Anyone applied/participated/interviewed for the VALOR program?

Nursing Students General Students

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I' am in the process of applying for the VA VALOR program. Just wondering if there are any tips on what to include in my cover letter, what the interview is like, and anything that would increase my chances of getting accepted. Thanks for your help!!

Hey everyone!

I just got offered an interview for the Valor Program where I live

Hi cheezn4life,

Do you know how they conduct the selection process for the interview? Did you have prior nursing-related work experience? Or Did you claim veterans' preference?

Sorry to ask these questions as I applied for the VALOR program myself

student.nurse

I'm not exactly sure how they conduct the selection process for the interview. I was told that they go over your cover letter and resume, if they cant decide who they will select given the number of interview spots they have, they'll base it off of GPA sometimes.

No, the only nursing-related experience I have is from clinical & I did not claim veterans preference

Just got picked...this should be fun

me too I just got picked today for an interview.....does anyone know the details....on the application it states,

400 hours, the program is one year long and you have to put in 10 weeks during the summer. Is this a requirement during the summer or can one do the 400 hours during the school year?

Specializes in Oncology/Hematology.

I know for our VALOR program in California, we are required to do 400 hours over the summer plus 200 hours in the fall semester as well as 200 hours spring semester. This isn't optional for us; we are REQUIRED to do these hours. So even if you graduate in December, you need to do 200 hours in Spring under the VALOR program or the contract is void.

I can't wait to start the program in June! I've been working at the VA as a student nurse for 2 years now and am very excited to transition into the VALOR program :) Good luck to everyone!!

Congrats! I was accepted into the VALOR program this year too, I am really excited but scared to get all those hours in over the summer with full-time school and clinical hours. Good Luck!

Congrats! I was accepted into the VALOR program this year too, I am really excited but scared to get all those hours in over the summer with full-time school and clinical hours. Good Luck!

Just winding down on my first week working in the VA system, non-clinical training, and to be honest I WANT to work there now. I enjoyed the training, the way the team training was done, and having the opportunity to not only talk to different Nurse that have been with the VA, but all the support staff, Physicians, and orientation leaders.

I keep telling myself: "i'm getting paid to do this? I would have done this for free". :twocents:....plus its nice to know I can still tell a joke that can make the whole room laugh .

Second week of training and my mind is swimming in policies and procedures. I took a test the other day on US history (its not hard) and needless to say I think I might need to brush up on that subject in my own time.

Almost made to the floor, just a few more days till I see where I'll be for the next 400 hours of the program.

@bluechick112 - where in CA are you located? I am trying to figure out if my local VA offers the program.

@puravidaLV (and anyone else in the program) - I would love to hear more of your experiences as the summer progresses.

Specializes in Oncology/Hematology.

I'm in SF bay area and I know it's offered in Martinez, Oakland and Sacramento. I'm fairly certain it's offered in palo alto as well, although I'm not positive.

The program is wonderful. I've started so many IVs I've lost count, given injections, passed meds, done IV push meds (which we aren't allowed to do during school at my university), recovered patients after surgery independently, etc. You really feel like you're functioning as a nurse and you learn A LOT!

just finished my second week on the floor (med-surg) working with a preceptor. For me its been fairly easy to get ot know everyone right down to the cafeteria cashier and I haven't really ran into many brick walls. Most the Nurses and LPN's are more than willing to have me around, especially during procedures, and understand the fact that I might have checked off on a certain skill, yet have never done it in a piratical setting.

The only thing I've had to complain about really is my feet. Boy some of those nurses walk at a 4mph pace that is hard for me to keep up with. Bought some shape-up's shoes and they have helped, but either way I have seriously lost 5 lbs following my preceptor.

@bluechick112 - perfect! I will definitely be applying next year.

Thanks all for your feedback on how the program is going. It sounds like a fabulous experience!

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