The uniform allowance I know is given to nurses that work the floor and also the "CBOCs" but I don't know about CM but ask.
The orientation is 2 weeks of general, the 3rd week is nursing orientation which you may be required to attend all or some, after that will be whatever orientation is specific to your job and that may not be where you will be actually working. For instance, where I worked a nurse was hired to work mental health (outpatient clinic), she had 2 weeks of general orientation, 1 week of nursing, then 3 weeks to her job - all 90 miles one way - (I think I said 70 in an earlier post but it's 90 miles from where we worked to the main hospital where everything takes place). She was not aware of this until AFTER she accepted the position and quit her other job so she had no choice - she was also a single parent so she had to drive it every day. The orientation is LONG and getting payroll, computer access, badges etc is a PAIN. It took HOURS to get simple small things done. So be prepared. Also, if there is an uptown division and a downtown division as some VA's have, you may go back and forth on the same day for things. It's not like orientation at a private hospital. You will still get mileage and meals - or should - so ask HR upfront about that - you will have to submit for it after it's all over and again it will take weeks to get it approved/paid and you will need to check on the status weekly. As far as a hotel, I don't think they will pay for one that close to the facility but you can ask.
You should hit mid to high 80's on salary. I can't imagine you wouldn't. I made a little over 94K but between taxes and the mandatory retirement I came out about what I was making when I worked another job at less a salary. Overall, for me, the VA was just not worth the constant stress - even for the money - it was way different that any other place I worked and after the last time I knew for sure I wouldn't go back. But again, your experience may end up being vastly different.
