Published Jul 31, 2008
jadegypsy
16 Posts
have been looking into the VA's new travel deal, and it seems to be a fairly good deal. Only problem I see is the lack of medical insurance. They were very vague when the
questions went to pay too, seems is based on "government level ratings"
anyone have any experience yet with this program????
OkieICU_RN
165 Posts
No, I haven't done an assigment with them. But I have called twice and talked once with the person who runs it and once with the receptionist. I gave all my information and they said I would get an email with more info and a complete application in the mail.......but I still haven't received it. I contacted initially back in May and then just before I resigned another contract in early July but still haven't received anything.
I will probably give it one last try and then I'll be over it if I don't get any info. They told me they were very busy and there really isn't a dedicated staff to just the travel division. So, I dunno.
Let us know if you find out more!!
RNERHOUSESUPOR
410 Posts
Is there a website? How did you find the information?
Thanks
travelinjones
60 Posts
i wrote to the va regarding their travel nurse and this is the reply i received:
the va travel nurse corps (tnc) is currently hiring rn's for staff positions at the phoenix and san diego va medical centers. these positions are temporary intermittent appointments which have a per hour salary with shift differentials and overtime if required. we also offer full federal travel benefits which include travel, lodging, per diem and incidentals while on assignment for the city in which you are working.
the pay is based on a salary schedule for the va tnc. that schedule is only for the southwest region. we will have different salary schedules when we expand to other areas of the country. va nurses go through a boarding process which established their grade and step, which then establishes their salary. it is based on the individual's education and experience. that sets a per hour rate. va also pays 10% differential for night and evening shifts; 25% for weekend shifts; a combination of the two for 35% and overtime after 8 hours. salary is separate from the travel benefits.
at this time, please note that the appointments are only temporary intermittent. in that way, we are like the travel nurse industry with 13 week assignments. at this time, we are working with each nurse and facility on the length of the assignments. we can go a little longer or a little shorter if needed. with only two sites (phoenix and san diego), we can not keep a nurse fully employed until we have more sites established. the temporary appointments do not have any benefits.
if there are any changes to the program, they will be posted on our website at www.travelnurse.va.gov. we know that we have nurses out there that want to travel, but still need their benefits. we assist our nurse applicants with an online application process which creates an application form and at the same time, completes the credentialing portion of the application process.
(i deleted bits that pertained directly to me, but included all of the general info in the email) hope this helps....