Improving VA Hiring for ADN Grad (Veteran)

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Hi all,

First let me thank all of the nurses and folks here at AllNurses--I love this site, and it was a HUGE asset as I planned my departure from the Army and into nursing school. Now, I'm finally about to finish my ADN.

Question is: how do I improve my odds of getting hired on as an RN at a VA? Really, any VA will do--I plan on applying to every VA facility across the country, preferably for psych positions--and moving to the first one that takes me.

I have good grades, plan to apply to an RN-BSN program immediately following graduation, and qualify for veteran's preference... what more can I do NOW to qualify?

If it matters, my interest in working at the VA is pretty much the reason I became interested in nursing in the first place: helping other vets.

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The VA hires using a point system (veteran's preference, dependents, disability, etc) and vacancies. I highly recommend looking for a nurse residency program, only several VAs offer them nationally. They typically hire all of those new grad nurses. Next, make sure when you are submitting applications on USAjobs that you are filling out all the forms they require and correctly. I had to have another nurse show me, I was missing several important obscure forms. Secondly, I would recommend getting experience and a BSN, both make you a more competitive candidate. Most VAs have a surplus of applicants and many of the applicants are experienced private sector nurses looking to get a federal retirement. . . those nurses out experience me every day of the week. I had to sell my first NM on my BSN and potential. Sometimes it means applying for obscure VA facilities in rural areas. (Each VISN has a different policy about hiring and transferring, typically you should keep your first job at least a year. Some VAs have rules about even applying for specific positions. My first VA wouldn't let a nurse with less than 5 years of experience work in a clinic). Good luck!

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
I have good grades, plan to apply to an RN-BSN program immediately following graduation, and qualify for veteran's preference... what more can I do NOW to qualify?

Oh good, about the BSN — I think that will be helpful. I mentioned that in response to your other post. :) Hopefully your passion for helping vets will shine through in your application. But I would also recommend applying in the private (civilian) sector, for two reasons: 1. getting hired into any government position seems to take at least 4 months, if not longer; and 2. I am not sure about the VA hiring new grads, though I have seen some residency programs in the past.

Even if you don't get hired at the VA initially, getting experience under your belt will make it easier to get there down the road. :)

Edited to add: aha! Found this: Nursing Students and Trainees - VA Careers

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Specializes in ICU.

The VA's new grad program is called RNTTP-- RN transition to practice. Look for facilities with that to maybe help your chances as a new grad.

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I'm all about rural living, so applying to a VAMC in the middle of nowhere is actually quite attractive.

Regarding veteran preference, I've heard that RNs and other title 58 employees don't qualify for veterans preference in the VA system--is this true? I never thought my vet status would be a liability in the VA hiring process.

Is it really hard to vets to get jobs there as RNs, even in out-of-the-way locales?

i completely agree with you about getting experience though! Thanks for the advice!

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Does this apply to ADN nurses or just BSN? I've read all about VALOR but apparently that's only for traditional BSN...

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Specializes in ICU.

VALOR is a internship like program for BSN students.

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I think my VA gives vets preference points in interviews. Also, if you can volunteer at a VA, do it. It will add to your qualifications to have any VA experience when trying to get hired into the system.

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I am a Veteran and an LPN and I just got a Firm job offer at a VAMC in another state. The whole process took around 3-4 months, I applied everywhere and had 2 interviews and both of them offered me a job. I saw some positions in Seattle Wa that said they will take non citizens if no qualified citizen applies, so maybe hit those up first. And on your resume you make on USA JOBS sell yourself when talking about your jobs and skills this is how they pick your salary. And apply to any position even CLC, because once your in your in, and you can always apply for another position internally when one comes up. Veterans preference does not help you get the job, it does help you get the interview if you are qualified they have to interview you per an HR rep. And if you can take extra courses on the weekends to help out with your resume.

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