Does my active duty time count?

[Happynurse12]

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

[jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA]

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.

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

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

[Happynurse12]

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

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

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.

[Happynurse12]

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

[jeckrn, BSN, RN]

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.

[Happynurse12]

Thanks jeckrn

[flapperhead]

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.

[jeckrn, BSN, RN]

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.

[504 medic]

...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.

[Happynurse12]

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