New Grad Starting In Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital

[n0rse]

Just graduated from nursing school and going to be starting at a Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital in Texas very soon. That being said, to all you seasoned VA nurses of Allnurses... what do I need to know about working at the VA? Tips? Things that you wish someone told you when you started? Tips for transferring to another VA Hospital elsewhere in the future?

[207teel]

Hi everyone, I have an interview for the transition to practice residency program. How long did it take to receive an offer from your interview date? I graduated in December and they said start dates would be in April but I am wondering how long it would take to get an offer if I was to be considered? 
 

thanks!  

[B52, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I received a definitive offer and start date 4 months after I interviewed.

[207teel]

Thanks! How long did it take to get a contingent offer? My sister is in the dental residency and said she found out the same day she interviewed that she got it. But she didn’t find out the specifics the same day. 

[B52, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I think I got the contingent offer in about 3 weeks.

[207teel]

Thanks for the information! I was hoping I would hear sooner because I do have a job offer but I want to work for the VA so bad! However I don’t want to be left from a job. 

[mistycaserole]

18 minutes ago, 207teel said:

Thanks! How long did it take to get a contingent offer? My sister is in the dental residency and said she found out the same day she interviewed that she got it. But she didn’t find out the specifics the same day. 

Hi for me it was another case. I got offered the job August but didn't get the final offer until January. They had to evaluate all my credentials, transcript and job references officially to get a better salary I.e. level # step #. 

[207teel]

When did you interview to finding out the contingent offer? Thanks for the info! 

[mistycaserole]

37 minutes ago, 207teel said:

When did you interview to finding out the contingent offer? Thanks for the info! 

I interviewed in June and forgot about it. didn't hear back til August

[pmc888, BSN]

Hi! I was offered post baccalaureate registered nurse residency for the VA that starts in March 2023. I was wondering how was your experience with the new grad program that the VA offered? Pros and cons? Thank you! 

[Murse585]

Hello, I also just received an offer for the RN-TTP program at the VA in Orlando. I would be interested to hear about anyone's experience with the program becasue I am not sure if I I should accept the offer. Would anyone suggest getting experience elsewhere before applying to the VA? The offered salary was lower than expected and I don't live in Orlando and they will not help with relocation costs at all. But I am a veteran myself and also already a government employee, I'm not sure what to do. Any information would be helpful, thanks.  

[207teel]

The VA in NC pays more than the surrounding hospitals, however I decided not to accept the position. First, they require new grads to have class every Friday at my location. They also were requiring me to complete 8 weeks of med surg training prior to going into my speciality. I felt that was preparing me to float to med surg units if we had low census and I wasn't interested in that. I also didn't like how you have to follow your preceptor's schedule which can be a combination of 8 and 12 hour shifts. I have a child and needed more flexibility so the new graduate program was not the best fit for me. However, I think if you want to be with the VA the easiest way to get in is the new graduate nursing role. 
 

Good luck! 

[RN_BSN_2022, BSN]

pmc888 said:

Hi! I was offered post baccalaureate registered nurse residency for the VA that starts in March 2023. I was wondering how was your experience with the new grad program that the VA offered? Pros and cons? Thank you! 

Hello did you get started with VA this march?