VA Hiring Process

Specialties Government

Published

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 ?

Okcool, I hope others with VA experience will weigh in, too. I agree with ironjohn and a bird in hand is worth two in the bush, but if you still have more requirements in progress with the VA and dont have a start date, I don't know that it would be a problem to interview. These are quite different positions and in different cities. Would you prefer the second job from what you know about the residency and the city? I doubt interviewing for the second position would disqualify you from the first position, but I don't know how the VA operates. I'm still waiting to get in.

I talked to the RN residency coordinator and she shed some light on my whole situation. She reassured me that my lack of a start date doesn't mean that the VA doesn't want me. when they make a selection that means they want you and aren't just stringing you along. It's all the paperwork and boarding. It's a long process as we all know. She also said that I can still interview for her program. She also told me more about her program.

Hey guys just thought I would share my experience so far. I have worked in ICU/PCCU, L&D, and most recently in administration in the LTC arena. Recently I decided it was time for me to make a change due to stress and things going on in my life. I needed a better work life balance. So I began investigating areas that I thought I would really want to make a long term career and that I could be fulfilled in all at the same time. I had heard throughout the years about how great the VA was. I began reaching out to friends I knew that worked there and there was one thing in commmon, they all LOVED their jobs. I know we go into nursing for the passion and the lovely thought that we will just fall in love with our very first job. That has not been the case for me. I have really liked a job. There always seems to be a big glaring negative though that eventually leaves me looking for something else. So this common response of genuinely content individuals sparked my interest. I put my notice in at my job and gave a 30 day notice which was required for my position at the end of March. I began applying for positions at the VA but quickly realized they were few and far between especially if you are looking for an RN position that is Monday through Friday. It was very unlike the civilian hospitals that are begging nurses to come. So I took this as a good sign and ended up only finding 3 positions I was interested from the time I put my notice in until my last day. No one told me that it would take MUCH longer to get on than a regular job. I applied for other places

too, but ended up turning down several offers because I was so intrigued with the VA.

Here is my experience: I was called the day or two after the posting closed to set up an interview. The first job I was called for frightened me just a bit because the caller was a bit stern and didn't ask me when I could interview or anything. She simply stated your interview is at this location, at this time, on this day and you need to be there. I was a little shocked. So I went to that interview and never heard anything on it even they told me I would hear either way that was not true. Then, a few weeks later the last job I applied for closed and I was called and very kindly asked for input on the interview time and day. The interviews were crazy! I was not prepared for the personal scenarios that they wanted or the extensive nursing process question. Brush up on the nursing process before you go. I left the last interview just knowing that I was for sure NOT getting that job. In fact I told my family I wanted to just say "sorry for wasting your time" and get up and walk out. However, 8 days later they called and offered me a "tentative offer". It was strange to me that I was made an offer that wasn't really an "offer". No salary information, no for sure job. Basically all this is is you saying yes I am still interested and them saying you are our front runner and we are willing to start the extensive pre-employment process with you. Even to accept a tentative offer I had to sign an acceptance and scan it in to them. Then the real work began. I thought the initial application was extensive with the 3 letters of reference, essay type questions, etc. . I had no idea what was in store for me. I had to do 2 online background check information things. One called vetpro and one called equip. On equip they will ask for references that knew you at previous addresses and seperate peer references so be prepared they want the phone number, address, and email of these people. Then I had to write another paper on the nursing four dimensions for the board that would determine my salary. I was told by some people that worked there to include EVERYTHING you have EVER done in this in the nursing world. I searched online and found a chart that showed me some more detailed info. on what to include. WARNING be prepared to work on this for DAYS. I wanted to be sure I gave myself credit for everything because I was also told to expect a HUGE paycut due to me only having an associates degree. I was called to go have my pre-employment physical and fingerprinting approx. 2 weeks after the tentative offer was made. That was last Thursday. I was called today made a firm offer. I start June 17th. The salary was very comparable less than $300/year difference in what I made at my last job (which I thought paid well). Plus, I will have amazing benefits, tons more time away from work, and best of all NO CALL! So from the closing date of the posting to when I start will be a month and a half. I hear this is pretty quick but I am so thankful. Everyone there was so helpful and the work enviroment seemed very positive. I didn't meet one person that seemed like it was a chore to be at work. That really speaks volumes! The employees feel valued and you can tell. It seems to make all the difference in the world.

Tips I think helped my process move faster:

1. Submit your transcripts and letter of refernce with your initial application.

2. Line up references both peer, personal, and professional before had. Get all of their information and prepare them that they may get a call or letter. If they get a letter the quicker they get it back the quicker you get to work.

