VA: Got the job!

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

Hey All!

So I got the job after my interview at VA Long Beach. And so begins the slow tedious process of actually finishing everything.

Sorta nervous, but we will see how it goes.

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Congrats!!!!!!!!!! :)

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Congratulations!!!!!! Keep us posted..

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Yay!!! Let us know how it goes.

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Congrats!

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Specializes in Hyperbaric Medicine and Wound Care.

I work at VALB as well. Just started in January. Good luck. Where will you be working?

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Specializes in Hyperbaric Medicine and Wound Care.

My situation is unique. I work in Hyperbaric Medicine and I'm an Air Force Vet. Because of the budget cuts I was hired through a registry so I'm not technically a VA employee. When next years budget is approved the position will move to a regular VA employee. But, I have worked for the VA before as an outside vendor, so my VetPro background was still up to date. Which meant that I didn't have to wait 3 months to start. Plus, the nurse that I replaced retired on Jan. 1st so they really needed a replacement. Luckily I was a Hyperbaric Tech before going back to nursing school, so it all worked out. I too am interested in the VA loan repayment program. And believe me, I will certainly take advantage of it when I become a bona-fide VA employee.

As to working there, keep in mind that I work in a very specialized clinic. I know from trying to get inpatients to their appts on time can be a hassle. AVOID SOUTH 8 if you can. That floor is a mad house.

I actually spent time as an inpatient at WLVA and went through their ER. Wow, what a day. Care was exceptional though and a really sharp Doc Dx'd me with an Omental Infarction about an hour before I was to go to surgery for appendix removal. Made my day, I tell you.

As to day to day stuff. Depends on how long you've been a nurse. CPRS and VISTA are your friends. Pay close attention when you go through that class. Hopefully you have some experience with EMR. It will make it much easier.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

Congrats! Never been to VA Long Beach, but VA is a great place to work, and It seems like very few people ever leave because it's so stable and offers such a great retirement plan. You will never be called off, you get 26 days paid vacation, 5% salary TSP(401k) matching, pension, uniform allowance, and more. A lot of VA employees are vets who have PTSD, so try to view things with a sense of humor, and don't take anything personally. Try to contribute 10% of your salary into your TSP. Since it's all pre-tax dollars that are put into the account, it affects your take home salary a lot less than you think.

Good luck!

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"A lot of VA employees are vets who have PTSD, so try to view things with a sense of humor, and don't take anything personally."

A lot of Veterans have a higher BS meter than the average, so try not to mistake thier sarcasm & criticism for PTSD.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

Don't get your feelings hurt

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yeeeeah, I thought I smelled poop.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Can you give any insight into the interview process with the panel? What do you think of the program now that you've been in it for a bit?

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