VA Hiring Process

Specialties Government

Published

From the previous posts I've read the VA hiring process is pretty long and drawn out. I've applied to two different VA sites. The VA an hour away from my home I can always get in contact with a nurse recruiter and my application status for two posting says "referred to selecting official." The VA closest to my home, I can't get through to the recruiter, she emailed me back once and the status of all the apps just says "application received." I do know a nurse practitioner that works at this VA site and she tried to give my resume to the recruiter, but I had to apply online.

For those of you that are familiar with the hiring process, any idea what the next step is. In all there are around 20 RN vacancies. The two systems have two completely different online application submissions, how will I know if I've completed the application process correctly, its a little confusing :(

I've been applying since I've graduated and earlier this year I found out that I was applying the wrong way so those positions don't count. These positions closed in September.

Thanks in advance ?

Specializes in Cardiology Nurse Practitioner.

They said there is a hiring freeze but there are still jobs posted on usajobs.gov... I don't believe it

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, LTC.
They said there is a hiring freeze but there are still jobs posted on usajobs.gov... I don't believe it

I'm just confused! I was done with everything and waiting to be offered a salary. When I called to check, she said she received word of the freeze!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I finally got an email from a nurse recruiter today saying I was "tentatively" selected for a position. I know nothing of a freeze but I sure hope that hasn't happened to the two jobs I applied to. I applied to both in Feb2013 and had interviews for both in mid-March. References were called for the first position the day after the interview. I had heard nothing since then until I contacted an HR person in late May who told me I was second for one job and first for the other but no add'l info was available on time frames. Thanks to this board for the encouragement to call them.

I asked the nurse recruiter this am about time frame and she said she hopes to send a letter with details late this week and that it will be a minimum of 6 weeks after she gets paperwork back from me and my references. Can anyone tell me what to expect from this point?

Also, does anyone have info about the process for establishing salary? I have an RN diploma and BA in a different field, with teaching, training, and some supervisory experience. If anyone has links to additional info, I would appreciate it. Thanks so much.

Edited to add that at this point it has been 3 months since interviews and 3 1/2 since application.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

RN1253 - I am also in the process of getting hired by the VA in Dallas. I have a tentative offer also and most of my references have been checked. I spoke with the recruiter this afternoon and did not hear anything about a hiring freeze at the VA. (I hope not with all that I have been through...)

I was also given my starting salary since I have submitted all my papers to the Nursing Board in Dallas. If you need more info on what paperwork you will need for the nursing board, you can PM me.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I don't even feel that I have a "tentative offer." :( She just wrote "tentatively selected." I can not even imagine why it takes so long. What is the holdup? Having worked in business and in the healthcare jobs I have, I would like to shadow the people involved in HR to understand their process. I know every organization has its processes and I would truly like to understand. ironjohn21, I will PM you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Ironjohn31, i have been looking as to how to PM you and can't find anything.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi everyone. This thread has given me a lot of information about the VA hiring process and was wodnering if anyone could help me with a dilemma I have.

I have been selected and am currently doing all my pre-employment paperwork. VetPro and Eqip has been sent in. Still waiting on my physical to be scheduled. On the other hand, I have just been invited to interview at another VA for their RN residency program. I don't want to lose an opportunity to work for the VA, but I don't know if I should take the interview since I've been selected for a position already. What do you guys think?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think we need to have over 10 postings before PM will work. Weird. Give me your email and I can email you.

I spoke with my recruiter again today and she reassured me that there was no hiring freeze at the VA where I am going to work. I did my physical, VetPro, background check, and all references have responded. So I am just waiting for the "official" offer sometime this week. It has been a long and frustrating process, I am thankful it's finally coming to an end (soon). Will update when I finally get the official letter of employment.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

okcool - so what's the difference with the two VA positions?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

One is in Tampa and the other is in St. Louis. One is a staff nurse position and the other is an RN residency. I just don't know if I should take the interview when I'm already doing vetpro and eqip for another facility.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
One is in Tampa and the other is in St. Louis. One is a staff nurse position and the other is an RN residency. I just don't know if I should take the interview when I'm already doing vetpro and eqip for another facility.

Personally I would probably keep your current offer. These jobs are hard to come by and once you are in the system, it would be easier for you to transfer.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Ironjohn, I just friended you on the site but still dont see a way to PM. I am hesitant to post my email for all the world to see. Ideas?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment