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 Pediatrics, LTC.
So I've finally heard from my recruiter this morning and got a "final" offer for a RN position at the MICU/CCU. My start date is July 1st. One week of general hospital orientation and then Nursing Orientation afterward. I started the hiring process late March and started Vetpro and Background/Physical back in April. All-in-all, it took approximately 2.5 months from interview to the job offer. I have been actively calling the recruiter and the person in charge of Vetpro on a weekly basis (if not more...). I felt like I was being annoying but I felt that if I didn't keep asking them where I was in the process, it would have taken even longer.

I even asked them to give me the payscale for my particular hospital and they provided that to me without questions. They will not give you an idea your salary as a nurse since it's the "Board" that make that decision. Even if you have a ton of experience as a nurse but you have nothing to show for, your starting salary will suffer greatly. You need to provide the Board with as much information on your past work achievements.

I am glad this is finally over so I move forward. I hope everyone will get what they want.

Thanks for the info! Aside from your résumé and letters of reference, what other information did you provide to the Board?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
So I've finally heard from my recruiter this morning and got a "final" offer for a RN position at the MICU/CCU. My start date is July 1st. One week of general hospital orientation and then Nursing Orientation afterward. I started the hiring process late March and started Vetpro and Background/Physical back in April. All-in-all, it took approximately 2.5 months from interview to the job offer. I have been actively calling the recruiter and the person in charge of Vetpro on a weekly basis (if not more...). I felt like I was being annoying but I felt that if I didn't keep asking them where I was in the process, it would have taken even longer.

I even asked them to give me the payscale for my particular hospital and they provided that to me without questions. They will not give you an idea your salary as a nurse since it's the "Board" that make that decision. Even if you have a ton of experience as a nurse but you have nothing to show for, your starting salary will suffer greatly. You need to provide the Board with as much information on your past work achievements.

I am glad this is finally over so I move forward. I hope everyone will get what they want.

I have a interview tomorrow for a micu position. First time I have applied at the va. So they made you an offer with no salary range ? Maybe I'm reading this wrong?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Momswann, after the VA decides you are a candidate to hire, the VA tells you that you are "tentatively selected" via email, then sends you extensive paperwork on background check, your nursing experience, references, etc. After all your nursing experience is evaluated, and your background check and everything else is done, they give you a final offer with your salary. Before that as I understand it, all you have is a range which is listed with the job posting on USA Jobs. I don't know if there is a way to get a more detailed range for your city unless you know someone there. There is a big jump in salary for BSN over AD and diploma, then another jump for MSN. There are many steps in between with salary increases based on your specific experience.

My "tentatively selected" email came about 3 months after interview, then 2 more weeks to get the paperwork which I rec'd yesterday via email. Hope this helps and good luck on your interview.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I don't have a link I'm sorry it has been awhile since I used it. There is sooooo much info. out there. I just googled "nursing 4 dimensions VA boarding". I hope this is helpful. As far as what to turn in for boards in addition to that and letters of reference I would get ahold of anything that showed you were a good employee. Like award certificates or patient praise awards really anything that reflects a positive light on you. You could request copies of your employee file and anything positive like training certificates or promotions I would probably include. It can't hurt right? I just started my orientation this week and everyone is so nice and positive. They are so organized and timely with orientation and every single presenter has said how much they love their jobs. You can tell it is genuine. I can't wait to be part of this team. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

My experience has been pretty different than what I'm reading here....I applied online and was called for an interview with the unit nurse manager shortly there after. Within a week after the interview, the nurse manager called and checked my references. Today, the nurse recruiter called and offered me the job and told me what my starting salary will be. She said it's a tentative offer, and that I still need to pass the background checks, physical and credentialing. She said that unless something major comes up--passing all of this should be no problem. She also said this part of the process can take a while, so don't resign from my current position just yet.

From application to initial offer has been approximately 1 month.

I don't know what credentialing is...but I'm suppose to hear from the recruiting assistant within the next 2 days to get the physical scheduled. I was instructed to call back if I've not heard from the assistant within 3 days.

I don't know what lies ahead exactly--but so far, my process has been a little bit different. The offer is for an inpatient palliative care RN position :)

VERY EXCITED!! :) :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, LTC.
My experience has been pretty different than what I'm reading here....I applied online and was called for an interview with the unit nurse manager shortly there after. Within a week after the interview, the nurse manager called and checked my references. Today, the nurse recruiter called and offered me the job and told me what my starting salary will be. She said it's a tentative offer, and that I still need to pass the background checks, physical and credentialing. She said that unless something major comes up--passing all of this should be no problem. She also said this part of the process can take a while, so don't resign from my current position just yet.

From application to initial offer has been approximately 1 month.

I don't know what credentialing is...but I'm suppose to hear from the recruiting assistant within the next 2 days to get the physical scheduled. I was instructed to call back if I've not heard from the assistant within 3 days.

