Anyone done the VALOR program at the VA hospital

I did the VALOR program at the Atlanta VA in summer of 2005. I LOVED it and thought it was fabulous. There were four of us that summer. Two of us loved it and the other two didn't like it so much. I spent half the summer in the OR and the other half in the MICU. Other students also spent time in the PACU or the ED.

I found the VA to be a fantastic teaching environment and you are matched up with a preceptor that you work side-by-side with so you can do everything they do. You aren't going to be a patient care tech, you'll be getting some actual nursing experience.

If you have particular questions, just PM me.

Adonai

I did the VALOR program at the Atlanta VA in summer of 2005. I LOVED it and thought it was fabulous. There were four of us that summer. Two of us loved it and the other two didn't like it so much. I spent half the summer in the OR and the other half in the MICU. Other students also spent time in the PACU or the ED.

I found the VA to be a fantastic teaching environment and you are matched up with a preceptor that you work side-by-side with so you can do everything they do. You aren't going to be a patient care tech, you'll be getting some actual nursing experience.

If you have particular questions, just PM me.

Adonai

Adonai -- could you tell me more about the application process? I am applying to it right now but the guidelines for the application are not very clear on what their expectations are. I hear that there is going to be an interview, what is it like? Are the interview questions nursing scenarios (similar to that of applying for a nursing assistant position) or general just to get to know you?

Thank you!

I know this is an old thread, but does anyone have any more current information about the Altlanta VA? The VALOR program sounds great, but I don't think I'd qualify for it (I'm in an accelerated program, so working during the summer isn't an option because we'll be taking classes). Right now my interests are in peds and PACU. Obviously, peds wouldn't work in the VA, but does the PACU hire new nurses or does the VA have a new grad program? Thanks for any help!