pass this up since I have passed everything!!!! Just frustrating.

Good grief........My advice is to do what you have to as far as working etc. and not wait on the VA but maybe check back w/her every 3 months or so. I don't know why they would've gone through alllll the expense they have to in order to hire you and now tell you no $. I wish it wasn't so difficult but you will find even after you get on board it can be like pulling twisted teeth to get things done/answers. I like where I work and the people but I think the VA could do a much better job in advertising/hiring process. Keep us posted.

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