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.
I have learned a lot more about chronic pain and mental health. PTSD is so common, of course, but I rarely saw it in the private sector. I have not seen the lack of productivity in my department but it is a different type of department which I don't want to explain because I want to remain anonymous here on Allnurses. The people I work with are very committed and the veterans are so grateful, most of the time. I am called Ma'am often and the vets are so polite. Yes, we get an angry person now and then but I try my best to lessen their load. Some times they just need a sympathetic ear. I can't always fix the problem but I can empathize. I wish I had gone to the VA sooner.
Ok If you have your BSN they should be talking step 2 and maybe level 2 or 3(ask step2) if you are not already a VA employee. Your caseload is higher than ours. 25 max for us. I am on a five person team looking for one more RN. If they are going to train you in wound care go for the wound care certification. (certification is money, promotion and pride in the VA). I just got to this location from Hawaii so my load right now is only 14 gradually build it up. In Hawaii I only had 15 (temp nurse). We do set up our own schedule when to see them and what services I would provide at that visit. My first visit generally takes 1 1/2 to 2/ 1/2 hours depends on the age of the veteran and if he/she lives alone etc. Beware of animals and weapons. most veteran are really happy to have the nurse come to them and work hard to make them comfortable in there homes. I use my coworkers a lot bouncing ideas and care issue off of them. Main thing clear documentation. I paint a picture of my visit thru my documentation. I want my medical director or anyone reading to see this veteran thru my eyes. with wound care your camera is your best friend!!! Secondly, most HBPC is a money producing program for that VA. Correct coding!!!! As you grow in this position build your network. Make your Social Worker your new BEST FRIEND(they know everybody!!!!) Thirdly, Teaching, Teaching Teaching!!!!!! Congrats. I will be surprise if you do not love your JOB!!! There is always one person in every group(?) make note of that person and keep going.(lol) Please stay in touch. Once you start at VA look me up. In the meantime any questions hit me up.
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 can relate to the "friendly" factor. Despite being a major facility near downtown Lexington, the VA seemed very welcoming. It really was an honor to be interacting with the folks that served our country, and the folks that serve them. Perhaps I'm old fashioned, but I have the utmost respect for people that commit to public service, and I want to be a part of this work force.
Ok If you have your BSN they should be talking step 2 and maybe level 2 or 3(ask step2) if you are not already a VA employee. Your caseload is higher than ours. 25 max for us. I am on a five person team looking for one more RN. If they are going to train you in wound care go for the wound care certification. (certification is money, promotion and pride in the VA). I just got to this location from Hawaii so my load right now is only 14 gradually build it up. In Hawaii I only had 15 (temp nurse). We do set up our own schedule when to see them and what services I would provide at that visit. My first visit generally takes 1 1/2 to 2/ 1/2 hours depends on the age of the veteran and if he/she lives alone etc. Beware of animals and weapons. most veteran are really happy to have the nurse come to them and work hard to make them comfortable in there homes. I use my coworkers a lot bouncing ideas and care issue off of them. Main thing clear documentation. I paint a picture of my visit thru my documentation. I want my medical director or anyone reading to see this veteran thru my eyes. with wound care your camera is your best friend!!! Secondly, most HBPC is a money producing program for that VA. Correct coding!!!! As you grow in this position build your network. Make your Social Worker your new BEST FRIEND(they know everybody!!!!) Thirdly, Teaching, Teaching Teaching!!!!!! Congrats. I will be surprise if you do not love your JOB!!! There is always one person in every group(?) make note of that person and keep going.(lol) Please stay in touch. Once you start at VA look me up. In the meantime any questions hit me up.
I'm not sure which area of nursing you're in, but you did on a very good point. RN's, whether they are in case management or on the floor, should make very good friends with social workers, as well as RT's, techs, dietary, pt.
I can relate to the "friendly" factor. Despite being a major facility near downtown Lexington the VA seemed very welcoming. It really was an honor to be interacting with the folks that served our country, and the folks that serve them. Perhaps I'm old fashioned, but I have the utmost respect for people that commit to public service, and I want to be a part of this work force.[/quote']
Someone actually asked me today was it depressing work at the VA. I said oh no it's an honor! I have a great sense of pride working for the VA/federal government. I honestly feel like I'm the luckiest nurse on earth sometimes!
Found out they have been calling my references, and I went ahead and filled my current boss in that I had been selected, but not officially offered yet. I have talked to the recruiter and he said that my paperwork had went to the director of nursing for approval, and that I should get a tentative offer next week. In the meantime I'm working on a form (ROI) that basically covers the nursing process, ethics,leadership etc. This form is submitted with my package to the board for salary and level assignment.
Tentative offer today! Supposed to be able to schedule my physical and fingerprinting tomorrow for next week or so. Also supposed to get a link to Vetpro so i can work on that as well. Very excited, but HR told me that time from the packet completion to boarding can be lengthy, so basically that's where the hangup is.
This thread started over two years ago and is still active! With that length of time and number of posts I have to admit I did not look at all of them. From what I did read, its clear the time for the process can vary wildly and mine is barely out of the starting gate. Sorry if I missed it, but I didn't see any comment on contacting them at my stage of the game.
Here is my situation -- I applied for a RN position at the the Philadelphia VA hospital. The closing date was the end of February and I received notice on March 5th that I was being referred to the facility. The application information included a phone and email address for a woman in PCS (Patient Care Services?) and now that it is about a month, I am considering contacting her to ask the status.
At this point is this an appropriate thing to do? If yes, is it better to call or email. Like many you I fear making wrong choice.
I see nothing wrong with emailing the contact person at this point. I would reiterate my interest in the position, offer something about yourself tells why you are a good fit for the position and ask for an update on the status. Good luck.
pfchang
370 Posts
I have learned a lot more about chronic pain and mental health. PTSD is so common, of course, but I rarely saw it in the private sector. I have not seen the lack of productivity in my department but it is a different type of department which I don't want to explain because I want to remain anonymous here on Allnurses. The people I work with are very committed and the veterans are so grateful, most of the time. I am called Ma'am often and the vets are so polite. Yes, we get an angry person now and then but I try my best to lessen their load. Some times they just need a sympathetic ear. I can't always fix the problem but I can empathize. I wish I had gone to the VA sooner.
And the time off really rocks!