Do VA RNs need to be ELIGIBLE for a security clearance to be hired?

[Gladiator24_7]

I served 10 years in the military and was discharged honorably with a >30% disability rating, but I lost my top secret clearance AND my access to any security clearance for the rest of my life (lie detector test debacle).

I am about to graduate with my BSN. I know that I cannot serve in a uniformed service because RNs are officers and officers must have access to a security clearance. I also know that volunteers at VA medical centers need to have at least eligibility for a clearance in order volunteer. My question is:

Do nurses that work for the Veterans Affairs Health Care System need to be eligible for a security clearance in order to be hired?

I am not asking if VA nurses need to have a security clearance. I am asking if they need to have eligibility for a security clearance, which is different. The VA does not list eligibility for a clearance as a condition of employment on their job listings; however, I've learned the hard way (over and over) that many places do not list this because they consider it a given. Of course you have eligibility to a security clearance. DUH!

Do any VA RNs have some insight on this?

Thank you!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Very interesting. I have no personal knowledge of this criteria, but I would venture to guess.... if volunteers have to meet that criteria, it is only logical that employees are also held to the same standard.

Best of luck with your job search.