VA Hiring Process

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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 ?

I'm more than ready to start! This is gonna sound silly but does anyone know if the scrubs are color coded for department or can we wear whatever? I forgot to ask. And it's probably VA specific anyway, but thought I'd throw it out there.

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hihiiihhi, I didn't think of it until yesterday. I emailed HR for dress code policy as I will be working in the office. I would just email HR to ensure you get the correct dress code.

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I'm more than ready to start! This is gonna sound silly but does anyone know if the scrubs are color coded for department or can we wear whatever? I forgot to ask. And it's probably VA specific anyway, but thought I'd throw it out there.

I wondered the same thing!! I mailed HR and was told to wear business casual on the first day....

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Specializes in Operating Room, ICU, CCRN.

Does anyone have any experience with the Medication Competency test at the VA? How difficult did you think it was? I'm great with med calculations but I'm nervous about the pharmacology portion.

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Does anyone have any experience with the Medication Competency test at the VA? How difficult did you think it was? I'm great with med calculations but I'm nervous about the pharmacology portion.

It is very easy, basic things. If I remember correctly, it's about 50 questions and I think it's only to ensure that you're a safe nurse that understands the basics vs icu drip calculations type of thing. They gave us a study guide if you still feel anxious about it.

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Specializes in Operating Room, ICU, CCRN.

Thanks so much luckyshamrock22! They gave us a study guide which was really simple but also gave me a list with about 40 meds to be familiar with (side effects/adverse reactions, drug interactions, and nursing implications/teaching, labs, etc). That's what is making me so nervous...but I feel much better now that I've heard from you. Thanks! :)

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Specializes in Operating Room, ICU, CCRN.

I'm so relieved that I passed the test but it turns out that most people fail it the first time! We were warned during orientation that it wasn't an easy test. If you max out the calculation portion it could help you achieve the required 80%. Brush up on calculations now if you need to (including drip rates). FYI, for those who are starting soon...

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Was the test mostly dosage calculations? Or were there many medication questions too? I didn't realize most ppl fail on first attempt--yikes!!

I take it Monday....

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Specializes in Operating Room, ICU, CCRN.

There were medication questions too (side effects, adverse effects, patient teaching, and. contraindications. It was about an even mix of questions...calculations vs medications. It was tougher that I initially expected. Lots of meds that I wasn't familiar with at all! Good luck!!!

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Never thought that they would do these types of test, I wonder if I am not a bedside nurse, will be reviewing charts only, would I have to do this test as well. Armytwin RN--now sure if you respond to this, have you done the Equip?? I haven't done it yet, do all the nurses have to do that I wonder?

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My impression is that everyone must go through Eqip and Vetpro.

I am also wondering about whether I will be required to take these tests if I am not at the bedside. Does anyone know?

Also, can anyone share what the first few days of general orientation are like? Thanks to all. I start next Monday.

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Specializes in Operating Room, ICU, CCRN.
Never thought that they would do these types of test I wonder if I am not a bedside nurse, will be reviewing charts only, would I have to do this test as well. Armytwin RN--now sure if you respond to this, have you done the Equip?? I haven't done it yet, do all the nurses have to do that I wonder?[/quote']

BSNRN2013-At my VA all RNs & LPN's have to take a NLN med exam. There are study guides that HR can give you I would call and ask. I didn't do Equip until about a week before I started. They sent the links for equip after I received my final offer.

The first week of orientation was a lot of introductions to the VA from all the different specialties/areas, VA policies, benefit elections, and computer access & LOTS of online training with only a few hours on the unit. During week 2 a lot more time is spent on the unit with a few detailed classes on the computerized medical records system where you would learn how to document.

Good luck guys :D

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