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.
The link that ORSuite posted above is what I used to prepare and my interview questions were taken from there. I would suggest thinking about many of the questions and coming up with answers to them ahead of time. I wrote down examples and took them in with me. It can be very hard to think of examples of situations you handled when you are on the spot in an interview. Good luck.
HI All-- I am smack dab in the middle of the hiring process with the local VA hosp at RN. I find myself struggling with the Qualifications Questionaire---been a RN for 29yrs so just how much info/examples are required--have heard that this is how they determin your pay so it is improtant--does anyone have examples etc? Sure could help me get this all going--thanks in advance!
Guess it's time for me to cut bait, and forget about it. I applied for a job that apparently had multiple openings, it ended on midnight last Friday (2/28). I got an email on Tuesday afternoon stating that my application had been certified and sent to the "hiring" officials, or something like that. It's been two business days, and no phone call for an interview. I have veterans preference (5 points), but I don't think that really matters, or is taken into serious consideration. The job posting mentioned BSN preferred, so since I'm only an ADN (in a BSN program, and I failed to mention that it on my resume, go figure) I guess I'm out of it.
I'm pretty bummed about it, as I thought it would be a great step up from my current job, and I really feel a sense of service by working with, and treating fellow veterans. Just wish I could have been called for an interview, I think I could have made a very good showing, but I guess we'll never know.
It's only been two days. Give it some time. Things take awhile at the VA although the process for some goes quickly. Veteran points do count in some situations. One RN hired when I was told me her position had 150 applicants. She said she was the one hired bc of veterans preference (and of course she was top notch).
Your application was sent on---that's a good thing. That means it has been sent to the person who will probably do the interviewing. You might try calling the nurse recruiter assigned to the position and let him/her know you neglected to include your current BSN program on the application. It can't hurt and calling shouldn't make a difference as to whether or not you get an interview.
It's only been two days. Give it some time. Things take awhile at the VA although the process for some goes quickly. Veteran points do count in some situations. One RN hired when I was told me her position had 150 applicants. She said she was the one hired bc of veterans preference (and of course she was top notch).
Your application was sent on---that's a good thing. That means it has been sent to the person who will probably do the interviewing. You might try calling the nurse recruiter assigned to the position and let him/her know you neglected to include your current BSN program on the application. It can't hurt and calling shouldn't make a difference as to whether or not you get an interview.
Thanks for the information. I'm just concerned about how they mentioned that interviews will be conducted within ten business days. Will the VA let me know, by email of course, if I wasn't selected for interviewing? And, how long you think before I should write it off as something that probably won't happen?
10 business days= 3 weeks in VA time. I would not stress too much considering you currently have a job. I have seen people called for interviews 2 months after the application cut-off and I have also seen jobs close on a Friday night and open back up on Monday morning so dont believe everything off the job postings. Since you are prior service you will understand better than anyone the term "Hurry up & Wait".
Again, since you are currently working, try to follow-up at the 10 day mark and let them know you are still interested. Take solace in the fact that you are not one of the applicants who needs this process to happen tommorow so they can put food on the table.
10 business days= 3 weeks in VA time. I would not stress too much considering you currently have a job. I have seen people called for interviews 2 months after the application cut-off and I have also seen jobs close on a Friday night and open back up on Monday morning so dont believe everything off the job postings. Since you are prior service you will understand better than anyone the term "Hurry up & Wait".
Again, since you are currently working, try to follow-up at the 10 day mark and let them know you are still interested. Take solace in the fact that you are not one of the applicants who needs this process to happen tommorow so they can put food on the table.
I don't know. A coworker of mine (who has a masters degree) was contacted 3-4 days after closing on a recent job. I emailed their HR contact, just asking for a status update, although I'm 100% positive I've been eliminated. IMO, the VA needs to drop the Veterans preference line, and state they hire merely on educational level. The VA pref is just an adherence to a federal law, that probably is rarely complied with, truth be known.
Also, for you ADN'ers out there, get your BSN, and fast. I am and will have it done next year. The ADN is being phased out in regards to hiring.
Specializes in Med-surg, medical review, primary care.
Hi everyone!
After years of applying to the VA, I got called for an interview this upcoming Thursday. I have been a nurse for a little over 4 years. This is for a med/surg telemetry floor. Any interview tips? I cannot find information about the unit I will be working on, is that a problem? Should I be prepared to answer NCLEX type scenario questions in addition to the basics? I want too be prepared. I know I will be interviewing with more than one person. I have read some of the comments already and have already gotten some tips, but more would be appreciated. Thank you!
I would recommend using this info and preparing answers to scenarios like .....give me an example of ______ and how you handled it. I have not worked on a med-surg tele unit at the VA so can not speak to that. I would think of some noteworthy situations you have been in, the clinical decisions you made and the outcome of them. I would also have a couple situations that maybe didn;t go well but be able to explain your judgment and how you would change it next time and what you have learned.
After years of applying to the VA, I got called for an interview this upcoming Thursday. I have been a nurse for a little over 4 years. This is for a med/surg telemetry floor. Any interview tips? I cannot find information about the unit I will be working on, is that a problem? Should I be prepared to answer NCLEX type scenario questions in addition to the basics? I want too be prepared. I know I will be interviewing with more than one person. I have read some of the comments already and have already gotten some tips, but more would be appreciated. Thank you!
Hello. Thought I'd share my experience with the VA hiring process. I applied for HBPC RN position that closed out 12/20/13. Got email that app was referred to hiring official on 3/5/14 & yesterday I emailed HR to check on status
Got email back today that HBPC Service Chief will be contacting me. Got call this evening from VA that hiring official will call in a couple days to schedule interview. I'm excited, but nervous. Not sure what to expect with HBPC.
Well, I'm officially in the VA hiring process now. I applied for a position at Lexington that closed 3/10, selected for consideration around the 13th, and got the interview call earlier this week. I interviewed today (3/20) and I feel like it went very well. I was interviewed by four nurse managers, who were extremely nice and friendly, not threatening at all. In fact, enjoyed having small talk with them before and after the interview. Obviously hard to say how many candidates are interviewing or if I am a favorite, but I do have Vet preference and felt like I performed strongly during the interview. I really hammered down on the fact that I'm an ADN, but a year away from completing my BSN and planning on doing Master's work. They told me to expect a call/notification in 1-2 weeks. The questions were typical PBI, and really no curveballs or tricks. Typical performance based stuff that I've seen when interviewing out in the private sector. I did cut the tension and got a few laughs by mentioning that I had googled VA PBI questions and knew every question they would ask. But, again, very friendly folks and, in fact, most of the staff and visitors at VA were very nice and respectful.
pfchang
370 Posts
The link that ORSuite posted above is what I used to prepare and my interview questions were taken from there. I would suggest thinking about many of the questions and coming up with answers to them ahead of time. I wrote down examples and took them in with me. It can be very hard to think of examples of situations you handled when you are on the spot in an interview. Good luck.