Signs you got the job. VA interview 2018

[nursefromcali]

Hello. Just want to share my experience in VA.

So I've been applying in VA hospitals here California in different cities ( North to South) since September 2017.

I attended a job fair one time in South CA VA last December 2017. I got on the spot interview with HR I think and she said she'll contact the nursin managers? But no luck after all. I did not hear anything from them even I followed up with thank you email etc.

So this 2018 still applying and applying and finally one day. It was last week Thursday 3/2 I got a call from VA which 2.30 away from our home they said they saw my application/resume online. And leave a voicemail saying, they want a interview on Monday 3/5 it was a Ambulatory RN position. So I called and they told me what should I bring and ime of interview. AFTER 4 hours. They called back and cancelled it. Because they said in my resume I only have LVN experience which is 5 years tho I applied in RN position so just wondering how come they cancelled it right? So I was like okay thank you for cancelling it. So MOVING ON!

Friday morning 3/3 I sent an email to the nurse manager who cancelled my interview. And I said thank you for reviewing my application etc blah blah and to consider me if the position is not filed yet. SO!!!!!!!!!!! Friday afternoon same VA called but different Unit. They arranged an inteview for Monday which is today 3/5. It was a Geriatric Unt. So I feel confident coz I work in a SNF post acute and acute rehab.

So this VA ask my copy of BLS, RN lic, Copy of TOR and 3 Prof. Ref. Interview day. So I give it to them, even a letter recommendation for my current supervisor. I was so on time. And thinking this is my 2nd chance from interview they cancelled right? Interview was 3 nursing manager panel and mostly situational and extensive questions, they want example and experiences. I feel like the inteview was so good coz I can feel and see to their face. So after closing remarks, one the nurse manager noticed that I have no RN exp and ask me why LVN only. So I explained myself blah blah. And they be like "Oh new grad RN? Hmm. Okay will forward you to nursing recuiter to find you a new grad program but email this blah blah after works if no response yet from us. Tho, you are qualified, we're looking for suitability. Blah blah. We contact you in 3-4 weeks."

I was like in my mind, "What!!!!!!!!" Idk why but I feel like I did not get the job. And in my mind why they bother to call me without reading my resume? why the whole time of interview did not ask why no RN exp? My heart is so crying. Coz I feel like I'm not gonna get the job

Can you guys explain why VA is like this??

[Sour Lemon]

Did the positions specify an amount of experience required? That's the only reason I can think of why they might have assumed you had that amount of RN experience. If it's not that, I've no clue. Seems like a huge waste of everyone's time.

[TriciaJ, RN]

Sounds like the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing. Typical bureaucracy. Since this keeps coming up you might want to put in your cover letter that you have extensive LVN experience and are hoping to gain RN experience, in case they miss that. Check for new grad job postings and next time you speak with a recruiter or whomever, mention up front that all your previous experience is as an LVN.

Since this always seems to be an issue after the fact, might as well try to prevent them from wasting any more of your time unless they actually have a job for you. Good luck. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

[twinmommy+2, ADN, BSN, MSN]

The VA is like this because the VA is a large beurocracy and gets the wires crossed frequently. I know for my unit they normally only post for jobs that require over 1 year ER experience and we've been able to get that until recently. In the last few weeks we are concidering a new graduate. So I can see where another unit is coming from but that nurse recruiter should never have sent your resume to that manager. They dropped the ball. Keep trying though. It took me three interviews to get in here so it does take a long time.

I think what I'm trying to say is that if a unit can get someone with experience they will take that one over a new grad I think.

[Crush]

It does take time to get into any government position for nursing. It seems from what you said, there may be some confusion as to your experience. As evidenced by them seeming not to be aware your 5 yrs nursing experience is as a LPN/LVN. Perhaps tweaking your resume to reflect the new grad RN with 5 yrs LPN/LVN experience might help? Save time for all involved.

I have a friend who interviewed with the VA a few years ago and was really upset afterwards thinking she did not get the job. She said they did not seem interested and felt it went poorly. Next day she had a formal letter with a job offer.