momswann

I love it! Pm me if you have specific questions

HI all. I recently took a job at a local VA hospital. I've been shocked and dismayed at some of the "goings on" that happen. Our union seems to protect employees that take advantage of union rules. For example, it is ok to show up two hours late because somewhere in the union rules, you have 2 hours before being considered tardy. Now I recognize that many of these rules are written for a non hospital working environment, but as you can imagine, these rules do not apply well to a hospital. Also, calling in sick during the holidays seems to have no ramifications either. Does anyone have any feedback or insight into this? What has your experience with the federal government union been like? Do employees (read: nurses) take advantage of these rules? I have found that it is demoralizing for those nurses that do not take advantage.... Thanks!

Wow, I'm a BSN with 3 years of experience and didn't get step 3.

HI all. I just started at the VA and am wondering what types of tuition reimbursement/scholarships they offer nurses that are interested in doing a MSN. Does anyone know? Thanks!

I interviewed in June, got a tentative offer in July, filled out eqip, vetpro etc, and finally received a "hard" offer, with salary in September. Started Oct 21. :)

Thanks, jeckrn!

I posted this under the VA hiring process as well--- Hi all. Got my offer of my base salary. I asked for the weekend to think it over. I can't afford to take a pay cut, so I'm trying to be sure I understand all of the variables. If anyone has answers to the following questions, I'd be very appreciative. I understand you get paid for all federal holidays, whether you work them or not. Do you get paid for 8 hours or your normal shift of 12? The health benefit options are overwhelming and costs vary significantly. Do most people just choose the Blue Cross option for a standard family plan? We have a child with medical needs, so this is important to us. I will be working EOW, and I think the shift diff for that is .25 X base hourly rate....does that seem right? Also, how easy is it to pick up OT, or do you think that varies per facility? I'm currently in a salaried position at 40 hours per week. I enjoy my job, but our company was recently purchased and I don't like the change in corporate culture. I'm not super keen on going back to bedside, but would do so in the hopes that I could eventually move to something else. Does anyone know what the transfer policy is? i.e. how long do you have to stay on a unit prior to transfer. Thanks and sorry for my endless questions !!!

Hi all. Got my offer of my base salary. I asked for the weekend to think it over. I can't afford to take a pay cut, so I'm trying to be sure I understand all of the variables. If anyone has answers to the following questions, I'd be very appreciative. I understand you get paid for all federal holidays, whether you work them or not. Do you get paid for 8 hours or your normal shift of 12? The health benefit options are overwhelming and costs vary significantly. Do most people just choose the Blue Cross option for a standard family plan? We have a child with medical needs, so this is important to us. I will be working EOW, and I think the shift diff for that is .25 X base hourly rate....does that seem right? Also, how easy is it to pick up OT, or do you think that varies per facility? I'm currently in a salaried position at 40 hours per week. I enjoy my job, but our company was recently purchased and I don't like the change in corporate culture. I'm not super keen on going back to bedside, but would do so in the hopes that I could eventually move to something else. Does anyone know what the transfer policy is? i.e. how long do you have to stay on a unit prior to transfer. Thanks and sorry for my endless questions !!! J

I've been told by my HR rep that I should be getting my offer within the next few days. I hope it's a good offer.

I was interviewed late June, offered a tentative position in early July, have done my vetpro, physical and dimensions...still haven't heard anything.

I used A Case Managers Study Guide by Fattorusso. That's the only book i used. I also bought the CCMC test the week before the exam. I liked the book, some of the test questions from Fattorusso's book were worded poorly, but I still learned the material.

I approached the CCM a lot like I approached the NCLEX...there's no way you can know all of the answers, but often you can take an educated guess at the right answer. A lot of theory questions, which are mostly common sense, like who is the CM's primary responsibility, etc etc. Good luck on the exam!!

Congrats! I was told by my credentialing rep that my stuff would be going to the nursing board "soon". But I feel like getting any information has been like pulling teeth.

Just took the test and got a preliminary pass. Didn't think the test was difficult, but there were a few poorly worded questions that gave me some anxiety. All in all, I went back and reviewed 40 questions, changed 2 answers and was done with the test in one hour and 15.

Did vetpro ask for your transcripts? I was never asked for them, so now Im confused. :)