just got a VA preceptorship...advice?

[guest464345]

Hi everyone -

I'm finishing a BSN program this December and just found out that my senior preceptorship will be at the VA hospital. I'm very interested in working for the VA after graduation.

I know that generally the process of getting hired at the VA is competitive, long and unpredictable (having tried myself in my former career as a social worker). Just wondering...anyone out there made the transition after a BSN preceptorship? If so:

1) How/when did you find out about job postings? I have been looking intermittently for a year, and have not yet seen a "new grad RN" position here.

2) Did your internship experience speed up the process at all? As a semi-insider, did you get extra help from the nurse educator or recruiter for your unit?

3) Can you apply during your last semester, or only after graduation & passing NCLEX?

4) In general - any tips/strategies, apart from doing my best possible work during the preceptorship?

Of course I'm getting ahead of myself here, but I'm already worrying about the possibility of waiting around for three months or more for the VA process, while other job postings come and go, including options that could lead to job offers before I even graduate.

Thanks as always for any advice!

[williams84]

I am not the complete source of information about the VA and hiring, but I can tell you a little about my experiences. I was a VALOR student in the OR at a local VA over the summer. My manager was totally awesome and expressed her interest in hiring me when I graduate in December. Unfortunately, the VA didn't have the funding to keep me and my fellow VALORS on during the school year. By chance, I got assigned to the same VA's Day Surgery department and I still interact with my former manager and co-workers on a daily basis. The manager continues to ask me if I want to stay on when I graduate, but she told me that she wouldn't even be allowed to give me a job offer until I passed the NCLEX. I know one of my co-workers (who had been a VALOR student for the last year in that unit) graduated in May and passed her NCLEX in June, but she wasn't given a firm offer until she got her results and she didn't start until August. I loved my environment, but I am worried that the length of time between graduation and orientation would be months.

To answer your more specific questions:

1. The best source for open jobs is on USAJobs.gov. I am not sure about the New Grad titles, but you can always check their required experience. If it doesn't say, I'd say apply!

2. I know that my internship was a great chance for the unit to get to know me and my work ethic. I don't think a regular interview would give an employer that chance.

3. I cannot give you a good answer on applying since it takes forever for them to get back to you. I can say that you will be notified if you are not "qualified" for the position.

4. My best advice is to do the best you can and to interact with all of the staff (not just the nurses). If you look like a team player, give your patients excellent care, and express interest in the unit, you're on the right track.

The VA is an awesome place to work. The hardest part is getting in, I think. Good luck!!!