Applying to VA Nursing jobs

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Hey all! First post here

I was wondering if there is a way to "read between the lines" or weed out all the emails sent from the VA? I've been getting several emails after applying to VA nursing positions. So far, I've received several 'Notice of Results' and 'Notification Letter' emails. All of these emails get my hopes up but in return leads to nothing but wondering and worrying. Especially since the last part of the Notification Letter reads "This is your final notice regarding this vacancy announcement."

However, for two positions (out of the 20 I've applied to so far), I actually received a 'Referral Letter' instead of the Notification Letter. One eventually led to a phone interview (next Monday!!) and the other was a rejection letter. Asides from those two, I've literally heard nothing else from the rest of the positions.

So having said this.....is it safe to assume that if I receive a Notification Letter, that I basically don't have a chance? Maybe I'm assuming too quickly, but I'm just so tired of getting invested in all these emails that lead to false hope :unsure: Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

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I applied for two jobs at the nearby VA. One was an open and continuous posting for positions in telemetry and med surg. I got the famous "sent to referral," but I never got a call for an interview. The second position I applied for, I received the referral email a few days later, then a phone call requesting an interview the following week. The day after the interview I got a phone call saying that I had been selected, but a tentative offer was pending reference checks. Got the tentative offer maybe 1-2 days later, and started the pre employment laundry list which included a physical, fingerprints, Vetpro, Equip, and the dimensions of nursing questionaire that they use to determine grade level and salary.

Hang in there, and read this thread often. Lots of folks have waited months to get through the federal hiring process.

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There is a separate thread on the VA Hiring process that dates back to 2012, check that out, should give you some insight to how things generally roll. Although, each VA has it's own variation and thus can be quicker or slower in the hiring process.

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Wow thank you so much ORTech2RN!!!! This was very helpful. I'll have to look for that thread. I've received a few more "sent to referral" emails since this post, but still nothing. From what I've heard it sounds like the VA hiring process takes a very long time :( Compared to most, it sounds they were very quick and clear with your offer. You were selected the day after your interview? That's great!!

Ironically the position that I'm interviewing for is a med/surg and telemetry position too. I really hope I'll be in your shoes soon! The VA would be a fantastic place to work.

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I have an interview tomorrow. Does anyone have any advice?

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I had mine today! Well, a phone interview. I felt that I did well, but still to soon to tell. Are you familiar with their PBI (Performance Base Interviewing) questions? If not I would take a look at that link. I was asked a total of 6 PBI questions and had the opportunity to ask them questions towards the end. Just be friendly, natural, and confident. I made sure I was prepared with examples of past accomplishments that would highlight my skills and experience. Also, be sure to write down questions you'd like to ask. I just realized tonight that I forgot to ask one of my questions and its eating me away now :facepalm: Best of luck to you!!

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I had my interview today, it was a 4 person panel, and they said the next step is their scoring (notes they took)

is sent up to 2 drs and the drs may want an interview or not. They have 5 applicants including me. I think it went ok. Sitting on pins and needles.

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Congrats! The hardest part is over! But I sure know what you mean about those pins and needles :bluecry1: They told me they would make the decision within the week...so I'm very nervous to hear what's next. I completely forgot to ask how many applicants they were interviewing though- good question. From what I've read on here, the VA apparently takes awhile a really long time with this whole process. Hopefully we'll hear something back soon! Was yours an in-person or phone interview?

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In person. I wore a suit and looked very polished. There is only one position for a NP. I work at a Texas prison now for almost 9 years as a NP. I really love my job. But I want a pension. But I don't know if it is worth it. But if I get a job with the VA , then maybe someday I will transfer back home close to my family or somewhere else.

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I scored a second interview next week, it is now down to 3 of us! Fingers crossed!

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I had the second interview today with the drs that are over the Home Based Primary Care position I applied for. More PBI questions. It went well. They said I should here something in about a month. Pins and needles for sure.

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Good luck to you.

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