Please help VA nurses!

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I just went yesterday for an interview at a local VA and I REALLY want this position!! I've been in the nursing field for 10 years and would like to settle in with the VA for many, many reasons. Anyhow, I feel as though I did well in the interview but I don't understand the portfolio for HR. I was told that IF I was even considered, I would still go through a process of building a portfolio for HR before being accepted for a full time position. I am really stressing over this thing and would like to know if anyone could give me a little run down on what they ask for so I can get started on getting the info together....just in case I make it through the interview process. Thank you all for any comments. I greatly apprecite you for anything you can tell me.

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I just finished the hiring process at the VA here in Illinois. You just need to gather your transcripts that are directly related to your nursing education. Have any employment dates and places where you worked while you were in your profession. Any places that you have lived in the past 5 years. Have addresses of people who knew you but not relatives, at least three. Have 3 professional references written. Some of this information may differ slightly depending on your security clearance level. I hope this helps they make it seem like so much but it really isn't. Good luck.

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Thank you so much for the info!

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I really will like to work in VA one day but is it that hard to get into it?

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Specializes in inpatient rehab (general, sci, tbi, cva).

My advice, since I just finished the interview process and getting hired is, keep a good record of all your application materials.

It took me five months to go from application to interview to job.

Find a job you want and apply. Then keep a computer file or something with all your reference and contact information. You'll need this over and over for VetPro and your US SR-85 (background checks). Depending on where you are, you may need more material.

Keep in contact with all your references. I had five. I e-mailed or phoned them regularly to keep up with what was going on, so they'd fill out my forms, etc.

NOTE: the VA does want a reference from your current supervisor. I thought this was pretty weird, but if you are a new grad, they will take one from the director of your nursing program. When in doubt, talk to your nurse recruiter. They should know their end of the paperwork.

It's a lot of work, but at least where I'm at, the VA has some of THE best benefits around. I worked for another hospital system and they were not even close, in salary and certainly not in benefits. They also pay you well if you have your BSN, which was a big carrot for me to go there (besides it was within 5 miles of my home).

Don't give up...it takes a while, but is worth it!

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The VA has a career ladder type structure for nursing called "boarding" When you are initially looked at as a candidate they look at everything you have done as a nurse prior to coming into the system. This means if you were on committees, staff/coworker educations, did inservices. This will all help to get you a little higher up on the scale. You get a proficiency done every year and depending on your activities within nursing can move up on the ladder. At my hospital I have direct imput into what is placed in my proficiency.

It took me 6 months to finally get on board at the VA. Hang in there!

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Specializes in Emergency RN, CEN.

Perhaps some of you VA nurses can answer this for me. I am currently being "boarded" for the USAR Nurse Corps (66HM5) and am anxiously awaiting the results.

I was recently told that if you serve in the reserves and are employed at the VA that are specific benes for "double dipping" such as; your "retirement points" double accrue and you can draw a pension after 10 years of service vs 20 years of service? Is there any truth to this rumor?

Anyone familiar with the benes of serving in the reserves and simultaneously working at the VA please chime in.

Thank you.

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Specializes in critical care: trauma/oncology/burns.

Hello 66HotelMikeFive (cute!)

Geez, Before I went over to the Active side of the House I was in the Reserves and also worked at my local VA.

Check out how long before you become vested. Never heard of the "double dipping" but then again, I never knew when payday was nor how much I actually made. Of course, I downloaded the chart that showed how much one made at such and such a grade and step...

Wish I could have been more help. My family thinks I was (and continue to be) crazy for leaving such a well paying job and going AC -- have lost (wages) over $ 50,000 per year BUT I didn't "do it" for the money, sigh...

Hey, Good Luck. There is a big need for RN's such as yourself (ER) both in the Reserves and Active. Let us know when you take your Oath, okay?

Respectfully,

athena

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Specializes in Emergency RN, CEN.

Thanks for the reply.

My packet is before the board today.... I am on pins and needles.

Do you have any idea of how long it will take to hear anything?

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Specializes in ICU- adults, Flight RN peds/neo.

Howdy 66H5M,

"My packet is before the board today.... I am on pins and needles.

Do you have any idea of how long it will take to hear anything?"

I was just commissioned on April 22nd into the AR as a 66H8A (critical care rn). My packet was sent mid-Feb.08 and I was notified in the beginning of April that it was accepted. I did have a few waivers---so that held up my packet, but 2 months is not too bad really.

Now comes the "big wait" (after commission) for official papers, they say it takes up to 2 months.

Hold tight!!!:nuke:

cb

Let me know when you get to go to OBLC !

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Specializes in Emergency RN, CEN.

OlderthanD,

Wow. Welcome to the Army now hurry up and wait.:D LOL

I have a couple waivers in my packet also. I hope it does'nt take 2 more months to hear yea or nay. I have been "in process" for 8 months already.

Congrats on your commission BTW. Capt?

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Specializes in Emergency RN, CEN.

oops erase, erase.

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