Questions about application for the VA

See this thread:https://allnurses.com/government-military-nursing/va-hiring-process-657587.html

Thank you! Yes I've seen that thread.

Got my questions answered from a friend who'd applied with them before.

I'll try to answer everything here but you are welcome to PM me. First, going to the VA about the position is a waste of time. You can only apply through the USAJOBS - The Federal Government’s Official Jobs Site web site. Make SURE you submit EVERYTHING that applied to you in the description. This will include a copy of your transcipt - at this point it does not have to be official - most colleges you can go online and d-load a copy of your own to attach. All you need is a resume - which I guess would be the same thing as a professional biography. It can take weeks or months, to hear anything. If you are granted an interview you will provide references to the hiring manager then. If the hiring manager wants to move forth, this is where the real fun begins...you will have to have official transcripts sent to the HR dept. You will be fingerprinted and given a full physical. Once you pass this you will be given access to VETPRO. This is a background check..it takes time to complete - 1-2 hrs - and nothing can be left blank or skipped. If you haven't worked for a period of time it will ask this, ask why and who can verify you were unemployed. VETPRO also will ask for references. You have to have 3 respond so place more on the site. Depending on this getting VETPRO taken care of can take 1-2 months. After all this is completed, you will be offered the position w/salary or hourly rate. This is not discussed at the interview because the nursing board for the VA meets, looks at each nurse, experience, degrees, certifications etc and your salary is determined from there. After you are offered the job you are scheduled for orientation. It last 1-2 weeks. Shortly before orientation you will complete something called E-qip, which is very much like VETPRO but only goes back 5 years. Nurse for the VA are on probation for 2 years. Reimbursement for travel, overnight accommodations are offered to some employees depending on where you live etc. It's a LONG process and many people give up or end up taking other jobs because they can't wait. When I applied in Nov. I was interviewed in Dec. Went through the VETPRO, physical in Jan. and started in March. You can always apply, get the process rolling and if offered the position, let them know you can't start until whatever date. Don't think it would be a problem.

Thank you for the info! I started filling out my application today. Glad to know going to the VA directly isn't necessary. Guess I'm fortunate I'm not in a pinch to change jobs and can wait out the long process. It will all be worth it in the end!