I don't know what lies ahead exactly--but so far, my process has been a little bit different. The offer is for an inpatient palliative care RN position :)

VERY EXCITED!! :) :)

It's moving fast for you!! Congrats!! Which hospital?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

So reading all the posts there's a bit more to the process, and yes is working for the VA an awesome opportunity- without a doubt! But, the process can give you an ulcer!! So, I applied for the position in Jan 2013, they called for the interview May 2013 which I passed and went to the next phase, here it is July and I'm still awaiting the offer letter pending all the approvals. So lets go through the process:

1.Fill out the computer application AND do THEIR resume builder because even though it LETS you upload your own personal resume DON'T. They need more information than your personal resume provides so fill out theirs.

2.Uploading documents: you will need to download some forms to fill out then scan to your computer signed

a. OF-306 b.OPM1203fx c. 10-2850a

Now these are easy to find on the VA site or google. Fill these out and then upload.

If you are a dependent/retired you get a 10pt pref (that they either follow or don't) so fill out the SF-15 and provide PROOF(uploaded) DD214, VA letter, disability letter, etc.

SF-50 is a form if you are currently employed there, so don't freak out about it if you don't have it

3. Upload: all the above AND cover letter (put the job announcement on it), last 2 evaluations (if you have copies), 3 rec letters (one from your current boss) AND make sure they are within 3 months, copy of unofficial transcripts, LICs (RN), Certs (ACLS, BLS, PALS)

4. condense documents as they only give you 10 spots to upload and size matters so like only 3 1-page documents to a file

5. Interview: It's a panel (PBI) so they fire questions at you and want to hear "stories" that highlight your experience. Be honest but choose ones that aren't questionable as to your role. Blow your own horn here, but make them short enough, there's 10ish questions (situational) and you have roughly 15mins to get through it all. Hint: situation, action, outcome. Have questions prepared for them at the end (even though you know the answers to them), this shows them you took the time to research the benefits, perks, institution, etc.

So now you pass the interview, then they give you access to the e-QIP system and you fill out forms there that correspond to your resume (once to fill this out and finalize you cannot return to it so read carefully). Then VETPRO forms that they send you to fill, sign, return. THEN- 3 forms (inquiry concerning applicant for employment) you must have filled out/signed by your 3 refs so make sure they keep in touch. Then e-QIP will send out background letters (character ones) to your 3 people that you said know you well to fill out, sign, return PLUS send out forms to your employers for the last 5 consecutive years to fill out, sign, return. If you're a new grad(basically) and have only had 1-2 nursing jobs in the past 2 years like me I included my schooling (18 months) and the time looking for a job (18 months, my home address) they will send you one to fill out lol! I filled it out but noted that I was unemployed and that I was not my employer. The system will not let you continue unless it's consecutive years so keep that in mind. Then you have the physical (standard ht,wt,eye test, blood work, urine), finger printing, photo ID. So then after ALL THAT.. you wait until HR calls you (which I'm doing right now) and then with a little luck you're in!! Congrats!!

HUGE TIP: when you rewrite your resume (the one you make searchable) after doing THEIR builder, EVERY JOB you apply for change the wording a bit (but DON'T lie) to match the announcement so that the computer picks up those key words. Otherwise you WILL NOT get any farther than the computer and your application will not get sent to the recruiter to pass on. Also each time you edit a resume name it for the job you apply for and only make one resume searchable at a time. So keep in mind that when you pass the interview that all the above STILL needs to take time (you know how fast the govt' moves), if you want to quit your job after you're in the next phases don't unless you can afford to take the time off. Good luck! I hope this helped some of you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I've done my vetpro and all my references sent their packets back. I got my physical and fingerprints next week. They have not mentioned the e-qip is it mandatory or is it for certain positions? The process takes patience for sure, I know my records are good but my job knows I am leaving, which is awkward. I just wish I had an idea, good luck to all in the process.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I thought that EQIP and VetPro were both needed for all positions. I would check by emailing or calling your recruiter. Mine has been quick to respond to questions. Everything else has taken forever. I've got everything done and I'm waiting.....

Up Vote Up Vote ×

So I have my physical scheduled and just got all the paperwork in the mail. When filling out the form for the the nursing dimensions, do we need to provide supporting documentation? It basically says to provide examples. Any suggestions? Of course, I want to get the highest salary possible.... :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I didn't provide any supporting documentation except for reference letters and work evaluations. I did give examples and probably too much detail but I wanted to maximize the salary, too!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Does anyone know if they contact your references by mail or by email? My recruiter and credentialing people said to be certain I put down correct email addresses for my references. So, I'm hoping the contact is that way--email is much faster...

Also, I didn't realize they contacted my current employer. I thought they only contact the references listed. Ugh--I guess I'll have to deal with that soon....

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment