79Tango

10 business days= 3 weeks in VA time. I would not stress too much considering you currently have a job. I have seen people called for interviews 2 months after the application cut-off and I have also seen jobs close on a Friday night and open back up on Monday morning so dont believe everything off the job postings. Since you are prior service you will understand better than anyone the term "Hurry up & Wait". Again, since you are currently working, try to follow-up at the 10 day mark and let them know you are still interested. Take solace in the fact that you are not one of the applicants who needs this process to happen tommorow so they can put food on the table.

Whatever you can negotiate with the new job!

#5) Dont let any of the lower Enlisted get away without rendering a proper salute (and greeting of the day). Tell them "I want to hear it snap!

You would think that a company that gives up front housing money for deposits (instead of sending it to the landlord or setting it up directly), sign on/completion bonuses and $1000 for screwing over errr signing up thier friends, they wouldnt need to come on here and do all that. The word of mouth alone would keep them busy. "They always forward me money for housing when I need it up front to put a deposit down on a hotel or in an apartment, and have helped me out by getting me sign on/completion bonuses. If I ever need someone's help the President of the company takes phone calls all hours of the night too. Payroll is always on time as long as I send in my time sheet. They gave me $1000 for getting my friend to travel with me." Word to the wise people-- If someone is offering you a bonus, let the red flags rise! Not saying they dont happen, just saying it might be better for you to have them bump up your hourly pay or perdiem instead. That way you are not stuck somewhere holding out for a bonus that may or may not happen.

The options are limited in both places. Kayenta and Chinle both have low cost Govt housing onsite but they are typically full and have a waiting list (you should be able to call around and ask about the waiting list). The alternatives in Chinle are either the Thunderbird Lodge or Best Western both expensive alternatives. There is a mobile home park in Kayenta that has rentals available from time to time but it is pretty rough going. Not sure what part of the country you are in but I would try to get out there for a site visit or at least try to start out as a traveler so you can check it out before diving into the deep end.

I am a veteran who knows a little about the VA hiring process. Most of the time references are mailed out unless they are in a hurry or expediting the process which could mean the forms are emailed out, then mailed back. Typically the longest part of the process is waiting for your references to check thier mail, fill out the form, then mail it back. You may tell them to keep a copy of the reference they fill out and email/fax you a copy so you can help move things along and insure nothing gets lost in the VA mail system. As far as fingerprints and physicals, most of the time, they should be able to arrange a "courtesy print" and some of the time they should be able to do a "courtesy physical" but typically the prints are done first as part of the background process. If they extend you and offer and start talking about fingerprints, you can help the process along by asking for the SOI/SON number of the facility you will be working, and asking if they have a problem with you calling your local VA and setting up a courtesy print with thier SOI/SON information. As far as 10pt Veteran's Preference, of course you should list it, however the jury is still out on if it really increases your chances with a job. The only times I have ever seen hiring preference is when the candidate has recent VA experience and already in the VetPro system, which is tough because the only way to get that is working for them!

VetPro & Equip both will not accept employment gaps of over 30 days, meaning you just need to account for the time and provide someone that can verify what you were doing. If you were unemployed for 5months, you will list Dec 2012- Present, "Unemployed", it should provide a field where you type in "someone who can verify" what you were doing. They frown on using family members but in some instances that is hard to avoid.

Where are you currently supplying nurses and how much do you pay?

Alot of the VetPro and EQuip process depends on how bad the need is and if you are going perm or contractor. There are a few locations that will actually expedite the process and can go from interview to start in to 2-4 weeks (which is lightening fast for the VA). One of my old travel companies is recruiting like crazy for the VA in Houston right now. I have been getting calls talking about 17 new openings and expedited credentials. I have previous experience at the Long Beach VA and that hiring process was a tough thing to go through. Wait until you think you are all done and they throw the TMS training (that takes 2 hours) at you!

