Military Veteran wanting to work for the VA or a Military Hospital

Nurses General Nursing

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I was just wandering how hard it will be for me to find employment as a new grad at a VA Hospital or on a Military base? I am a Veteran of the Gulf War and have been out of the Military since 1994. I have been accepted into the pre-nursing program for the fall 2009 semester and I am just wanting to make sure that when I am done with my schooling, I will be able to find employment. Any info you can give me would be of great help.

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Specializes in US Army.
http://www.usajobs.gov/
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Vets and federal employees get preferential hiring status if I'm not mistaken.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Cath Lab, Cardiology,Neuro.

I work for the VA in Boston and vets and VA employees from what I hear do get top priority when applying for jobs.

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I'm a Navy Veteran and currently work for the V.A. You get 5 points veteran's preference plus your military time counts for leave hours. In order for your military time to count towards retirement you have to pay a military deposit. Go to vacareers.gov or usajobs.gov and see what openings they have. Call your local VA and talk to a recruiter. When you apply make sure you attach a copy of your DD-214. Mine was on the very front page.

The U.S. has several different districts (VISNs). I work in VISN 16. They all operate a little differently. I love it.

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Specializes in ICU.

I worked one particularly large VA hospital,(contract, agency) and knew it wasn't for me. But hey, it might be for you. They do give priority to veterans applying, over non veterans, which is good,, and fair. It is also a federal job, which gives you more benefits than a normal job,, at just any company.

Most of the people that work at the VA have worked there a LONG time,, and so therefor it is a totally different culture. I couldn't do it,, maybe it is because I had worked at many other hospitals before this. It is just way different than what I had ever seen. It is obviously good for some people, because they stay there FOREVER.

Don't worry, you WILL get a job when you graduate. It might be right off the bat, or it might take a little work. IF you go ahead and apply for the VA now,, and get in there as a patient care tech or something,,, they will pay for ALL of your school. And if you have money for education coming already,, this will be extra money. Once you get your license, you will already be in the door and you will have a job as a nurse. :) Good luck!

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