Any VA Hospital RN's?

Az_RN_BSN · Oct 4, 2008

I'm thinking of applying to the VA. Would like to hear about your experiences in terms of working conditions, shifts, etc. Any Mental Health/Psych unit RN's in particular. Thanks.

I work at the VA as a nurse extern @ the med-surg floor...love it :) I will prolly be applying there after graduation in December...Not sure how the Psych side is tho.

groovy jeff, RN · Oct 4, 2008

I am a Vet, I go to the VA, and think that they provide great care. Everyone I have talked to there, whether it be a tech, a nurse, or NP, just loves working there. I have met with them regarding externships and possible hire after NS, and they have told me that their hiring process runs about 3 months. The other thing that impresses me is the benefits; they are eye-popping awesome!

boomerfriend · Oct 5, 2008

I had two of my clinical rotations at the VA during NS. Everyone I encountered that were employed at the VA, loved their jobs and recruited every chance they got. It was always: "So, when are you coming to join us?". The work environment was always conducive to learning, most everyone I worked with was willing to teach, and were kindhearted. The benefits are the best in the valley, hands down. The computerized charting and medication administration system is amazing.....:typing

Then, of course, there's the patients. They are the greatest people you'd ever want to work with. My husband's a vet so I have a real heart for these folks.

When I was looking for my first job out of NS it was either the VA or a pediatric unit. The kiddo's won out.:1luvu:

2bmalenurse007 · Nov 6, 2008

I work at the VA as a nurse extern @ the med-surg floor...love it :) I will prolly be applying there after graduation in December...Not sure how the Psych side is tho.

How much nurse extern pay at the VA Hospital?

Az_RN_BSN · Nov 6, 2008

How much nurse extern pay at the VA Hospital?

Well I did their VALOR externship which is over the summer...it paid very well. $19.25/hour or so... :) I did it part time (200 hrs) since I had school over the summer. If you aren't in an accelerated program its 400 hours..pretty sweet :yeah:

vikichck · Nov 7, 2008

I would suggest working as an extern first and then applying after NS. They offer 28/hr $ for previous extern's w/BSN compared to 27/hr$ BSN. :-) I did my preceptorship there recently and loved it. Everyone is so welcoming. I'm currently going through the hiring process and can't wait to start in December!

airborneinf82, BSN · Mar 28, 2010

How do you go about applying for an externship at the VA? I am a vet and would be interested in doing that. I want to work at the VA so this would be perfect. How far in to Nursing school do you need to be? Also, does the VA hospital have ICU? Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions.

Hoozdo, ADN · Mar 29, 2010

How do you go about applying for an externship at the VA? I am a vet and would be interested in doing that. I want to work at the VA so this would be perfect. How far in to Nursing school do you need to be? Also, does the VA hospital have ICU? Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions.

I worked for the Phx VA as a new grad in MICU. They also have SICU. The Valor system only works if you are going for a BSN. No ADNs accepted (unless they have changed since 2005.)

They must have popped up the payscale significantly since 2005. I got only 18.50 an hour then.

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · Mar 29, 2010

The Valor system only works if you are going for a BSN. No ADNs accepted (unless they have changed since 2005.)

No changes. The Valor new graduate program is still BSN only.

airborneinf82, BSN · Mar 29, 2010

Does anyone know a contact for this? I did not see anything on their website.