Vaneep

[midnitelpn]

Has anyone utilized VANEEP? I am currently doing my pre-reqs for entering the RN program in the spring. It's really strange @ the VA that I work at. There dosen't seem to be many people taking advantage of such an awesome program! I'm just praying that the funding holds out long enough for me to get enrolled!

[deni_in_LA]

Future Nursey,

What do you mean by you can switch hospitals---do you mean you can serve the 3 years at different VA hospitals?

[NurseKeiKei]

deni_in_La

Yes I was told that I could serve out my three years at any facility within the VA system. I am under the impression that I have been given the wrong information.

LaLaFrance

I am in VISN 1 as well. Which facility do you work for? I have the same questions. I am also wondering about my TSP contributions. Will they still be allocated to this account and matched by the VA while I am in school.

[deni_in_LA]

I'm in VISN 22. I will be putting in my application in June, so I still don't know the particulars like TSP etc. I would think that everything like that and insurance should stay the same. I did hear initially from one of the VANEEP people that you can "serve the time" at other VA hospitals, but have not seen or read it since and am afraid to jeopardize my chances by bringing it up now. If you ever find out, can you let me know? Also, how long is the wait supposed to take after it goes to the central office people?

[NurseKeiKei]

I was told that the earlier you put in your application the sooner you hear a response. I was supposed to apply back in February but my application was held up due to problems associated with the Nursing program I am going to start. The coordinator told me that if I applied then I would more than likely know in a matter of a few weeks. The closer it gets to the deadline the longer it takes to get a reply because central office becomes overwhelmed with applications.

[LALAFRANCE]

FUTURENURSEY,

Hi, yes I am in Visn 1, I work in a CBOC attached to Providence RI. I am also unsure about issues like TSP. The availability of nursing programs in this area was my main concentration lately.

I do know that the hospital you are in when your application is approved is where you must do your three years though!

[NurseKeiKei]

Thanks for that information. I am at the facility in Connecticut which I love, so I don't think I will have any desire to move any time soon.

When did you submit your VANEEP applicatoin LaLa? As you get further into the process and receive more information, please post.

[VANURSe#1]

Amazing, nice to hear someone womewhere actually got in this program

I have worked for the V/A for 5 years and here we always get the run-around on any nursing deals, no tuition re-embursments, no grants, no vaneep, nothing. They always run you through the hoops and then give a reason not to be able to produce. When pressed they just say no funds available. Truely I have been working on this vaneep deal for 5 years, and nothing, to the point of giving up or going to the top and well, if your a V/A employee you know what that means. Good luck, any insight on how you got in would be greatly appreciated.

[VANURSe#1]

The handbook states you can only transfer vaneep time to a hospital that is willing or able to cover the funds spent by the initiating source. I n other words from what I gather they may or may not take you, but have to run the repayment funds thru their system if they will. I have never gotten into this, but have been working on it for 5 years, and have read every detail, to no avail here though. Our visn monies seem to be gone the first week of each fiscal year.

[NurseKeiKei]

Hey VANurse#1,

The road to VANEEP has been a long and hard one. There were some obstacles along the way but I am so happy to say that one week before classes started (yes one week), I received notification that I had been approved for this program. I don't have any tricks, stunts, or words of infinite wisdom except keep trying. And when all else fails perhaps consider relocating to another facility that is in greater need of nurses and will therefore be more likely to provide you with this funding. Where do you live? Is relocation an option?

[LALAFRANCE]

congratulations

and good luck to you~!!

i know someone else that just was approved and she starts next week also!!!

you're name doesn't happen to be jen does it?? lol (that would be sort of funny)

i hope everything goes well for you. try to keep us informed.

[NurseKeiKei]

LOL! Nope not Jen but congratulations to her too!!!! I can't believe that all that waiting was not in vain.

[captncourageous98]

I am an LPN looking to finish a BSN. I have applied at the VA and am still waiting for reply. I plan on going in and finding out where they are in the hiring process. What is the VANEEP program? Could you tell me does this pay for all of your schooling why you work and what type of hours do you have to work? Thank!

David