Anyone Care to Explain VA Benefits/Education

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After sifting through pages of threads and on the VA.Gov site, I am amazed at the benefits that the VA seems to offer, especially in education. As I understand it, the VA will pay towards prior student loans (EDRP), provided they are in nursing? Will the VA pay towards continuing education such as BSN or MSN?

Second, I've hard conflicting things about the medical insurance. Some say it's great, some suggest pricy, but all have said they offer top tier plans? Anyone care to shed a little light on this.

The vacation and sick time has been well covered, the civilian side doesn't hold a candle.

I have submitted my application packet for a job that closes on 2/28. Hoping that I get an interview. I do have five preference points for four years of active duty after 9/11. I submitted my scanned DD 214. Will the points honestly give me an edge?

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DD214...so you're out? How long? Army has everyone go through ACAP, which covers all the questions you had above. Different branches call it different things, but every branch is congressionally mandated to go over your VA benefits and educational options with you post-service. There are classes for federal jobs, how to write a resume, etc., and as I understand it, many of these classes are still available post-service.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I believe the OP is talking about the benefits of working for the VA as an employee ... is that correct?

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Specializes in Administration, QM, Home Care.

I am an RN working at an urban VA Medical Center. I am currently finishing my Masters in Nursing Leadership and Management and it is being paid for 100% by the VA through the NNEI program. After I finish, I will work approximately 3 years to "pay" the money back. What a great benefit! Not to mention the privilege of taking care of our United States Veterans! Working for the VA is a great career and I wish I would have started as a "young" nurse.

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1. Some VA pay back student loans some do not it must be in the job posting

2. The NNEI will pay for your next degree but must be approved based on funding, most get 100% if approved

3. There are over 30 plans of health insurance all with diverse coverage, my coverage is amazing through fed blue cross blue shield the benefits brochure is public look them up

4. Yes points count and matter, veterans should be at the top of the list if you pass all other screening.

Good luck!

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Just to mention...if you happen to have student loans that might not be in nursing, you can still qualify for student loan forgiveness after ten years via fed gov program

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