dianacs

I am generally called by my first name, as it is my personal preference. Though my workplace is fairly relaxed, my colleagues and I do sometimes call one another "Mr." "Ms." "Dr." etc. when communicating in relatively more formal settings; i.e. presentations, meetings, certain emails, etc. I introduce my self by my first name and last name to patients, and tell them I am ok with being called by my first name. It's very rare that a patient asks about my educational background, but those that have understand and do not confuse me with an MD.

I have a PhD and am part of a home-based primary care multidisciplinary team. We see mainly older adults with multiple chronic conditions who are at risk of frequent ED visits/hospitalizations. My role is an interesting mix of case management and direct patient care. A PhD is not a requirement but I have found it immensely useful. I also have the opportunity to do side projects if I want. I went into this position immediately after finishing my PhD. I found that I really missed patient care!

FYI: Hospital at Home

I have a PhD and work in a clinical setting. (I am not an NP.) In my case, the focus of my dissertation is quite applicable to the patient population. There are opportunities for me at my current job to conduct research should I wish, although I'm focused on direct patient care at the moment. When interviewing, I emphasized that the clinical setting is where I want to be. Not to mention that if I had wanted an academic position, I could have done so relatively easily as there are numerous nursing schools around here. I was actively seeking a clinical position and made this clear in cover letters, interviews, etc. Yes it's a little unconventional for a PhD but so what?

I'm a youngish hag with a PhD.

To answer a couple of your questions, I printed, hand-signed and scanned the documents. I only uploaded what was specifically requested in the announcement. At no time were letters of recommendation required (your requirements may vary). My med calc exam was easy and we were given a study guide ahead of time. There were two chances to pass (85% or better). That was my experience; other VAs may differ.

I did not have to write anything like this. I asked if something like this would be needed and it was not. This was at the point where all my documents and background checks were completed and ready for submission to the nursing board--not prior to the interview. If you are asked to interview, then the PBI website will be most helpful. Good luck.

I got a phone call, followed by an email. Good luck!

Hooray, I finally received my formal offer! I start next month. It will have been 5 months from application to start date.

Actually, I once had a manager who did this with staff. Just a little handwritten note--not a letter--but I sure appreciated receiving one!

Hoping this is the week I hear something definite! Anyone else have anything new to share?

Update: My file should (fingers crossed) be going to the board next week. Even accounting for Thanksgiving (and other holidays), perhaps I will start this year after all.

Nice!

Nothing really new here. Last week a couple of my references received a form to fill out and they both sent it back. However, there are several other references who as far as I know haven't been contacted yet. I suspect the shutdown delayed the background check some. It's going on 3 months since I started the whole process. Not a long time, I know; I'm just impatient.

Me too...completed physical and fingerprinting this week, so at least something was happening!

Jumping in here...lots of waiting, isn't it? Received a tentative offer 2.5 weeks ago, completed Vetpro and Eqip 2 weeks ago. Scheduled for physical and fingerprinting next week. I wouldn't mind the wait so much if I knew everything would turn out fine and I would be able to start at some point. I don't like this limbo, but what can you do?

Why not? Like yourself, I found it only enhanced my practice (have since moved on to other endeavors). That's great that your hospital's clinical ladder recognizes this achievement.

Look at the problem-based interviewing material on the VA website. Many of the questions I was asked were in this format and preparing ahead of time was very helpful.

I did in fact receive a tentative offer today. Whew!

Interviewed almost 3 weeks ago, still waiting to hear back. I realize that this not necessarily a long wait, but perhaps there is a delay due to issues surrounding a potential government shutdown.

Glad to see this thread! Just wanted to say that yes, nursing and being an HSP are very compatible! You will find ways to make it work for you, HSPs have many strengths!

Where I work there are charge stickers on the bags of IV fluids.

I have an MSN in nursing education--those science courses were not part of my program. This was a positive for me in that those credits were devoted to additional education courses. And yes, some of them were quite challenging.

I am working on it now.

Another question you may have to answer along the way is--given your desire to enter a BSN to PhD program ASAP--why nursing as your chosen discipline? It seems that clinical practice is only a secondary consideration for you at this time. Why not another discipline such as public health, for example? What is it about the nursing discipline that provides the framework for your long-term goals? I myself am not disagreeing with your plan or your goals--but you may need to be prepared to answer these questions down the road. Good luck to you.