New Grads at VA Hospital

Kristyn, RN · Jan 19, 2008

I am a new grad at VA, med-surg with tele. I was able to start working as a graduate nurse as soon as I finished school, which was definitely a big plus for me. The hiring process can take a while. Find out who the nurse recruiter is at the hospital and call him/her directly. Also, if you look at the national VA website, there are links to job postings which usually have the recruiter's name listed. I would agree with an earlier post about just going up too the hospital and getting an application packet.

The benefits at the VA are definitely good, but I think the patient population is the best thing about my job. Good luck!

Anouk345 · Oct 28, 2008

How long was the background investigation. I just had my fingerprints last week. Anyone?

chocokitten · Oct 28, 2008

I began the application process in February (turned in my app) and began work in May. The process varies by individual though. Just keep checking on the status of your app. Speak with the manager you want to work under and they can help facilitate.

Anouk345 · Oct 30, 2008

I began the application process in February (turned in my app) and began work in May. The process varies by individual though. Just keep checking on the status of your app. Speak with the manager you want to work under and they can help facilitate.

How long did you have to wait to get your background clearance. I just had my fingerprints taken last week and I did e-qip last week too.

chocokitten · Oct 30, 2008

I did my application process last year, so I'm not certain how long exactly

SeychelleRN · Dec 7, 2008

How long did you have to wait to get your background clearance. I just had my fingerprints taken last week and I did e-qip last week too.

Any updates?

1studentnurse · Dec 22, 2008

I hate to tell you, but it depends. There are a number of factors that determine how fast the background gets done.

This time of year, the holidays play a part. I had this happen to me last year when I had applied to the VA. My background information in VetPRO was done a couple of days after Thanksgiving, but none of my references had sent in a letter, because the recruiter (or whomever was responsible for sending these) didn't do it until after MLK Day (January). Not sure if it was a technical glitch or what.

Once that was done, I got my offer (with temporary appointment) in February and I started in the first orientation class in March. I came from a private rehab hospital (graduated in 2007) and the orientation was just as long for me as for a new grad. I was very thankful for that!

Keep trying (I am--still waiting for my permanent appointment)! Note: temporary appointment means that the NPSB (Nursing Professional Standards Board) has to review your credentials and "officially" appoint you to your job. If you have a choice, get the permanent appointment before you start, but if you can't, take the temp so you can work and then ask when you will get your permanent appointment.

Your appointment is a VERY important thing. You can't get EDRP (loan repayment) without it. So far, this has been the most frustrating thing about working for the VA.

Anouk345 · Dec 23, 2008

I turned down my offer of employment. The patient nurse ratio in my VA is too high to risk my license. thanks but no thanks i said.

SeychelleRN · Dec 26, 2008

Note: temporary appointment means that the NPSB (Nursing Professional Standards Board) has to review your credentials and "officially" appoint you to your job. If you have a choice, get the permanent appointment before you start, but if you can't, take the temp so you can work and then ask when you will get your permanent appointment.
Your appointment is a VERY important thing. You can't get EDRP (loan repayment) without it. So far, this has been the most frustrating thing about working for the VA.

Thanks for the heads up. Your advice is appreciated.:heartbeat

SeychelleRN · Dec 26, 2008

I turned down my offer of employment. The patient nurse ratio in my VA is too high to risk my license. thanks but no thanks i said.

Lucky that you have the options to turn down a job. In my neck of the woods, turning down jobs or quitting before you find another job is a big no no:no:. Sorry not that lucky here:crying2:. I am not sure what ratio they quoted you, but as a Federal employee your nursing license is protected by the Federal Government to an extent. Best of luck in finding what you are looking for.

Cinqly, BSN, RN · Jan 14, 2009

I turned down my offer of employment. The patient nurse ratio in my VA is too high to risk my license. thanks but no thanks i said.

What was the ratio and which location were you applying for?

krazykev · Jan 14, 2009

I was just informed this past week, from the nurse recruiter, that the Minneapolis VA is not hiring new grads.