PMHNP Residency Programs at the VA

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Specializes in emergency department.

I am currently a nurse at the VA in San Diego. I'm In PMHNP school. I would absolutely love to be accepted into a residency program through any VA that would offer me a position. Unfortunately, the application process isn't streamlined. Each application has to be submitted separately. Do any of you have experience applying to the VA programs?  How competitive these programs, and what the program directors are looking for? I would absolutely apply to each and every one until I got the chance to get the experience, but I don't know how practical that is. 

Thanks!

Gage

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Specializes in Psych/Mental Health.

They are competitive because there are only maybe 2-3 spots in each program, and these spots are sometimes filled by the NP programs they are affiliated with.

I only applied to the one VA that's affiliated with my school. The program looks for people who want to work with the veterans population, and to a lesser extent interest in research or projects. Be sure to write excellent essays and fully prepare the people who will write your letters of recommendation.

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Specializes in emergency department.

Yeah. Thanks for the response. That's what I was thinking. It's probably the same with the residency programs through universities. And while I'm not sure that all the VA programs are affiliated with a school, I'm sure they are looking for candidates who are committed to serving the geographical area where the program is. Even if I were to give them a verbal commitment that I would stick around for awhile after the completion of the program, I'm not sure that would be very helpful. My foremost concern is preparedness and competence. I want to provide excellent care. I graduate May 2022. While I do have a verbal offer at a VA hospital in a small very nice town, I don't think I'll have much guidance there. It's great to keep my VA benefits and have the support of a large organization, but I'm concerned that I will not be serving my patients well until I have more preceptorship. I appreciate your input. 

Cheers! 

 

 

 

 

 

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