VA Nurses out there????

vaRN · Mar 23, 2004

Hey all! I just wanted to know if anyone knows about the student nurse technician program at the VA. I was just hired and I am going through my first week of orientation but I just curious if anyone else has any experience with it. Also would like to know how all the nurses out there enjoy working at the VA. Everyone I have met so far has been super nice and friendly and seem to really like their jobs....Is this the norm? Thanks for your help in advance and Happy New Year!
Sarah

I worked as an SNT and stayed on after graduation as a GNT then an RN in MICU. I love the VA. Great pay, vacation time, and benefits! I have worked for three years total. Now, the VA is sending me to CRNA school!!!!!! I would have never been able to afford it without their help. I have not found out for sure, but I believe that in addition to tuition and books, they will also pay my salary while I am in school (I will not be working). I will earn sick time and annual leave also while I am there! If you have ever thought of getting a master's degree, the VA is the place to be! Good luck.

LT Dave · Apr 22, 2004

I would not work as a nurse any place other then a VA or military hosp. Great pay, vacations, patients are a lot nicer, Managment not so hostile, able to move any place in the USA.

luckyladyore · Apr 22, 2004

Did you also have to apply on line. Whats the process. :rolleyes:

RNPATL, DNP, RN · Apr 22, 2004

Did you also have to apply on line. Whats the process.

Nurses can generally contact the nurse recruiter at their local VA Hospital to apply for any open positions. Most of the VA Hospitals have a standing opportunity for nurses to apply as they generally have openings. You can also visit http://www.usajobs.com to locate your local hospital and apply online. Good luck.

luckyladyore · Apr 23, 2004

Nurses can generally contact the nurse recruiter at their local VA Hospital to apply for any open positions. Most of the VA Hospitals have a standing opportunity for nurses to apply as they generally have openings. You can also visit www.usajobs.com to locate your local hospital and apply online. Good luck.

Thank you!!!:)

cibils · Nov 14, 2004

I am starting as a Student tech on Monday at a Va. hospital. What exactly is required of a Student tech.

LT Dave · Nov 14, 2004

I am starting as a Student tech on Monday at a Va. hospital. What exactly is required of a Student tech.

I started an an SNT while in Nursing school. I was treated very well, more as a glorified nurses aid. Basic patient care, no medication but basic nursing skills. The RNs and LPNs will try to teach you things because they know you WILL be a Nurse soon. The Administrators will be helpfull and supportive because they want YOU to work for the VA after graduation. This is a great oppertunity for you to get your foot in the door of the best place for a nurse to work. Be helpful to the other nurses aids, some day you will be in charge of them. Be eager to learn from the other nurses, they will be your coworkers soon. Be very kind to the patients, they are the reason we all have our freedom...

It was the smartest thing I did in my career, I have been in the system over 10 years now; I make a great income, take a lot of vacation, my quality of life is much better then nurses who work in the outside., I will retire with a nice pension! Feel free to contact me at my email for any questions at all. Good Luck and Congradulations!!! Dave. [email protected]

eugenia · Jun 15, 2005

Do any of you have any experience as a GNT (Graduate nurse Tech) for any of the VA hospital's? What was your experience did prepare for the job as a RN?.

Thanks. Eugenia

DelGR · Jun 16, 2005

I never worked as a GNT. However, several times I have worked with them at my VA. Those that I've worked with stayed at the VA and are still there many, many years later (15 years or more). I've been in the VA since June 1977.

BadBird, BSN, RN · Jul 5, 2005

I responded to this thread a little more than a year ago. I am still employed at the VA, I transferred to CCU and am going back for my BSN ( the VA will pay for it). Yup, definately the best job I ever had. No regrets here.