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Usajobs is the only way!

Honestly I’m not sure how my commander pulled off getting a slot he must have had connections or something. 2 of us somehow ended up going.

Turned my fingerprints In for a DoD job about 3 months ago... still waiting.

From the retirement standpoint the VA is 3 tier. So with less hours = decrease in TSP/% of match and your contributions. Lower high 3 salary number as well. Could be substantial but doesn’t seem to be too bad.

Be sure to speak to an AMEDD recruiter. As someone above said a regular recruiter will try to scoop you up. From my experience in the reserves there is very little to no new nursing skills learned. You direct commission with the skills of an RN. GL!

That’s a very good question. It all depends on the VA. They could slide you into a RN slot afterwards and they may not. I encourage you to keep your eyes open for openings while you are working there and applying for them. I wouldn’t leave it up to HR. Communication with your nurse manager is important. They will be able to know if your position or you will be needed. GL!

So I think your time in service is fine. What is your date of rank? I made CPT in OCT’15 and I’ll be below the zone this year. CPT to MAJ longer then 3 years. Let me know if you have any questions!

Lots of good info above! I was fortunate to attend the CC/EN course in 2018 as a reservist which is super rare. We had a class of 30 at the start. They have like 4 courses per year. Course was very difficult but I learned a ton. Goodluck!

Long term PACT nurse here. Have to agree with djmatte the best candidate is who I’ve seen chosen. That could perhaps differ depending on the hiring manager.

Glad to see the efforts to join the Army Nurse Corp as well as the other branches! 9 year Army Reservist myself. Started as a 66H and got lucky to get a slot for 66T school which I completed in 2018. Literally like 90 people across the Army do this program yearly. Please if anyone has questions about going 66H to 66S/66T please don’t hesitate to ask. Someone said a recruiter guaranteed a spot that is completely untrue, it doesn’t happen. Also have experience with getting on an FRST for those interested. Don’t hesitate to reach out!

I think it was implemented as a policy to get rid of bad staff. You’ll be fine!

Pay rate is typically decided when you are boarded. This happens a few steps into the process once selected. As far as retirement the VA is a 3 tier system. Retirement pay is a combination of: 1)Social security(if still around) 2) A multiplier for how many years of service within the VA (ex 10yrs = .10), and your high 3 salary years. Multiplied by either 1 or 1.1 depending on age/time in. 3) Thrift Saving Plan/403B they match up to 4% and have a Roth option as well. I’ve been a VA nurse my whole career feel free to ask any questions!

Hi Jami, Yes I have heard of the restructuring. I’m in VISN 1. Just curious there a lot of people upset about difficulties getting there nurse 3. I’ve been on the board before. Depending on the nursing director I found some never get approved. What is your current role? I think most people overlook the fact time as a nurse does not matter as much as what position you hold.. well in addition to your masters.

So as a PACT LVN you’ll be working with a panel of patients (800-1200) your on a team with a provider, RN, and clerical person. As the LVN you basically room the patients that check in for there provider appts. Depending on how COVID affected things where you’d be working you could have up to 12 patients per day. Room the patients.. get vitals and do clinical reminders. Clinical reminders are something we do in primary care. Examples are smoking history, if they drink, depression screening etc etc. A lot of immunizations. Most PACT teams have their own team room in addition to exam rooms. This seems like a much different position then the director position you are referring to. Any other specific questions let me know! Good luck !

What nursing degree do you have? Associates or BSN? Typically at my VA after two years of work at BSN you should be in a position To make nurse 2. Did your manager help you with the best way to write your proficiency to set you up for success? Typically the nurse professional standard board meets every few weeks. If it’s been that long without an answer I would reach up the chain immediately that is unacceptable. You should be allotted time to contend if you didn’t get her nurse 2. Good luck let me know if I can be of assistance. Btw what is your current role?