VA Emplyment process

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Okay so I completed my pre employment physical for the VA on the 17th of this month. Anyone know how long it should take to hear something back. I talked to the health occupations dept. and they said my physical did clear. Im starting to get nervous. Everyone at the VA hospital where I did my physical were saying how lucky I was to work for the VA, congrats, and welcome so I thought I was in, yet I was told not to quit my job by the health occupations manager who also shook my hand and welcomed me to the VA hospital?!? Im confused.:cry: Anyone been through this process and didnt get hired? Also the nurse recruiter mentioned going before a board. Anyone know what this process consists of? Thanks a lot

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Specializes in A myriad of specialties.

I've NOT been through the VA employment application process but had a fellow LPN friend who went through it. BE PATIENT. It's a long process...or at least it was for him. It was several MONTHS after being offered the job that he was finally contacted with a start date. Apparently this is a common occurrence. Good luck!

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Specializes in ICU.

I'm a VA nurse. The hiring process can be quite lengthy. "Boarding" is the process in which your nurse manager presents your credentials and they determine your official level/step, which then dictates your pay. (I did not have to appear before boards, but you should submit resume, transcripts, etc.) You get "points" for certain things, like ADN/BSN, previous degrees/GPA, previous experience with the VA, nursing shortages in your area, etc, etc. To give you an idea, I started as a nurse intern in June, 2008. Graduated from nursing school in December, 2008. Worked as a graduate nurse from December-February, 2009. Got my RN in February, 2009. Wasn't boarded until April, 2009, but I got pack-pay for my new level/step increase.

It has been worth the red tape, for me. I love my job, love my co-workers, and LOVE taking care of Vets. It's a very special place to work.

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Specializes in Critcal Care.

I agree with all these replies. I'm a VA nurse. I remember starting my process in November, and I wasn't presented with a formal contract until April of the next year. You might have to work PRN somewhere else while you wait. I also love my job and think that the wait is worth it. DO NOT QUIT your job until you have a formal letter from Human Resources stating your start date and your salary. Of course, this is just good practice with any job. Good luck.

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