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.
Congratulations on getting a start date. I see from interview to start date was approximately 8 months. I'm in the process of going back into the VA system (I will post about the process once I get my final offer, in the past I added to this thread when I first went into the system). Unfortunately, after interviewing I didn't hear back for approximately 3 months; so of course I thought I didn't get the position and moved on with my life and signed a new lease. Out of the blue, I received an email with a tentative offer, I'm very happy to be heading back to the VA but I'm trying to slow down the process (ironic isn't it) since I need a few more months before my lease is up. I'm not being offered any type of incentive or relocation pay for the position so if I have to break my lease, I would have to pay to move 10 hours to the new job and pay to get out of my lease, which equals too much money.
I'm curious to know what made your process take 8 months, was it due to the VA being slow? I'm really trying to buy some time, the specialist in charge of putting my packet together is working with my as much as possible to help to delay a start date until after my lease expires. I've completed VETPRO, nothing has been verified yet so I'm sure that will help and my pre-employment physical isn't until the end of the month. I know it sounds crazy that someone is trying to slow down and already slow process, lol but they completely caught me off guard offering me the position 3 months after my interview.
Congratulations on getting a start date. I see from interview to start date was approximately 8 months. I'm in the process of going back into the VA system (I will post about the process once I get my final offer, in the past I added to this thread when I first went into the system). Unfortunately, after interviewing I didn't hear back for approximately 3 months; so of course I thought I didn't get the position and moved on with my life and signed a new lease. Out of the blue, I received an email with a tentative offer, I'm very happy to be heading back to the VA but I'm trying to slow down the process (ironic isn't it) since I need a few more months before my lease is up. I'm not being offered any type of incentive or relocation pay for the position so if I have to break my lease, I would have to pay to move 10 hours to the new job and pay to get out of my lease, which equals too much money.
I'm curious to know what made your process take 8 months, was it due to the VA being slow? I'm really trying to buy some time, the specialist in charge of putting my packet together is working with my as much as possible to help to delay a start date until after my lease expires. I've completed VETPRO, nothing has been verified yet so I'm sure that will help and my pre-employment physical isn't until the end of the month. I know it sounds crazy that someone is trying to slow down and already slow process, lol but they completely caught me off guard offering me the position 3 months after my interview.[/quote
Hi, I am not sure how to answer your question lol. I definitely did not consciously do anything to make them move so slow. They didn't even have to do a background check on me because I already had a secret clearance so that would have probably taken longer. I would have to give them all the credit for the length of time it took from interview to start date. Honesty I believe they dropped the ball on me because the guy in HR who was working on my packet disappeared(hope he is ok,I don't know what happened to him). When I called to check on my packet I was given another HR rep who finally speeded up the process. That was 2 months ago. So if I wasn't constantly checking on my packet I probably would have fallen through the cracks. I hope they will be able to work with you especially since you had to move on with your life after not hearing from them. I wish I could have given you better advice.
I applied for a VA nursing job online for the VA hospital in AR. I am moving back home to AR at the end of this month. About a week after I applied, I got a phone call from HR dept in Little Rock requesting a phone interview ( I live in VA. I did the phone interview with about 4 different people present. They called me 2 weeks later and said I was hired. They have emailed me the necessary documents that I am printing out today and faxing back to them. What else is involved in this process? They told me the pay rate and offered me the job which I accepted.
OK, you guys and gals that have been through the ringer, help me out. First, I'm getting the idea that my resume is too short, can I go back in to the application packet and add to the resume? Second, on the required forms (OF 36 and the10-2850A), I completed the forms, but could not "electronically" sign them. Do I need to fill the forms out, print off, sign and scan to my computer? Also, do I need to go ahead and have my recommendation letters ready to add to the packet? The only items that were required per the announcement were the resume, transcripts, 2850-A , OF-36, DD 214 and the forms for the ten point preference. I was a four year veteran of the Army, and I have scanned and submitted my DD 214 with my packet. Does the VA closely follow point preferences for veterans?
So many questions I know. Lastly, for those of you that are, or have been in orientation, how was the calculation and pharm exam? What happens if, God forbid, you botch this step up?
To answer a couple of your questions, I printed, hand-signed and scanned the documents. I only uploaded what was specifically requested in the announcement. At no time were letters of recommendation required (your requirements may vary). My med calc exam was easy and we were given a study guide ahead of time. There were two chances to pass (85% or better). That was my experience; other VAs may differ.
I didn't have a pharm exam. The med calc exam was not difficult and was reviewed with the group. It was not thrown at us. I had regular new employee orientation for 4 days then about 2 weeks later I had GNO (Nursing) orientation.
I had trouble electronically signing, too. I faxed the forms back.
I included letters of recommendation but I don't think you need to. My references got very detailed inquiries about me in the mail and returned them.
Can anybody tell me what kind of questions they ask at the VA? I am interviewing next week for a home based primary care RN. Your input will be highly appreciated.
iToniai
200 Posts
GoalSeeker,
Congratulations on getting a start date. I see from interview to start date was approximately 8 months. I'm in the process of going back into the VA system (I will post about the process once I get my final offer, in the past I added to this thread when I first went into the system). Unfortunately, after interviewing I didn't hear back for approximately 3 months; so of course I thought I didn't get the position and moved on with my life and signed a new lease. Out of the blue, I received an email with a tentative offer, I'm very happy to be heading back to the VA but I'm trying to slow down the process (ironic isn't it) since I need a few more months before my lease is up. I'm not being offered any type of incentive or relocation pay for the position so if I have to break my lease, I would have to pay to move 10 hours to the new job and pay to get out of my lease, which equals too much money.
I'm curious to know what made your process take 8 months, was it due to the VA being slow? I'm really trying to buy some time, the specialist in charge of putting my packet together is working with my as much as possible to help to delay a start date until after my lease expires. I've completed VETPRO, nothing has been verified yet so I'm sure that will help and my pre-employment physical isn't until the end of the month. I know it sounds crazy that someone is trying to slow down and already slow process, lol but they completely caught me off guard offering me the position 3 months after my interview.