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.
A very key point in answer to your question is wording in the following phrase on the job announcement:
[h=3]POSITION INFORMATION: Full Time - Excepted Service Permanent[/h]
From what I can tell Excepted Service means they (the VA) can have exceptions in the hiring process. Essentially describing that they can hire for the position without having to grant consideration of the Ten-Point veteran if a competing applicant is more attractive.
Consider doing a Google search on "Excepted Service for more info.
Wow, things picked up a bit today. The Nurse recruiter called today and said I had been selected for the position, and things looked favorable pending my reference checks. After the references came back, I would be contacted by HR for setting up my physical, Vetpro and sending in a form that would document my experience. Apparently this is sent to the board for salary and level assignment. I was told I possibly could enter in as Nurse I, level II. The salary range is very nice, considering I've not had a merit increase or cost of living increase at my current job since starting 2 years ago. At minimal, it's almost a 45% jump. And that makes the one hour commute pretty well worth it.
Update on my VA hiring experience for HBPC RN. I received a call from the VA office yesterday to set up interview and had the interview today at 1100. It went well. No scenarios at all. Just PBI questions. Sounds like a great opportunity, but I was told they are still interviewing and will hear back from HR...just don't know when.
OrTech2RN...They said you were selected the day after you interviewed? That's great. And you were 100% positive you were eliminated Vetpro takes time to process. There is also something called Eqip which is similar to Vetpro. Both are background reference check processes. My recruiter told me it would take about 8 weeks to move forward after they got that info back and that was pretty accurate. Your references need to respond in a timely manner or it puts everything on hold.
I then got a verbal offer via email, then the formal offer letter a couple weeks later with start date. Don't give notice yet unless you are prepared to be unemployed. If you look back in this thread, you will see that for most people it takes a few more months. Just get everything done quickly and completely. Call now for your transcripts. You will need sealed transcripts from all colleges attended. The VA was reasonable regarding start dates, giving me a choice of three. They realize people need to give notice.
Wow things picked up a bit today. The Nurse recruiter called today and said I had been selected for the position, and things looked favorable pending my reference checks. After the references came back, I would be contacted by HR for setting up my physical, Vetpro and sending in a form that would document my experience. Apparently this is sent to the board for salary and level assignment. I was told I possibly could enter in as Nurse I, level II. The salary range is very nice, considering I've not had a merit increase or cost of living increase at my current job since starting 2 years ago. At minimal, it's almost a 45% jump. And that makes the one hour commute pretty well worth it.[/quote']
I just wanted to say congrats to you! I'm a vet as well and former 91D/OR tech. Sounds like we had similar interview experiences. My interview with the VA went extremely well! In fact the best interview that I had ever been on. I also brought up my BSN program which they seemed to love (I'm graduating this Dec)! I started with the VA 6 months ago today and I'm still absolutely in love! I feel so lucky and that I'm the perfect fit for this position! Congrats!!! Will you be working in the OR as well?
I just wanted to say congrats to you! I'm a vet as well and former 91D/OR tech. Sounds like we had similar interview experiences. My interview with the VA went extremely well! In fact the best interview that I had ever been on. I also brought up my BSN program which they seemed to love (I'm graduating this Dec)! I started with the VA 6 months ago today and I'm still absolutely in love! I feel so lucky and that I'm the perfect fit for this position! Congrats!!! Will you be working in the OR as well?
Actually, I interviewed for a job in Progressive care unit, which is a stepdown from ICU. It's very very similar to what I do now in the private world. I left my surgery days behind, after I graduated from nursing school.
I am absolutely fired up to start working for the VA. Although the facility was a bit older, the people were genuinely nice and I honestly would love to work with veterans. Tell me about some of your experiences at the VA? Would love to hear some of your experiences.
OrTech2RN...They said you were selected the day after you interviewed? That's great. And you were 100% positive you were eliminated Vetpro takes time to process. There is also something called Eqip which is similar to Vetpro. Both are background reference check processes. My recruiter told me it would take about 8 weeks to move forward after they got that info back and that was pretty accurate. Your references need to respond in a timely manner or it puts everything on hold.
I then got a verbal offer via email, then the formal offer letter a couple weeks later with start date. Don't give notice yet unless you are prepared to be unemployed. If you look back in this thread, you will see that for most people it takes a few more months. Just get everything done quickly and completely. Call now for your transcripts. You will need sealed transcripts from all colleges attended. The VA was reasonable regarding start dates, giving me a choice of three. They realize people need to give notice.
Congratulations!
Thanks! The job interview was actually somewhat unexpected. I had first applied for an open and continuous position that I never heard from. The, on a whim, applied for a vacancy on PCU late at night, probably a couple of hours before closing. My "referred to hiring official" came a few days later, than a phone call for an interview a day or so after that. I really felt like I interviewed well and was able to use my experiences to answer their questions.
I'm very excited to start, but I'm well aware of having to wait a few more months. I think the wait will be well worth it.
Tell me about some of your experiences at the VA? Would love to hear some of your experiences.
Sounds very cool congrats on your position in the PCU!
Walking through the halls the first few weeks was quite unusual to me. I work in a major Metropolitan city and the patient and staff population are very friendly! It's shocking how many times you say "Good Morning!" when walking through the halls compared to private hospitals.
My department is very flexible and is working around my school schedule which I love!
I absolutely love the job security! Even with the government shut down recently I was essential personnel (all nurses were) and still had a job to do everyday!
Unlike the private sector...there is no rush to get work done. I came from a very fast paced OR working for a for profit organization. At the VA, I find that a lot of employees are really just secure in their positions and are not effected by lack of productivity. It took some adjustments on my part. I was ready to hit the floor running but in the OR I can't do that alone.
This job was definitely the right move for me! Anywhere you go to work there will be issues and people with issues...you just have to find ways to work through them :-)
I have been with the va for a nice while. two things. write down every single experience. the more experience the higher step and level. next do u have your bsn or will get it anytime soon?
I interviewed for HBPC at West Tx VA. I interviewed on Friday with the Service Chief, PA, & admin person. They were very nice. No scenario questions during the interview. Just PBI questions.
HBPC was explained to me as a mobile clinic, which is so different than anything in civilian sector. I was told the RN is case manager, but soon will also be trained to do wound care. Also told caseload of up to 35, make own appts, & see 2-4 pts per day...can do 8, 9, or 10 hr shifts. Can you tell me what your days are like?
I do have bsn & mhs. Any insight would be appreciated!
Vetpro takes time to process. There is also something called Eqip which is similar to Vetpro. Both are background reference check processes. My recruiter told me it would take about 8 weeks to move forward after they got that info back and that was pretty accurate. Your references need to respond in a timely manner or it puts everything on hold.
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A very key point in answer to your question is wording in the following phrase on the job announcement:
[h=3]POSITION INFORMATION: Full Time - Excepted Service Permanent[/h]
From what I can tell Excepted Service means they (the VA) can have exceptions in the hiring process. Essentially describing that they can hire for the position without having to grant consideration of the Ten-Point veteran if a competing applicant is more attractive.
Consider doing a Google search on "Excepted Service for more info.