Experienced NP desiring VA job

bharvey0617 · Mar 23, 2014

Hello,

While I'm not a NP, I am a current VA registered nurse and I applied for multiple positions at the same time. It doesn't hurt your chances, in my opinion it helps them. Some departments are considerably faster at filling positions, so apply for as many as you feel fit. Remember, this is the federal government, so with any job opening (PA,NP,RN,MD) it on average takes 6 months from the application submission to start date. But keep steady the benefits are definitely worth it! hope this helps some. :smug:

new_horizons555 · Mar 24, 2014

It doesn't hurt your chances to apply to more than one position. People move for federal jobs all the time. If you are deemed qualified by demonstrating the specialized experience listed in the position description, HR is legally required to refer your name to the selecting official for further consideration. That's a major perk applying to the federal gov't that doesn't always apply to the private sector jobs. All qualified candidates have to be referred although the final decision is at the hiring manager's discretion. Good luck!

sandnnw, BSN, MSN, EMT-B, APRN · Mar 25, 2014

Lubbock,

I think you'll be fine. As a VA NP myself, it really depends upon the market and you appear to have plenty of experience. I recently interviewed six NPs, 4 with tons of experience, 1 with a year and one new grad. You'd be shocked how folks "present" for an interview.

Dress ranged from business to scrubs, some neat, some looked like they rolled out of bed. Resumes can be help or a curse, esp if you jumped from job to job over the last decade. We had 27 people apply for the jobs. The medical director cut it down to the six. It came down to three pretty easily, the new grad was in the final three, but experience won out.

My medical director is a great fan of folks working to really want our positions and we could tell who was passionate and those who just sort of showed up with minimal prep. I'd look the part and practice behavorial interviewing. Make sure a few peers review your resume. The VA is a wonderful place to work!

LubbockNP · Mar 28, 2014

Thank you guys, I applied for the VA Out patient clinic in Lubbock, TX and the position just closed. I have not applied anywhere else yet. There is only one position open as that NP is retiring. If I don't get that one. Then I will put my house on the market and apply to other positions that will require moving. That is big decision because my daughter will be starting middle school in the fall. I love my current job but want federal benefits of the VA

LubbockNP · Mar 28, 2014

Lubbock,
I think you'll be fine. As a VA NP myself, it really depends upon the market and you appear to have plenty of experience. I recently interviewed six NPs, 4 with tons of experience, 1 with a year and one new grad. You'd be shocked how folks "present" for an interview.
Dress ranged from business to scrubs, some neat, some looked like they rolled out of bed. Resumes can be help or a curse, esp if you jumped from job to job over the last decade. We had 27 people apply for the jobs. The medical director cut it down to the six. It came down to three pretty easily, the new grad was in the final three, but experience won out.
My medical director is a great fan of folks working to really want our positions and we could tell who was passionate and those who just sort of showed up with minimal prep. I'd look the part and practice behavorial interviewing. Make sure a few peers review your resume. The VA is a wonderful place to work!

Thank you so much, I just bought a new suit, and I have been reading books on interviewing. My TDCJ has been a blessing with a wealth of experience and the ability to provide quality healthcare to a segment of the population that has not typically recieved healthcare before.

LubbockNP · Apr 15, 2014

sandnnw, I had my interview last week (panel interview, PBI questions) and they called me 2 days later for a second interview with the medical director and Dr over Home based Primary Care. That interview is in 2 days and they have narrowed it down to 3 people. I don't know anything about my competitors. I have spent days and days preparing (obsessively). I got another new suit for the second interview. The Home based Primary Care Clinical director told me I did excellent on the first interview and was very polished and professional. Thank You so much for your advice. Fingers crossed.

flipper628 · Apr 15, 2014

Good luck!

BostonRN13 · Apr 15, 2014

Good luck!!?

LubbockNP · Apr 17, 2014

I had the second interview yesterday and it went very well, more PBI questions. I felt very prepared. They said I should hear back within a month.

LubbockNP · May 10, 2014

I received a tentative offer. Working on the 9 dimensions of nursing so it can be submitted to the professional board, have my physical, drug test and finger prints next week and finished Vetpro last week (waiting on it to be verified). Things are moving quickly.

sandnnw, BSN, MSN, EMT-B, APRN · May 10, 2014

Make sure your peers respond quickly thru Vetpro