Just Got Denied at VA for New Grad Program

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Specializes in ED, Telemetry,Hospice, ICU, Supervisor.

Just got a letter from the VA saying I was not selected for an RN-New Grad program. I was found "qualified for the position" but not "the most qualified". Seriously I am ******, I am an actual veteran of the Iraq war. I have the 10 extra points for being a veteran and a service connected. I was also told the VA was on a directive to hire more veterans into their ranks.

How in the hell did I not get selected! There aren't many 6-Month RN new grads with my background. I swear, I am so angry right now! I want to know what kinds of people they selected.

I have an ADN, but the 10 points would have made up the difference. I am so ******! Honestly it is insulting! Especially for an organization that prides itself on being " A Veteran Friendly Employer".

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Specializes in CCRN, ED, Unit Manager.

I had a friend in the Navy reserves who got into this program. Not sure how they go about making the selection but it sounds crooked.

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Specializes in ED, Telemetry,Hospice, ICU, Supervisor.

Seriously Navy Reserve! ***! Here I am with the ground troops getting blown the hell up in my tank riding as a loader. Don't even get me started on those squids. I have more respect for active duty regular navy squids than I do for some reservist. Don't even try to talk about NG. I don't even consider them military.

Reserve component= Weekend Warrior. They are not even in the same league as regular active duty component. Freaking popeye faces!

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

From another point of view, I am currently active duty and deployed, and I am downrange with some reservists. They are fantastic providers and top-notch soldiers and people. Some people serve in different ways. At least they serve - some people don't at all.

Do you know that those chosen weren't also vets? I am sorry, it's always rough to not make the final cut.

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Specializes in Rehab corrections med-surg.

VA prefers BSN and sometimes only hires BSN regardless of vet status or military connection. I worked for them as a student nurse tech in a psych program(wanted ER ,tele or ICU) because my experience was as a behavioral care tech and MHT i then did my student internship/ preceptorship for a month in the same VA in their ER (only student there as the other two failed finals). I was approached by the clinical leader to apply as they wanted me on the unit as a new grad. I applied had several references from the ER including DRs and my school. I interviewed on 2 units otherwise. HR denied me because I had no BSZn just three associates and had transferred straight to BSN and was planning on going for active duty. I ended up having a baby and health issues since and can't go active but it was a good plan.

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Being a veteran means nothing to the VA. I applied for the VALOR program with them as a nursing student and didn't get selected either. I have 7 years of active military experience in the USMC and I am also a war vet. Having a military background (veterans preference points) only puts your application to top of list for interview selection. I was so angry I didn't get it either as I got passed up for a married couple (yes, both got selected) in my nursing class that interviewed together. How effed up is that?

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Kalvera- I find your attitude a little troubling. I understand you are angry but you are also coming across like your entitled. Yes you are a veteran and are given points towards the application process yet that doesn't guarantee you a job there could be other veterans could be hired above you. As far as your comments towards reservists and National Guard shame on you. I was active, reserves and National most of my fellow troopers were prior service. I have served since 1986 till 2010. I was in Panama and other activities. I flew on an air ambulance for the guard with some of the best medical professionals there are. I was a drill Sargent in reserves. We all did and do our jobs.

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Seriously Navy Reserve! ***! Here I am with the ground troops getting blown the hell up in my tank riding as a loader. Don't even get me started on those squids. I have more respect for active duty regular navy squids than I do for some reservist. Don't even try to talk about NG. I don't even consider them military.

Reserve component= Weekend Warrior. They are not even in the same league as regular active duty component. Freaking popeye faces!

Seriously you need some help! I was active duty Army 11b and I was in Iraq as well. How dare you degrade someone's service? To me there is little doubt why you weren't selected bc you have a terrible attitude. It is offensive on so many levels. I just started working at the VA and I am also an ADN but I am in the end of my BSN. It took me over a year of trying. They hire the most qualified not the most entitled! So straighten up soldier and remove your foot from your mouth!

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Seriously Navy Reserve! ***! Here I am with the ground troops getting blown the hell up in my tank riding as a loader. Don't even get me started on those squids. I have more respect for active duty regular navy squids than I do for some reservist. Don't even try to talk about NG. I don't even consider them military.

Reserve component= Weekend Warrior. They are not even in the same league as regular active duty component. Freaking popeye faces!

How about you get out of here with your attitude? The reserves and guard have deployed just as much the last 10 years as AD while holding down a regular "real" job. I have seen reserve and guard units wipe the floor with AD units during training exercises. Bunch of weekend warriors eh?

In fact the last unit I trained with was a sad sack AD armor unit, hmmmm. In fact most of the crappy soldiers I have met were AD. A few even tried the civvy world but ran back in because they didn't think they could make it.

Calm your jets, reapply or look somewhere else. We have all been rejected from places where we thought we were shoe ins. For me this has occurred IN and OUTSIDE of the military. It happens...

One historical note, what division took the brunt of the German resistance at Normandy (Omaha) on D-Day? The 29th Infantry Division...a National Guard Division from the East Coast....

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Friendly admin post (and yes, I'm also an AD USN vet - lol):

To the original poster - we feel your frustruation keenly. However, your comments about NG and Reservists isn't appreciated. Please look to the future to make your next application stronger and move on. Good luck in your nursing career.

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Specializes in ER/ICU/STICU.
Seriously Navy Reserve! ***! Here I am with the ground troops getting blown the hell up in my tank riding as a loader. Don't even get me started on those squids. I have more respect for active duty regular navy squids than I do for some reservist. Don't even try to talk about NG. I don't even consider them military.

Reserve component= Weekend Warrior. They are not even in the same league as regular active duty component. Freaking popeye faces!

Really? Getting blown up in your tank? Try getting out and kicking down some doors and then maybe you'll have room to talk. Go talk to a green side Navy Corpsman and see how much respect they deserve.

As others have said, the Veterans preference only applies to your application, not for actually getting the job. Go get your BSN and try again.

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Specializes in critical care: trauma/oncology/burns.

I echo the others who have posted above me....

You are barking up the wrong tree! I was with the Reserves then went to the active side-of-the-house.

Those who are RC raise their right hand and state the same Oath as you did/do. Those group of Reservists are held accountable to the UCMJ same as the AC, 24/7 JUST LIKE YOU. They are not "week-end warriors" but "Week-End" citizens.

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