Veteran workin at VA

Specialties Government

Published

Specializes in Cardiology.

I have heard the VA loves to hire veterans, does this also apply to the nursing field? I am a Navy vet and I will be finishing my BSN in May 2015 and would love to work at the VA hospital here in Cleveland but I'm not sure if they hire new grads? Any experience or info would be appreciated!

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They don't usually hire new grads, but you'll get veteran's preference and if you've got disability, you'll get extra points for that as well, so ...maybe?

With regards to a resume for a federal job, it's quite different than applying to a civilian position. When you left the service, they should've given you a ton of resources to contact in case you need assistance in getting a job. Those same resources can help you write a federal resume.

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Specializes in Cardiology.

Unfortunately, my command did not follow the typical discharging procedures, so I don't have any contacts. Do you happen to know any off hand?

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Eesh! That's not only bad for you, but illegal per a recent congressional mandate...

Let me dig through my stuff when I get home and I'll see what I can find for you!

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Specializes in CNOR.

Look and see if that particular VA has a VALOR program. I did it in Milwaukee last summer and it definitely opens doors for new grads.

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Specializes in Cardiology.

@SoldierNurse: I know right?! Unfortunately I was discharged back in 2008. They told me I could go to those classes when I got out at any military installation. I was like "Um, thanks?". Thank you again, it is greatly appreciated!

@Fox: I was researching the VA website and saw that as I was scrolling through. I will have to look more into it. Is it basically a program for new grads? Or is it for students still in school?

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@SoldierNurse: I know right?! Unfortunately I was discharged back in 2008. They told me I could go to those classes when I got out at any military installation. I was like "Um, thanks?". Thank you again, it is greatly appreciated!

Ahhh, that explains it! No problem at all. I'm on active duty in the process of getting out, so if I can't find it in the info I have from ACAP counselors, I'll email one and ask around.

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Specializes in CNOR.

VALOR is for students who are within a year of graduation. It's a great program and it gives you a taste of the VA work environment, plus it allows you to make connections. There were 10 total for my hospital. Some students were med-surg, some were ICU, and I was in the OR. It's definitely something to look into if you're interested!

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Specializes in Cardiology.

I'm in an accelerated BSN program right now, scheduled to graduate in 2015. I will have to check the Cleveland VA hospital, see when they will be offering that again.

Thanks soldier nurse, again it is greatly appreciated!

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Hey, I've got some info for you as far as general information as well as sites to visit to assist you in building a resume.

USAJOBS Resume Builder can be found at www.usajobs.gov/infocenter/ and is a tool that is pre-formatted to ensure that all of the information needed for a government job is included in your resume.

You might consider visiting vetsuccess.gov as they offer a variety of tools to help you with finding employment.

O*NET (www.mynextmove.org/vets) also has a variety of tools, to include a search function that allows you to look for areas in the country that are hiring nurses, as well as what the average salary is for your job in that area.

Of course, if you go to the Department of Labor for anything, you get moved to the front of the line for service as a veteran. They offer a variety of classes and educational tools for free because you're a vet, and while you may have to check with your respective state, they may also be able to link you with classes that could help you with how to apply/get hired into a Federal job.

This link will take you directly to the DOL workshop that's now mandatory for separating service members. All the information I'm quoting is coming from this book. Notice on page 155, they start talking about the ins and outs of getting a hired into a Federal position. To use terminology that is no doubt familiar to you, it would behoove you to read pages 155-182 if nothing else.

http://www.dol.gov/vets/programs/tap/DOLEW-Participant-Guide(Oct%202012).pdf

I hope this helps! Best of luck with everything and let us know how it all goes!

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