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.
VA does things different than others so you most likely will start off lower than your use top. I applied to transfer to VA Police since I could work the hours to get my BSN but their officers start lower than what I started in and I would have had to take a lower pay so VA doesn't budge when it comes to pay. Thats how they are unfortunately.
Hi Shondra! I'm working for DODEA, the school system, so it's on a TP (Teacher Plan) salary, not GS. I was GS abouat 5 years ago in a place called Vilseck. So many different ways to work as an RN. Where in Cali are you working now?
Hi Jeckrn, I have an offer as a Caregiver Support RN at a VA in California. I have a BSN and got it in 2005. I've been working on my MHR (Masters of Human Relations) which I finish in the spring. They want to start me off as a Nurse I/III step 12. I am like "huh"? I don't know of any BSN nurses with that sort of experience/education starting out as a I. I asked them if the Board could see I have my BSN already...because something is really wrong with that offer! He said it is a final offer and can't be changed. In a year, he said if I did everything right, and passed my first year proficiency, I would be a II/step 7. What on earth is going on? What have I done wrong and is there a way to find out what they heck the board was looking at? Help! I am working in Germany as an RN and have been with the government for over 20 years. Thanks!
Congratulations on your offer. Sorry it wasn't higher. I don't think the VA boarding process considers a Master's degree unless it is completed. Things in process just don't get much consideration. Being with the government for 20 years doesn't matter, either. As I understand it, it is just nursing and health care experience that determines your boarding. Maybe they are looking for more varied nursing experience than you have? Some locations board BSNs higher than others, some allow negotiation, but each location has different policies.
There are people on this forum who have successfully had their offers reviewed and were able to negotiate higher boarding. Others haven't. If he says the offer is final and you turn it down, you may be out of a job. That said, I am surprised that he said you would be II/7 in a year if "you did everything right." I have always been under the impression that there are no guarantees. And what does "do everything right" mean? You need measurable goals. If it's not in writing, you can't count on it.
I dont want to be a downer but this is what I have learned at the VA. I like my job but wish I had known some things before I accepted my boarding which was too low, also. Hopefully, other VA RNs will offer you some feedback, too.
There is probably like a probationary period they are doing and if you get through it then you move up.
Like some government jobs who have target pay grades. Start you lower and the following year move to the next level unless you didn't workout well which leaves you in the same pay until you have reached the level they want you at.
I am only assuming. They always say there are no guarantees.
I am about to start with the VA. I have a BS in psych and an ADN. I have 2.5 yrs total RN experience with about one year of the very specific specialty I was hired into. I was boarded at Nurse 1 level 3 step 8.
I am fine with the $ offer as it is a bit more than I am currently making at my outpt center. The rate offered to me is about/lower than what new grads get in local hospitals.
Personally, I am in it for the benefits and opportunities!
Specializes in interested in specializing in Peds or OR.
I just started at the VA in Reno, NV a month ago and they boarded me at Nurse 1 level 2 step 3. I have a BSN, but no RN experience. Keep in mind that the board only considers actual RN experience to gauge what boarded as. They don't consider in progress or any other experience that isn't directly related to the job you are being hired into. This is what I was told by HR and read on vetpro.
Just a quick response to the "probably a probationary period and if you get through it then you move up". It really doesn't work that way.
RNs have a probationary period of two years. While that sounds like a lot, it's really more a matter of you (the onboarding candidate) understanding that if you are kicked to the curb before that time is up, you have minimal union backing and very little grievance/recourse room. But honestly, if you are getting dumped in that time, you really ARE doing something wrong. Once you get in, they have incentive to keep you in, as the replacement process is expensive.
At one year, you will have a Board review; it is then that what you have done in the past year will come to bear. If you've completed the degree, done all the "proficiency" work that was laid out for you (or recommended), then you can expect an increase. How much? GREATLY variable. You can expect to see something again in another two years, provided you keep meeting the goals expected (not just 'doing your job').
I am a new graduate BSN (zero experience) and have applied to a couple of VA outpatient clinics. Can anyone comment on how long from completing the application until they heard something in response? Or if its a good idea to contact recruiter via?
ShondaJ
394 Posts
VA does things different than others so you most likely will start off lower than your use top. I applied to transfer to VA Police since I could work the hours to get my BSN but their officers start lower than what I started in and I would have had to take a lower pay so VA doesn't budge when it comes to pay. Thats how they are unfortunately.