pfchang

Be patient. Usually when you get to the point you're at, things will move forward. It can take several months. I'm not saying it will, but it can. Your steps have moved pretty quickly but just hang in there.

Your CNAs make more than LPNs? Wow, that is not right. Keep in mind the transition from 3 12s to 5 8s can be hard for some people. I'm an RN, not an LPN, so can't speak to pay scales, vacation and such but you will have more holidays with VA. You will also already be in at VA which may be a great thing when you finish your RN. You will have to apply for RN positions but will still have an edge. Some people think going to a clinic is the kiss of death before you have a lot of acute care RN experience. Taking the clinic job may make it harder to get an RN job in acute care when you pass boards. Sorry I cant provide a clear cut take it or not but there are lots of things to think about.

You should be fine with the offer letter and start date. My usajobs acct was never updated. But you can call the recruiter for reassurance. Congratulations.

Your question is far too vague for anyone to help. Do you have a job description?

Being a vet makes no difference in speed of hire in my facility. More likely, your HR dept has it together.

I would get on the phone asap with the recruiter. Unless you're in a costly city, the salary you noted would likely be full time w/out differentials. Thats usually hiw VA dies it.

Call the recruiter and ask. Things take forever at VA. Read back in this thread and you'll see.

Maybe she didn't object and just did it? I would resist on this.

It varies widely from VA to VA.

I am really, really happy for you! Congratulations!

As far as I know, this is not standard practice. Your salary is to be based on your responses to the Nine Dimensions of Nursing Practice document that most VAs require. I have heard of some RNs being hired without this but I would call the nurse recruiter involved in your hiring and ask. I have never heard of anyone having to submit a pay stub.

Even when you are a VA employee, it takes weeks and months to get decisions back from the board. It is a terrible process. I encourage you to appeal if they lowball you. I wish I had known to do that.

I thought it was a nation-wide push to eliminate the board but not even close to a final decision. I thought it was one of the many points that the NNU is pushing for in the new contract. But I could very well be wrong.

Hospital work is not for everyone. I have had a full career and worked med surg for 2 yrs only. Ambulatory care is great for some people. I never wanted to go back to the hospital.

I think precepting is a great example. Include your assessments of what the nurses didnt know, what your plans were to solve their knowledge deficit, and your evaluation of your efforts. I would be careful about the IV catheter example because going to Nurse 2 is all about making an impact on the unit. If your manager did the inservice, she made the impact, not you.