New Grad seeking to work in a VA after graduation

[VCUBen]

I was throwing around ideas and since their is a VA near me I was wondering if any of you VA ICU nurses out their see new grads working in your critical care units. Also what type of ICUs do VA typically have? I know that pay is less but are their loan reduction benefits, pay scale differences, number of hours per week different than other hospitals, Tricare insurance? Overtime possibilites? Any infomation will be appreciated immensely. Thanks in advance

[athena55, BSN, RN]

Hello VCUBen:

When I worked at VISN3 (NYC) New graduates weren't hired for the ICU. A new grad would need at least one year of medical surgical, telemetry experience before being considered for an ICU position

I would suggest that you fill out an application and submit it. If you are considered for an appointment you will be Boarded and offered a position (after passing security/background checks, tons of paperwork, getting an initial interview and passing the medication exam)

I know that many parts of this country are in a hiring freeze, but if the VA close to you is hiring jump on this opportunity. I really enjoyed working for the Federal Government and when I retire from the Military I hope to return to the VA system

athena

[just_cause, BSN, RN]

I would try and gain a job - and begin my experience elsewhere - while continuing to build my VA packet in order to have a job during the potentially lengthy fed job application process.

I am not aware of any GN programs and thus you might be well off to find a program and gain some exp in the field you want to work in within the VA and then apply a few years down the road.

Either way - congrats!

[I<3Nursing]

I haven't seen any new grad into ICU I work in a tele unit. I agree with the previous poster that said to get another job and keep working on getting into the VA. I applied in April got hired in January...but I had taken another job and was able to get higher pay as a result of my experience. I also had a great enlightening experience discovering the differences good and bad between private and federal nursing. Good Luck. The VA (at least mine) is TOTALLY worth waiting for. And here..they pay more like 5$ an hour more...NOT LESS.