Have you thought about starting out as a contractor or traveler? There is a VA in TX that is hiring 17 RNs for contract work in ICU, MedSurg and Pacu.. I have been getting hit up 2x day and they are saying expedited VetPro and Quip. There is also a facility in MN looking for ER and PACU. You might think about going that route, it is really hard to get hired off the streets and contractors are usually the first to be offered the perm jobs when they open.

I would advise staying away from drive thru Pharmacies as well. Wait until you hear all of your info blasted through a loud speaker. Not only do the cars behind you hear everything but anybody at the fast food place next door gets to hear too. I always the some junky could just hide in the alley and wait for the right prescription to be called, then jump out and car jack somebody. OP--Are we going to find out the embarrassing medication or what? Cmon, inquiring minds wanna know!

Ive never heard of CasePro but that sounds about right for being a miltary contract. Companies come and go but the needs remain plus if the company does lose the contract your husband can apply for a GS position and maybe get some preference. As for your finances, that is not a big deal, unless you owe back taxes and even then you just have to prove you have made payment arrangements. Be prepared for a long hiring process (3-6 months).

LT, I think by now it has been established to just show up in PT's and go with the flow. Being that you are brand new with 0 time in service (TOS) there will not bbe alot of expectation out of you. As for the soldiers mentality towards you, alot of that depends on the unit. If you are going to a combat arms unit you best be squared away.. Med Commmand, not so much. Just make sure everyone renders the proper salute, and I do mean everybody! You need to set the tone immediately and they need to show you respect!

Im pretty sure you have to buy it but they may just give you one.. Also make sure you study for the Whiz Quiz that is often administered in the PT uniform!

I would just show up in PT's and play dumb.. I doubt they are expecting anything more than you being at the right place at the right time. You should be able to contact your first line leader and try to meet them 15min before 1st formation.. Truthfully your first line leader should be making contact with you but dont stress it. Show up a little early and follow the crowd. Maybe bring in some dougnuts on Sunday.

Who is paying for your housing and how much does it cost?

Of course you have the right to back out of the contract. You can back out at anytime for any reason, as they can back out at anytime for any reason. If they booked you an extended stay, big deal, they can cancel it.

Id rather be pigeon-holed, than Corn-holed, which could happen if you wait 2 years to join.

Is the $84/week insurance for both you and your husband or just you? If its for both of you that's cheap! If its just you, thats about right and about the same as a private policy. Not that its anybody's business, but be careful about leasing out your home and taking advantage of the tax-free stipends. You will need a home address to qualify.

1)Giving 2 weeks notice is the professional thing to do. Since you are still in orientation they will most likely have you "turn in your stuff" and not waste anymore time/money. 2)There is no reason to put your feelings of chaotic, cluttered or anything else in the letter, that is what exit interviews are for (if they do them). You will want to keep it short and sweet. "I apreciate the opportunity, however this will serve as my 2-week notice"

Patrick, I am surprised your prior VA experience didnt help you. Even if it was RN experience, the fact that you worked there means you went through the VetPro credentialing, maybe even Equip. Having those 2 things is what speeds up your hiring process and gets you faster consideration. Of course being an NP mightve hurt as some VA's are PA only, while others are NP only.

Im sure you are ****** but you might want to let this one go. It is a strong possibilty the hospital fired you & the staffing company is choosing to just employ you somewhere else. Ive seen people fired and reported for what you described.. I guess it depends on how "she wrote them in for you." Either way, if your company is still willing to work with you it might not be a good to cause problems for them.

Nothing in the world is free Ben.. Whats the catch, $40/HR jobs, crappy facilities, sorry housing?? How many contracts have you worked for Barton Associates?

It probably depends on how many hours you total for the month. If you are close to 160 you should be fine.

There are a bunch of Indian Health Service assignments in South Dakota and Montana. You should have no problem finding an ER job out there and the nice thing is they will take ANY state license. Ive known a couple people that have worked these assignments. They are rural and remote and the housing is typically a hotel or shared Govt housing if its available (most of the time its not).