VA Hiring Process

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From the previous posts I've read the VA hiring process is pretty long and drawn out. I've applied to two different VA sites. The VA an hour away from my home I can always get in contact with a nurse recruiter and my application status for two posting says "referred to selecting official." The VA closest to my home, I can't get through to the recruiter, she emailed me back once and the status of all the apps just says "application received." I do know a nurse practitioner that works at this VA site and she tried to give my resume to the recruiter, but I had to apply online.

For those of you that are familiar with the hiring process, any idea what the next step is. In all there are around 20 RN vacancies. The two systems have two completely different online application submissions, how will I know if I've completed the application process correctly, its a little confusing :(

I've been applying since I've graduated and earlier this year I found out that I was applying the wrong way so those positions don't count. These positions closed in September.

Thanks in advance ?

cns121 - I was told they send letters to all references listed but need at least 3. I was also told this is where a lot of the hang up in time comes - is waiting for the people to respond to the reference letters. For me, I don't know if any were recieved but I do know my references were called. As far as a start date - that is determined once ALL your information - including the references are returned. When I interviewed I was told it could be "up to 9 months" with an average time of 3.

elprup - sounds promising for you. I was told the nursing committee meets every Tues. at the VA that is determining my position. I'm told this committee is who determines salary.

Cns121, my VA requested letters of recommendation, when I completed vetpro they told me to only list those three references. They would not be sending anything to those references because I provided letters. I did complete an additional background check called e-qip which does not seem standard for all VA's, I'm not sure if they will send out letters to those references, but I provided as many as possible just in case. I've heard on this site that vetpro sends letters to all the references you list and they need @ least 3 to return the letter to move forward. So the more you provide the faster it should move.

elprup, did you already interview for the position? The VA appears to live by their own laws, I don't see why they would hold interviews for a position they have not been approved to fund. When I worked in a civilian hospital it was a two step process, they would get approved to post the position online, then they would get approval for funds. Thats why some of the positions I applied for were cancelled because they didn't get approval. It seems cruel to have someone interview for a position that has not even been funded. I don't know about you, but I've had to use my vacation time to jump through all the hoops the VA has set. Please keep us posted. I hope it works out in the end :)

Thanks for the insight. I have completed eqip, vetpro I have also been fingerprinted. The nurse recruiter even told me what my salary would be. When I interviewed I handed in letters of recommendations from supervisors and coworkers. Hopefully soon I will get a start date. I need to give my job four weeks notice.

I was told the board meets on Tuesday & I should hear something the 2nd week in february. It takes a while for all the signatures. From there I would be given a variety of start dates to choose from because they know current employment needs to be notified. So you should have plenty of notice for your job.

Update on me: Was told today that my VETPRO/credentialing was complete and "ok" so my file was given back to the original HR person that was working with me and was "in line for service job" and I should be receiving a call soon. I am thinking this means a formal job offer???

Wife&mommy, yes the job was advertised for a week online. I interviewed a week after I faxed in my 17 pg application. The day after my interview they were calling my references. Today I got an email stating she "got my fax of my BLS. Hope you dont have to wait much longer to bring you on board". I am hoping this is an awesome sign, but who knows with this economy. My position is for a per diem clinic RN. No benefits, but great pay and will get my foot in the door! Ill let you know how it pans out.

Marshall1 - good luck! Thats the same thing I was told last week.And thanks for all the info.

update: I spoke to someone in HR earlier this week..was told my file had gone to the board and would be returned to HR sometime in the next wk. and I should hear something w/in 2 wks. As far as HR can tell I will be offered the position, its a matter of waiting for people to sign off on it and a formal offer and salary to be determined and offered. I will update again once I hear something..hope you all are moving fwd as well!

Great!!!! Thats the same thing I was told my file went to the board Tuesday and is going through the signing process, we should hear something next week :) I don't know about you, but the anticipation is killing me. I've been glued to my phone ever since this process started, and I'm usually the queen of missed calls. We are sooooooo close. I'm thinking I should start hopefully the end of february, end of March. What a journey this has been, but the longer I wait the more it seems to be worth it :)

Congratulations!!!! To both of you. I actually spoke to someone from HR yesterday and she today me to e-mail her that way she can keep me informed of whats going on. You guys must be so excited to finally see a light at the end of the tunnel.

Congrats! Keep me informed. Crossing my fingers and toes for you all and me.

Today one of my references said an investigator came to her house. She was not home so they left a letter, just want to know if anyone else has had this experience.

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