Fairly new lpn grad has interview with VA what to do and expect need help so nervous

[89**11]

I am currently working in a LTC facility, I enjoy working there and it is really a fairly easy job. However I feel like I am losing my skills, I am IV certified and have not started an IV in about the eight months I have been at this facility. This particular facility does not really except patients of that nature it is a really top of the line LTC facility. I am scheduled to go for an interview to the VA hospital in another county and was wondering, what to expect, how to prepare and how to land this job. I am willing to relocate and am just excited that they even returned my call. I have only been an employed LPN for eight months and I am fairly new. I am nervous because this is a truly great opportunity for myself and being a new grad it is even better. I was told they would even assist with relocation expenses. This is the perfect timing, my lease is up at the end of July and I really would benefit from this position. The questions are: What to expect? What are things you believe they are looking for? and what are things I may need to know and prepare for with the VA? I have not done IV drip factors or med calculations in a while and they usually ask you scenario questions and I might even have to take a lie detector test I was told YIKES, I think I am just freaking out because I really would enjoy this position and or opportunity. If you have any suggestions, thoughts, concerns, etc... please feel free to respond to this thread. I scheduled my interview for next Friday, since I am currently working night shift and this would be the last week of school so my son could stay with his grandmother while I go. This particular VA hospital is about a two hour drive for me I believe this is worth it and hopefully they will see the true interest I have just by taking this commute. Look forward to hearing from you all god bless you all.

[Medsport, LPN]

I can't comment on your questions as I'm in a very similar boat. I've also been working in assisted living on the night shift for about 10 months, like the job but the pay stinks. I also applied a VA center, but not sure if I did it right as I just sent in a resume and it says "should submit a completed VAF 5-4078, resume, or VAF 10-2850c (Application for Associated Health Occupations), along with your last proficiency" If you don't mind me asking, is this stating you need to submit the VAF 5-4078 or a resume or both and what is a proficiency? I could'nt even find all the forms. I found the VAF 10-2850c, but not sure how you send it. I assume you fill it out, save it, then email it? Did'nt mean to thread-jack, but thought our situations were so similar and also would like to hear other comments on this.

[tlc2u]

I'd love to know how you guys got job offers at VA without at least 1 yr experience as LPN?

In my area they require 1 yr. experience as LPN. I have applied to the jobs even though I don't have the experience but I have not gotten a response.

Best of Luck to you.

[tlc2u]

About what to say and being nervous about the interview. I read somewhere on a website about interviewing and "top ten reasons to hire me".

They said clearly identify and write down the top ten reasons you should be hired for the job. Take in to consideration what the employer states in their job description the specifics of what they are looking for or what the job requirements are and determine what you have to offer them and why they should hire you.

Tape your top ten list somewhere you will see it every day and Practice answering the question "Why should we hire you" Using your top ten reasons until you can answer the question smoothly with conviction and end with a smile. Instead of answering the question unprepared and pausing a lot in thought.

You may not be asked this exact question but something very similar and this way you would have ten strongpoints prepared to speak on.

I have only been on 2 interviews so I can't speak from a lot of experience but this idea sounded helpful to me.