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.
You are welcome, lostNneuro. I would like to update my previous post......I was called today with a "firm offer" and start date of August 11th. The starting salary was actually more than I was praying for. My process took approximately 2 1/2 months from application process to today. So, will be about 3 months for entire process to start date. Thanks to everyone that advised on my situation. For anyone entering into the VA hiring process, I recommend getting ALL of your info to them completely and as quickly as possible. I feel like this helped hurry my process along. I even went to one of my reference's home, picked up the required documents, and got them to the VA myself. I had trouble with a couple of past jobs confirming actual employment dates, but I am a check stub hoarder and had years of past check stubs and W2s in a file box. I was able to use those, as my Vetpro consultant was having difficulty getting a call back from some of my past HR departments, as well. Also, I checked in with the nursing recruiter that was listed on the job posting site, about every 1-2 weeks. Then just prayer and left things in the good lord's hands.
I hope that you other VA job seekers out there are blessed, as well. And, don't get discouraged. As long as they are leading you through the process, you know there is opportunity ahead. Bear with it, breathe deep, and say a little prayer!!! It'll be worth it in the end.
I start the VA on August 25th, and I gave my boss a 30 day notice and she does not smile at me anymore.
I hate when employers act like that. Knowing they could fire you or downsize or do whatever else they wanted without a moment’s notice but yet expect “loyalty” at all costs from its employees. I don’t get it. You would think they would be appreciative of the advanced notice. Oh well, just take solace knowing you are moving on ….
I fully expect to be escorted out of the building if/when I accept the VA offer regardless of the notice I give. They are not going to be happy with me. But hey, that might be better than the scowls you are having to deal with for the next month, lol.
Congrats, LubbockNP. I know the feeling of no "smiles anymore." My Admin. caught wind, a few weeks ago, that I was trying to get on at the VA. (The joy of gossiping, big mouths.) Although I tried to keep it quiet, that's not always possible. Anyway, I ended up putting in my 2 weeks notice ahead of time. I didn't even know my VA start date yet. Mid last week ended my time there. I've also worked agency for quite a few years and decided to fall back on that for the time being. I just prayed and left it in god's hands. So, when I got the call with a "firm offer" from the VA and start date in 2 weeks, I felt a sigh of relief. Things always work out for the better. I had seen the supervisors, at the job I was at, give staff a hard time if they knew you were leaving, or they decided you weren't exactly molded by them. Therefore, I knew that I would be watching my back and walking on eggshells until I left. As nurses, we work too hard for our license to have to be in such situations. Furthermore, I am in the process of pursuing my MSN for NP. I do not need any more stress than required.
Although I had read some horrifying post about the VA hiring process, mine was not so. The staff that guided me through the process, was great. The supervisor who interviewed me, recruiter, Vetpro consultant, and HR lady, were all really kind and did a great job. Although they didn't answer every call I made to them, they usually got back to me in a timely manner. The most stressful part is the WAIT.
LubbockNP, A good manager helps to develop his/her staff and wishes them well when they move on. Too bad she can not be happy for you. You gave that job many years, if I remember correctly. Is that wiped out for her because you are leaving? (Rhetorical question.)
So to update: I started with the VA this past Monday. Monday was HR stuff and sign your name a million times. Tues I was on the unit and was totally lost. Im so use to the stone age of nursing. I was very weary when I felt like i was hearing and gaining a feeling that after 2 weeks Id be on my own. The following day I had a crash course overview of the computer systems. After this (and seemingly so feeling more at a loss) I was met by a really nice nurse educator who soothed many of my "*** did I just get myself into". Really after my Tues on the unit and how I was feeling I was 2nd guessing my decision. So I spent a few days getting some nurse overview orientation. Most everything is online, including nursing procedures, etc. Yes its a new world but one i think will get much easier as time goes on. Also having never been in the military I have to get use to the language/ling being used. This coming week I have the hospital wide oreintation for a few days as well as a speicalized training and pharmacology exam. And really for those in the process or getting ready to start your orientation surely you must expect a pharm exam at some point. If you know your meds and how to do this..then your going to be just fine. Dont second guess yourself. Its all part of the process.
