Is it worth it to call the VA directly?

[cmbax]

I am trying to get an RN position at the VA and I understand it takes time. But I'm wondering if anyone has had any luck with directly calling an HR person and asking for a job. I had a few current nurses from my nearby VA say that it doesn't help anything and not to try. But I'm wondering if any VA nurses from another state have had any luck with this tactic....

[Zara, RN]

I've contacted them before. I'm not really sure what nurse recruiters are there for if they can't offer an interview. Same goes for VA's HR.

I feel like this is hopeless. I understand that the job market is over saturated with new grads and people who move in the summer. But I just wish my luck would turn around.

I'd be much more satisfied with at least being interviewed and then turned down. But not having the opportunity at all is so demoralizing. Ughh!!

[SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN]

You can call, but it won't speed the process. I was the hiring action officer recently for a clinical position that our hospital desperately needed. It still took over 6 months to get all the red tape knocked down.

[happystarfishes]

It just takes a long time. I applied two months ago and I am just now starting to get updates to my applications that are closed.

One thing, are you following the "close dates" on your applications. Obviously, if the position doesn't close until 6 months from now you are going to have to wait a long time to be contacted. Try to apply to positions that are closing soon. Once they close, your application status should be updated within a month. You will either be qualified and sent on for further eval, or rejected, btw.

Very important to understand the time lines.

[cmbax]

It just takes a long time. I applied two months ago and I am just now starting to get updates to my applications that are closed.

One thing, are you following the "close dates" on your applications. Obviously, if the position doesn't close until 6 months from now you are going to have to wait a long time to be contacted. Try to apply to positions that are closing soon. Once they close, your application status should be updated within a month. You will either be qualified and sent on for further eval, or rejected, btw.

Very important to understand the time lines.

yes. i am paying attention to the close dates. a few have closed recently and i was sent an email saying my app was sent to the reviewing officer... the waiting around is terrible.

[happystarfishes]

The waiting does suck...I had been hoping to get a VA position but ended up accepting another job. And of course, now I'm starting to get updates and referrals.