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 ?

My references got forms in the mail to fill out and return. I thought you had to give permission to contact a current employer. That's got to be tough. Sorry that happened to you.

I think whatever is added to Vetpro, they have permission to check for verification. All my references were contacted via email/fax/phone with reply to VA via email/fax/phone. I was very closed to my references as I asked for their permission prior to adding them to the reference list. My current manager was contacted 3x, former supervision 2x, colleagues 2x and HR all contacted for verification. I would recommend before adding anyone to the reference list to inform them prior. This will facilitate the reference process.

Hi,

I have a question and wondered if anyone has any advice. I recently accepted an offer to work at the VA Hospital in Tampa. I have gone thru everything except the fingerprinting and pre-employment physical. Originally, HR suggested I could take the physical in my hometown...17 hours away. Now I'm working with a different HR person and they said they had problems getting thru and want me to come all the way to Tampa. Is this my only way in? I can't take any time off work right now and it's too expensive to fly?

What do you think? I don't want to mess this opportunity up because I really want this job but I'd hate to fly there and not get the job...Thanks for comments.

mwn-rn26--I am in the same boat as you..I have a tentative offer in orlando...they called me to do a pre-emp physical, told them that I won't since I don't have know if I am offer an official job...so I sent them the nearest VA in my area which is 1hr away..did my fingerprint there and still waiting for pre-employment physical...I would email the HR person the nearest VA to you.

This thread has been very informative. I applied on 9 July and have an interview today. If things go for me as they have for others, I should here something this week or next. I am nervous, but excited.

Doug

Specializes in ED, Telemetry,Hospice, ICU, Supervisor.

This thread has definitly kept me going

Specializes in ED, Telemetry,Hospice, ICU, Supervisor.

any veterans here applied for a VA position.

I keep hearing about the 5-10 point preference they give veterans, but does that really mean we have a better chance of getting an RN job over someone with a BSN?

I am a veteran who knows a little about the VA hiring process. Most of the time references are mailed out unless they are in a hurry or expediting the process which could mean the forms are emailed out, then mailed back. Typically the longest part of the process is waiting for your references to check thier mail, fill out the form, then mail it back. You may tell them to keep a copy of the reference they fill out and email/fax you a copy so you can help move things along and insure nothing gets lost in the VA mail system.

As far as fingerprints and physicals, most of the time, they should be able to arrange a "courtesy print" and some of the time they should be able to do a "courtesy physical" but typically the prints are done first as part of the background process. If they extend you and offer and start talking about fingerprints, you can help the process along by asking for the SOI/SON number of the facility you will be working, and asking if they have a problem with you calling your local VA and setting up a courtesy print with thier SOI/SON information.

As far as 10pt Veteran's Preference, of course you should list it, however the jury is still out on if it really increases your chances with a job.

The only times I have ever seen hiring preference is when the candidate has recent VA experience and already in the VetPro system, which is tough because the only way to get that is working for them!

Finished my physical, fingerprints, eqip and was told vetpro was sent to boards and waiting for approval. He whole process started June 12, so hopefully I hear something soon. If anyone was in the same boat please let me know how long after that will it take to finally get my final offer. I'm being patient but I just can't wait to leave my current job, this thread has helped me a whole bunch. Good luck to everyone and thanks for any replies.

Specializes in Operating Room, ICU, CCRN.

I'm so excited about this opportunity to work for the VA. I have read nearly every post on this thread and want to share my progress thus far.

Position closed 1st July

Selected for consideration July 2nd

Invited for interview July 5th

Interview July 10th

Tentatively Selected July 25th

I just accepted another amazing opportunity at one of the most prestigious hospitals in the country a few days ago. I was actually on my way to do the preemployment physical and drug test for that job when I got the call from the VA. Needless to say I didn't go to the physical. I also already gave my job notice because I have a start date (Aug 26th) at the other facility. I'm pretty much living life on the edge right now. I'm hoping that the background checks and stuff won't take too long. I'm waiting for the email to begin Vetpro. My references have been quick and reliable with the other opportunity and I don't expect anything less with this opportunity at the VA. Do you think it will take longer than a month to complete the background check and to get the boards approval?

Thanks!

I am sure it will take more than a month for vetpro pending on how many certificates you have. I got an email from them cause they couldn't verify one of the certificate to provide additional info. Mine file went to the board and HR said it will take 4 to 6 weeks to get anything back from the board...I thought all nursing job, you need pre-employment physical and drug test...

For my physical/drug test since I wanted to do at a local VA, since I live far from the VA job that I am hired--it took extra 2 weeks to coordinate that.

However, from previous post, if they need you, it will be facilitate...if you have certificates that are not common, would provide the company who you certified through and the contact info.

Specializes in Operating Room, ICU, CCRN.
I am sure it will take more than a month for vetpro pending on how many certificates you have. I got an email from them cause they couldn't verify one of the certificate to provide additional info. Mine file went to the board and HR said it will take 4 to 6 weeks to get anything back from the board...I thought all nursing job, you need pre-employment physical and drug test...

For my physical/drug test since I wanted to do at a local VA, since I live far from the VA job that I am hired--it took extra 2 weeks to coordinate that.

However, from previous post, if they need you, it will be facilitate...if you have certificates that are not common, would provide the company who you certified through and the contact info.

Thanks for your response bsnrn2013

What type of certificates are you referring to? ACLS/BLS? I live 15 mins from my local VA hospital. Hopefully the physical won't take too long.

I think all nursing jobs do require the physical and drug testing but they all prefer you to use the companies that they paid/ contracted to perform the physicals because they trust them.

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