Does my active duty time count?

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I'm looking into VA hospital jobs and I'm curious if my 5 yrs on active duty count for anything?

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Specializes in Adult Critical Care.

Yes, it should get you credit towards a VA retirement. Also, it might make your resume more desirable; this will very from manager to manager. I've heard that some managers feel that former active duty people are more likely to report problems...making their jobs harder; hence they prefer not to hire AD.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
I'm looking into VA hospital jobs and I'm curious if my 5 yrs on active duty count for anything?

You should get a 5-point Veterans preference, at a minimum: http://www.vacareers.va.gov/VACAREERS/veterans/veterans-faqs.asp

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Thanks! Does it add to the pay scale at all?

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
Thanks! Does it add to the pay scale at all?

That I don't know. I think the only thing that adds to the pay is job-related experience. Thank you for your service, by the way. ;)

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Thanks Pixie!! I'm just trying to figure out where I would land in the quoted price range they advertise. The one I'm applying for says pay starts at 56 and tops out at 100. I just have no idea how they determine where you would fall

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

It properly will not count towards seniority as a RN since you were a HM on active duty. You will be able to sell back the time for retirement. It will not add to the pay scale since that is also based on experience as a RN.

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Thanks jeckrn

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Specializes in Cardiac nursing, telemetry, step-down.

I work for a VA. Your active time will count towards federal employment as far as retirement goes- and that's OLNY if you buy those years back. There's a handbook HR will give you and certainly you can ask questions. Its something you have to pursue. Its not automatic.

As to seniority and pay- definitely not seniority. Pay gets tricky but you should prepare yourself to come in on the lower end of the pay band.

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

When I went the VA they counted my time on active while I was a RN. They did not count my enlisted time towards seniority.

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...some managers feel that former active duty people are more likely to report problems...making their jobs harder; hence they prefer not to hire AD.

Wrong on so many levels...yet it explains so much.

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Jeckrn do you like working at the VA? I've heard varying opinions on being a federal nurse.

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