Interested in the VA

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Hi, I'm looking for more information about opportunitie in the VA. I have tried looking on their website, but am confused as to what the titles mean (I understand what a clinic is of course and a hospital, but "intake center"?) anyone able to help with some navigation? I also looked on the fed jobs website and can't find any nurse listings. I did read the sticky above, but there was very little about the VA.

Anyone in the MD/D.C. area would be especially helpful.

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

Try http://www.vacareers.va.gov/

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Thanks! Why couldn't I find that? Grrr...is this part of a test to see if you're smart enough to be hired? :)

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Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.

Two weeks ago I started a new job with the VA. Be warned, from the first time I saw the job posted on usajobs until my first day of work was about 5 months.

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

Yes, getting hired at the VA is a min. of 2 months. But, from what I seen at the VA that I worked for the average was 3 months.

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Specializes in ICU, School Nurse, Med/Surg, Psych.

Once you start to work at a VA facility there are other challenges too. Especially if you have no military background. Many of the staff are prior service and/or have worked the same position for many years. Chain of command is very important but the pay and benefits are great!!

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The time lag actually works for my time line (want to increase my family) so I have no problem with the slow grind of govt. paperwork. But that brings up my second question; Better to be in a civilian job first and get that experience, or just go straight to VA? And does the experience with the VA transfer if I want to change specialities? And another; (and this might be totally dumb) is there any emergency or trauma facilities for the VA? This is another area of interest of mine.

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Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.
The time lag actually works for my time line (want to increase my family) so I have no problem with the slow grind of govt. paperwork. But that brings up my second question; Better to be in a civilian job first and get that experience, or just go straight to VA? And does the experience with the VA transfer if I want to change specialities? And another; (and this might be totally dumb) is there any emergency or trauma facilities for the VA? This is another area of interest of mine.

*** After seeing their benefits and retirement I wish I had started with the VA. I work at one of the larger VA hospitals and yes they have an ER and they take ambulances, but not trauma. I get you. Trauma is my first love.

I would say that if you want to work in a particular area (ICU, ER) then get some experience in that area first. Where I work new grads all seem to start out on med-surg or rehab.

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Hi all. Hey, I have been applying for jobs with the VA, but have had no luck even getting a call back. I think I'm doing something wrong, but I don't know what. I've tried talking to human resources, but they've been no help. I send the application, the declaration for federal employment, a cover letter, a resume, and transcripts. My references are all from work, so I use the work address for their address on the form....could that be my problem? I'm very discouraged but really, really want to work with the VA. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Do you have your RN license? Any experience? At my VA, and I would assume all are the same, nurses deal with Nurse Recruitment, not HR. So, go down in person and follow up on your application..... I do know that the VA's are having a hiring freeze. But, you should have gotten a follow-up phone call regarding your application. Go in person and inquire. Ask to speak to the Nurse Recruiter.

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Specializes in Case Manager, Home Health.

Well it does take a LONG time to get hired. The position I applied for had a closing date of January 22, 2010. I was interviewed Feb 3. I've been doing their "additional paperwork" (referal verification, VetPro, etc) since they said they were interested in hiring me (no written offer yet, however). Just yesterday I finally had my pre-employment physical and fingerprinting.

Still awaiting on the drug screen, TB test, oh...yeah, and the official offer. Way slow...

Don't hold your breath and don't give up! :lol2:

Ken, RN

1 year Cardiac Floor

1 year Trauma ER

1 year Intermediate/Neuro

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