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 ?

Unfortunately, you may need to wait longer. If you read back in this thread, you will see that the VA varies greatly from place to place. After they tell you all is approved, you will need to wait for the Nursing Board to decide what your level and salary will be. I started seven months after I interviewed :(

I would interview elsewhere. Then decide what to do if you get an offer in the private sector.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

PixieRN, you are so right. I have a strong passion for inpatient psych and working with veterans so I'm very disappointed.

I've been patient, but now it's getting so frustrating. My son just finished school and I need to move in less than a month. It's almost impossible to plan properly when I'm still in limbo.

Thanks for responding and for the encouragement.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

PFChang, this is the worst. Seems like I picked a VA that is slower than molasses. My nurse recruiter actually told me what my salary will be and as a new grad I will start as Nurse 1 Level 2 Step 3. The start date is the very last thing I'm waiting on!!!:bluecry1:

Seven months seems like a lifetime. I'm so sorry it took so long for you. I may need to take your advice and see what else is out there.

Thanks so much for responding.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Initial application referred in February, call for interview mid March, interview beginning of April, gave 5 written reference letters but that isn't going to work, HR has to mail out a 4-5 page reference questionnaire to 4 people that you put into VetPro they also will mail the same type of reference questionnaire to your current supervisor. This part has created a lot of turmoil in my job for me currently, the rumor mill of "are you leaving" has started, I can feel the tension. I HAVE NOT been given a formal offer, still awaiting boarding process to find out where I stand step wise. Was told I will be a grade 1 level 3 not sure about which step yet. I am finishing my BSN this fall but due to title 38 they wouldn't take that into consideration for starting at grade 2. I have 23 years nursing experience and most of the experience in both level 3 and level 2 nursing but its that darn degree that means everything. I don't want to wait for another opportunity to get into the VA because this is a "new" program and they have the openings now, so I need to be ready to jump. I will be taking a paycut, just how much I'm unsure of yet. (10-12k).

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It was the most frustrating gut wrenching process I have ever went though. I do really enjoy my job at the VA then any job I have ever had. I really love my Veterans and it makes it all worth it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I didn't know anyone either. I was on active duty (US Army) from 99-03. I know it's stated that prior service gets points in the hiring process, but I doubt how much weight that really carries. I was hired in to stepdown unit, with 3:1 patient/RN ratio. At my previous civilian job, I worked in the exact same capacity. That's the only reason I got interviewed, and hired.

It's tough to get on, I had applied for open and continuous jobs on the USA jobs site, and never received one interview. I applied for a stepdown unit job, thinking I had nothing else to lose, and got a call to interview a week later.

It carries no weight, because it's specifically stated that Title 38's (MD, PA, NP, RN) are excluded from the preference system. There is preference for every OTHER job at VA, but when it comes to the medical and nursing care providers, it's the best applicant for the job, not the one with preferential points.

But if you're a good candidate in other facilities, no doubt VA will consider you a good candidate too :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Kerbear69, you do not have to allow them to contact your current supervisor. They know this. If things go awry and you don't get an offer from the VA, they know you'd be screwed at your current workplace. Talk to HR and say no to that. With 23 yrs of experience, you have plenty of other references,

The questionnaire thing is required and reference letters will not suffice. Warn your references that this tome is coming so they aren't freaked out and don't wait to complete it. I didn't know ahead of time and I felt bad fir not giving my refs a heads up.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiovascular.

Hello all.

I finally got a start date at the end of July. This process started when the job posting closed March 3 this year. I had the interview 1 week later. Drug testing and physical in early April. Completed vetpro and equip April and was boarded at a nurse 2 step 4. This was a long process with so much paperwork. I leave it all to God now as I will be moving to another state for this job.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Jadiva,

That's wonderful news!!!! I'm happy things worked out for you. I wish you safe travels and new beginnings!!!!

I hope I hear something back soon, because the job I applied for closed on February 2nd. I did my Vetpro/EQIP on April 24th and I still don't have a start date. The wait is driving me crazy...lol

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiovascular.

I didn't hear from them since April. I just carried on until I received a call yesterday. I can see how some people give up. The process is lengthy.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I just started the hiring process with the VA after I got a tentative offer. Does anyone know if the VA will contact my present employer during the hiring process. My present employers have no clue that I am looking for another job and I really don't want them to know before I get the final offer.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

[COLOR=#000000] [/COLOR]It took me a total of 7 months from the time the job closed to the start date. The benefits are great and you get a guaranteed 80 hours no matter what. The new graduate residency process is amazing! I would recommend it to any new nurse. It is a very lengthy process, but it is all worth it in the end. Looking back over those 7 months. I learned a lot about myself and having patience. Hang in there for all those that are waiting for that final offer call. On another note the VA needs to come up with a better way of streamlining the process to make it much shorter and easier for both HR and the prospective employee.

[COLOR=#000000] [/COLOR]

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment