Natira23

Is it a requirement to be board certified as an NP yup work at the VA?

Hello!!! I am interested in joining the Army reserves and would like to know when packages are due fit the next cycle. Also, is it possible to come in as a 66C? I was told that I should come in as a 66H.

I don't think I can get PM's on here...but you can email me at [email protected] and we can exchange numbers that way...I'm excited!!! I'm currently living in Northwest Indiana right outside of Chicago...how bout you?

Me too!!! I'm geeked but nervous about this summer when we double up í ½í¸• and one of those courses is the research project...I guess it's good that we'll get it out of the way

I will be starting in January as well. I'm excited and nervous but ready!!! It's gonna be a great 1st year!!! What program are in?

Catrina387, To be honest and blunt, the inpatient psych unit has a bad reputation. There are nurses who work on the unit that are not allowed to work anywhere else in the hospital due to medical errors and other professional issues. The description I gave in my other post about blatant entitlement, refusal to do certain duties, unprofessionalism, and insubordination is what I encounter on a daily basis on this unit. There is also favoritism, lack of effective communication, etc. This unit is rarely ever fully staffed and most of the time we are short and nurses on average have about 5-7 patients, however, there have been times when there have only been 3 nurses to cover 25 patients and one of those nurses was the charge nurse. On a rare good day in terms of staffing, you can have 3-4 patients. The most I've had is about 8 or 9 which included a new admission. Charge nurses take on a full load of patients and we essentially have two units. 7 East can hold a max of 25 patients and 7 West can hold a max of 13 patients. The charge nurse already has a bunch of paperwork to do, so having a full load of patients and be responsible for the staff and patients on both units is a challenge, and there is also no differential for being charge nurse. If you are interested in the benefits and think you can handle the stress, by all means go for it. I personally do not like it and am already making plans to move out of state to another VA next year when my probation is up. (The probation period for RN's in two years) Overall the benefits are the only plus, but it's relative whether or not the benefits are worth the environment to work in. If it weren't for me being a veteran, I would quickly and gladly work somewhere else. Hope this helps.

Catrina387 Hmmm...the entire hospital structurally is nice, however, most of the staff is not. There are A LOT of staff who are very entitled and have literally told me that they are only there for the benefits and only have "x" amount of years until they retire. Countless times I've been told and heard staff members state what they will not do during report even if it's part of their job description and then threaten to leave if you don't give them the assignment that they expect, which is absolutely insane to me. There are some great people who actually value their job and want to make a difference, but they are few and far between. If you have experience and have been around this type of environment, then maybe it won't be a bother, but I would not recommend working here as a new nurse/graduate. There is also a 2 year probation period and I've been told by the union director that you can literally be fired for anything so it's best to keep your nose clean. There is also a lot of professional jealousy and people do not want to see you succeed. I have been blessed to find the "right" people to talk to and I have wonderful mentor who has helped me adjust, but I still have one more year to go. I hope this answers your questions.

Jadiva, Thanks so much!!!! I got the official email from HR right before close of business on Friday. The long wait is finally over, Thank God! I start orientation tomorrow so I'm super excited to get started. Thanks for the support :)

Ok, so here's an update on my process since my last post... I contacted HR on May 27th and was told that some of my pre-employment clearances were still pending. I sent another email yesterday which would make it two weeks later and was told that an assistant was checking on my status and that I should hear something soon. I got a phone call today from a nurse recruiter who said that she's been trying to find out what's taking HR so long to give me a start date. I expressed my gratitude and told her that I'm currently unemployed. She said that she will try to fight for me to start on Monday, but she can't guarantee anything. She's supposed to contact me tomorrow to let me know. I hope and pray that I can actually start next week. God forbid for some reason I can't, it at least feels good to know that someone is advocating for me. Keep your fingers crossed for me please

Jadiva, That's wonderful news!!!! I'm happy things worked out for you. I wish you safe travels and new beginnings!!!! I hope I hear something back soon, because the job I applied for closed on February 2nd. I did my Vetpro/EQIP on April 24th and I still don't have a start date. The wait is driving me crazy...lol

I hope everyone gets accepted and hopefully you all will hear from USA sooner rather than later. I'm very much interested in applying next year for the BSN-DNP PMHNP program but I'm apprehensive. For those that have been accepted, how hard was the application process? What's the percentage of students accepted from those that apply? What kind of students are they looking for? I'm a new BSN grad and I also have a BA in psych. I'll be working on an inpatient psych unit at the Jesse Brown VA hospital. I'm not sure if any of that will be enough to make me a strong candidate. Any information or advice will be much appreciated. Thanks

PFChang, this is the worst. Seems like I picked a VA that is slower than molasses. My nurse recruiter actually told me what my salary will be and as a new grad I will start as Nurse 1 Level 2 Step 3. The start date is the very last thing I'm waiting on!!! Seven months seems like a lifetime. I'm so sorry it took so long for you. I may need to take your advice and see what else is out there. Thanks so much for responding.

PixieRN, you are so right. I have a strong passion for inpatient psych and working with veterans so I'm very disappointed. I've been patient, but now it's getting so frustrating. My son just finished school and I need to move in less than a month. It's almost impossible to plan properly when I'm still in limbo. Thanks for responding and for the encouragement.

I am beyond frustrated!!!! I applied for an RN position at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center in Chicago on February 2nd. I had my interview on February 25th and a nurse recruiter called me on March 31st. I have since given her my transcript, 3 letters of recommendation and the 306 form. I've also submitted my VETPRO and EQIP, did my physical, fingerprinting and my references have submitted all the requested information. After all of this, I have YET to receive a start date. I called HR requesting an update and was told via email that some of my clearances are still pending. I submitted the credentialing and background stuff a month ago. How much more time do they need? I''m very disappointed and pissed off. I have gotten calls for interviews at private hospitals and I'm torn on whether or not I should pursue any of them.

Thanks for your response. I graduated with a low GPA as well and am a little apprehensive about applying for the DNP program at my alma mater because of it. I struggled due to personal and family issues which caused some problems with faculty. In order for me to be apply, I'd have to take the GRE but even if I do well, I'm worried that I may be blacklisted because of my issues with the faculty. What do you suggest?