3. Be flexible and take the first available on any appointments you need.

4. Review the nursing process before you go to your interview.

Hope this is somewhat helpful. I start in a week and half and I am so excited! Good luck in your process.

Hello-

Like others have said--this thread has been really helpful!

I recently applied for a VA position, and am waiting on a decision. The hiring manager said they are making a decision in the next couple of days...

Can anyone please tell me what the physical entails?

Are there range of motion exercises for the upper body? I ask because I recently had shoulder surgery, and have temporary decreased range of motion. My surgeon has signed me back to full time work without accommodations, and I can do my nursing job because I use the other arm more--but am afraid I will definitely fail a strict range of motion test for that shoulder/arm. Strength is fine, but not ROM.

If I have to, I suppose I can take some advil and force movement--it won't cause damage, just pain.

Of course, I'm getting way ahead of myself because no offer has even been made....

Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Hi All,

Just checking in again with a couple of questions. Has anyone applied to an outpatient clinic with any success stories of hiring? If so, what was the process and how long? Secondly, RegisteredRazorback, you mentioned essay questions with the initial application. I don't recall that part of the application with the exception of a general questionnaire. Did I miss a big step? My status after 6 weeks for an an outpatient clinic remains "eligbile referred to selecting officials." Thanks in advance for any guidance!

Dreamjob2013, the jobs I interviewed for were not acute care. I waited 10 weeks for an email from an HR person telling me I was selected. That was on Monday. I have not received any add'l information or paperwork. My status on USA Jobs still says "eligible, referred to selecting officials."

Registered Razorback, is it possible to post the link with the helpful guide to filling out the form for RN experience? Thank you.

Hello-

Like others have said--this thread has been really helpful!

I recently applied for a VA position, and am waiting on a decision. The hiring manager said they are making a decision in the next couple of days...

Can anyone please tell me what the physical entails?

Are there range of motion exercises for the upper body? I ask because I recently had shoulder surgery, and have temporary decreased range of motion. My surgeon has signed me back to full time work without accommodations, and I can do my nursing job because I use the other arm more--but am afraid I will definitely fail a strict range of motion test for that shoulder/arm. Strength is fine, but not ROM.

If I have to, I suppose I can take some advil and force movement--it won't cause damage, just pain.

Of course, I'm getting way ahead of myself because no offer has even been made....

Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

The physical was very informal and the doctor just had me bend down and touch my toes. Asked me some health questions. Also, if you had a recent shoulder surgery, I don't think they would hold it against you. The physical was the easy part, trust me. I wouldn't worry about it too much.

The hiring process takes a couple of months so your shoulder should be better by then.

They said there is a hiring freeze but there are still jobs posted on usajobs.gov... I don't believe it

There is NO hiring freeze.

RN1253, congrats on the recent news, how exciting?! So your position is for an outpatient clinic as well? The HR person mentioned to me that well over 100 individuals applied to this position. I am trying to stay positive and patient! I did public health nursing before and loved it! So I am anxious to revisit that experience again, especially through the VA.

Dreamjob2013, I don't want to say too much here bc I don't have the job yet. If you read back on these threads on allnurses.com, you will find that many VA jobs take several months for the entire process. I am at 3 months (with at least 2 more to go) and many have gone much longer from interview to start date. Good luck.

I hope someone can answer my question. I have a diploma plus lots of experience and a BA in another field. If I get hired at that level then get my BSN in 1.5 yrs or so, how long does it take to get a salary increase from the VA that reflects the BSN? I am also considering RN to MSN bridge. I am wondering if they increase pay right away or do I have to wait? If I have to wait, does anyone know how long?

So I've finally heard from my recruiter this morning and got a "final" offer for a RN position at the MICU/CCU. My start date is July 1st. One week of general hospital orientation and then Nursing Orientation afterward. I started the hiring process late March and started Vetpro and Background/Physical back in April. All-in-all, it took approximately 2.5 months from interview to the job offer. I have been actively calling the recruiter and the person in charge of Vetpro on a weekly basis (if not more...). I felt like I was being annoying but I felt that if I didn't keep asking them where I was in the process, it would have taken even longer.

I even asked them to give me the payscale for my particular hospital and they provided that to me without questions. They will not give you an idea your salary as a nurse since it's the "Board" that make that decision. Even if you have a ton of experience as a nurse but you have nothing to show for, your starting salary will suffer greatly. You need to provide the Board with as much information on your past work achievements.

I am glad this is finally over so I move forward. I hope everyone will get what they want.

+ Add a Comment