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.
Huh....ok. I had so many people telling me that it was the norm. Not prior to hiring, but during orientation, sometime during the first week or so. I was just hired for one of the medical centers, but not for floor nursing.
How long have you been there? Is your orientation over?
How long have you been there? Is your orientation over?
I'm still on orientation. Technically just got done with my second week (started on the floor this past Wednesday).
Haven't heard any mention of any exam, and I finished all my online orientation stuff. But there were some people in my orientation class who were starting on med-surg floors (I'm on hospice) that had more online training stuff than I did; they might have had to do one. Maybe it depends on the floor...?
I'm just going to share my current experience with the VA process. I started the VA process in Med Surg. The job closed on 11/05, got an interview on 11/26, got a tentative offer on 12/03, had physical, blood draw, and finger prints on 12/09, finished VET PRO on 12/12. Now I'm just anxiously waiting for my references to return paperwork, who is a heavy amount for a current and ex - boss to complete.
I'm still on orientation. Technically just got done with my second week (started on the floor this past Wednesday).
Haven't heard any mention of any exam, and I finished all my online orientation stuff. But there were some people in my orientation class who were starting on med-surg floors (I'm on hospice) that had more online training stuff than I did; they might have had to do one. Maybe it depends on the floor...?
Just confirmed with HR that part of the nursing orientation was to have a med calculations exam. So I guess the answer is to expect it!
I worked for the VA on a med/surg floor. There were only 2 new graduates on my floor and 1 of them was a former LPN, who transferred from in-house clinic. From my understanding they normally don't hire new graduates with no experience. However, certain VA's have a nurse residency program (there is one advertised right now for the Decatur, GA area) and do hire new nurses into the program. Even though you might not have the experience you should still apply, you might just land a job there. And just an FYI, I don't think the VA considers preference points when hiring title 38 employees (nurses).
thanks so much for the reply! it gives me hope! i understand as a new grad i do not hold any prior paid experience but i am ready to begin my nursing career! i am hopeful that they will call me back.
I'm a new grad who just started at the VA. In my orientation, I was told the previous orientation class had 7 new grads. So it is possible! Apply for any position you're interested in as long as it doesn't have a required experience (even then, you can always take a chance & go for those too! Worth a shot!) Good luck!
thats awesome! and very encouraging. i hope the odds are the same living in california haha :)
RNsRWe, ASN, RN
3 Articles; 10,428 Posts
Does anyone know if the same pharmacology exam is given to every RN hire, regardless of placement/job? Or is it for floor nursing only?