Current VA RN Here To Provide Assistance

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Jan 9, 2015

You're in good company. There are several of us here who do this pretty regularly :)

EveP · Jan 10, 2015

How long do I have to wait for the board's decision? This process has drained me since August and I hope it's all worth it at the end .

Jtkknj · Jan 11, 2015

Once hired into the VA the boarding process has a pretty stringent timeframe but what is so stressful about the initial boarding and hiring process is that no specific timeframe exists. Nothing is wrong with calling HR frequently with questions about the current status. They usually do not update you frequently and you might get lost in the pile. Keep your name at the top by bugging them ever so often. I wouldn't hesitate to go and see them in person to put a face with the information or lack thereof. Ask away.

Jtkknj · Jan 11, 2015

Great. Misery loves company right?! Ha.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Jan 11, 2015

I often repeat this phrase, because it is SO TRUE: "When you've seen one VA....you've seen ONE VA".

There are certainly similarities, and some things really are exactly the same. But those things are few and far between, with variations being the norm, 'exceptions' aren't exceptions so much as "that's how we do it here".

jadiva · Jan 11, 2015

Well I just started (barely) the process. I had sent my resume via email to the nurse recruiter about 6 months ago. I was called the week of Christmas for a "potential interview which would be dependent on me passing a critical care test. I went in took the test, which was by far one of the most difficult pre-employment test). However, I was successful. I am now awaiting a call for an interview date. Will keep you all up-to-date on my particular process as it progresses.

I do want to work for the VA. It seems as if everyone seems to love their job. I'm excited about this opportunity. I have been my current job the last 10 years...but I will give it up to work for the VA.

Just 1 question. If I am offered a job, how long after your start date are you allowed to transfer to another VA? I am hoping to move away to another state in about 1 1/2 year.

pfchang · Jan 11, 2015

There is another thread here on AN regarding transferring within the VA system (which really doesn't happen because you need to apply for each position just as outside applicants do). You will have extra consideration in the process, though, with good experience and positive proficiencies (evaluations) from your current VA.

Jtkknj, I am wondering why you responded to every recent VA thread with a link to this thread which you created. Your action does not add or respond to those threads, but just links them back here.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Jan 12, 2015

I do think this is one of the biggest misconceptions about VA, that because they are "all over" the country, one can simply transfer to the location he or she desires. Absolutely not so!

People apply to open positions the same as anyone else would; time/experience/performance in a current VA position definitely do give people a leg up, but NOT if they don't fit the bill, or fit it best.

I have definitely seen people who have been trying to get into this VA or that VA over the years, and cannot for whatever reason. If there simply IS no job opening, then there's nothing to apply to: one won't be created because a VA employee elsewhere would like to move in.

Unfortunately, I've also known several people who have left VA for other employers simply because they have tried a number of times to "transfer" (apply elsewhere) and haven't had their applications approved. Eventually, if they want to move to a certain area badly enough....they just go there, without VA.

I think accepting a job with a VA with the expectation of being able to move somewhere else when they would like....or at ALL....is a poor plan, IMHO.

Jtkknj · Jan 12, 2015

Because the rule that says I must have 15 posts before replying to PMs means that I had to quickly reach 15 posts or not reply to these messages for a while. Didn't mean to waste anyone's time, ESPECIALLY the people who are asking me questions through PM.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Jan 12, 2015

Advertising yourself as a one-stop shop to answer VA questions is a bit misleading, as any VA employee who has worked at multiple VAs knows they are quite different. But hanging out in the forum and answering questions as they arise is awesome! Thanks.

Jtkknj · Jan 12, 2015

Please explain how I said I was a one-stop shop for answers. I don't have time to "hang out" browsing posts. Who has time for that?! If anyone has any questions ask me.