I have to say that my HR experience up to getting hired and my physical has been very frustrating. Thank god for msg boards like this so I was able to undertstand things better. I know the VA Im at had a huge turnaround with the HR dept so things have been a little bit slow and thats understandable.
I have to admit that I was a little surprised at how much will be taken out of my paycheck for benefits and such. Im not use to paying so much out, but then again I dont think I have ever had such benefits including a pension. I plan to offset this with OT when I can.
And oh...a uniform allowance?? really? wow
Everyone I have met have been really super friendly and that has made things so much better. Thus far Im enjoying it and am eager to get to work. I know it will be different and have its challenges and I know I will feel like a brand new nurse out of nursing school again (not!) but it will be worth it. I plan to excel myself at this job and take as many trainings as I can. The VA emphasis that this is not just a job but a career and it provides many learning opportunities.
So...Im totally happy that Im out of my previous LTC job where I was constantly working myself beyond all reason and getting very little recognition from the higher ups. Crap after 10years at my previous job I didnt get so much as a card. That was kind of crappy but says alot to me. At the VA I have been given so much respect in such a short amount of time and have been treated/referred to as a professional. That feels like a million bucks. Really it does.
I am surprised you started without four days of NEO, New Employee Orientation. I thought all VAs required this before you do anything. Everyone has to
go through it so that's probably what you have next week. There are also four or five days of just Nursing orientation. That's where you have the pharmacology exam. It was not a big deal for my group, mostly calculations. We reviewed it as a group but I don't know if all orientation groups do it that way.
I have also been very impressed with the professionalism and education of my peers. There are required online things you have to complete every year. One is handling disruptive behavior, another is ethics and there are others.
Double check your benefits to be sure they processed them correctly. You should know what your health care costs will be because you choose them. I think the retirement plan automatically takes out 3% but I think you can change it to zero. Remember they match up to 5% so try to get by without that 5% because the match is "free money." The uniform allowance was a nice surprise for me, too. The long term care insurance was not better than we could find elsewhere but it is done separately from the other benefits. Just a heads up there.
Give yourself a break and don't expect to know it all in a month. The computer system is not awful to learn. You will get it. I love being able to see everything about the patient in one place. Specialty notes, consults, labs, path reports, mental health notes, social work notes, homeless notes, all in one place.
As the saying goes, when you've seen one VA.....you've seen one VA. Policies and procedures definitely do vary with facility and location. You'd think they wouldn't....but they very much do. The only way to know for sure what your facility will allow (and potentially a VA you're interested in) would be to make the inquiries yourself.
Nurse aides have a one year probation, nurses have two. Basically says that if you are terminated by the VA before the probation ends, you do not have much legal recourse, you cannot grieve or appeal to the union as you would be able to after probation ends.
mdrn1974
8 Posts
You are welcome, lostNneuro. I would like to update my previous post......I was called today with a "firm offer" and start date of August 11th. The starting salary was actually more than I was praying for. My process took approximately 2 1/2 months from application process to today. So, will be about 3 months for entire process to start date. Thanks to everyone that advised on my situation. For anyone entering into the VA hiring process, I recommend getting ALL of your info to them completely and as quickly as possible. I feel like this helped hurry my process along. I even went to one of my reference's home, picked up the required documents, and got them to the VA myself. I had trouble with a couple of past jobs confirming actual employment dates, but I am a check stub hoarder and had years of past check stubs and W2s in a file box. I was able to use those, as my Vetpro consultant was having difficulty getting a call back from some of my past HR departments, as well. Also, I checked in with the nursing recruiter that was listed on the job posting site, about every 1-2 weeks. Then just prayer and left things in the good lord's hands.