VA Hiring Process

[wife&mommyRN]

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.

Thanks in advance ?

[Natira23]

Catrina387,

To be honest and blunt, the inpatient psych unit has a bad reputation. There are nurses who work on the unit that are not allowed to work anywhere else in the hospital due to medical errors and other professional issues. The description I gave in my other post about blatant entitlement, refusal to do certain duties, unprofessionalism, and insubordination is what I encounter on a daily basis on this unit. There is also favoritism, lack of effective communication, etc. This unit is rarely ever fully staffed and most of the time we are short and nurses on average have about 5-7 patients, however, there have been times when there have only been 3 nurses to cover 25 patients and one of those nurses was the charge nurse. On a rare good day in terms of staffing, you can have 3-4 patients. The most I've had is about 8 or 9 which included a new admission.

Charge nurses take on a full load of patients and we essentially have two units. 7 East can hold a max of 25 patients and 7 West can hold a max of 13 patients. The charge nurse already has a bunch of paperwork to do, so having a full load of patients and be responsible for the staff and patients on both units is a challenge, and there is also no differential for being charge nurse.

If you are interested in the benefits and think you can handle the stress, by all means go for it. I personally do not like it and am already making plans to move out of state to another VA next year when my probation is up. (The probation period for RN's in two years) Overall the benefits are the only plus, but it's relative whether or not the benefits are worth the environment to work in. If it weren't for me being a veteran, I would quickly and gladly work somewhere else. Hope this helps.

[catrina387]

Natira23,

I really appreciate your response and honesty. I have 3 years experience as a nurse, 1 year of that in psychiatric nursing but not in an in-patient setting. I'm sorry to hear you had to deal with the unprofessional staff. It's crazy that VA nurses can be that unprofessional and unwilling to do their job. I had no idea there was a2 year probationary period. Thanks for all the useful info!

How are the patients? Are they really out of hand/violent? Since my psychiatric nursing experience was in long-term setting, I always imagined in patient psych patients being more unstable since they might be having acute psychosis which is why they may be admitted. 8 patients seems like a lot for one nurse. It does sound a bit discouraging. Are you full time there?

I really appreciate your feedback.

[fauxpaus]

I was hoping that someone could help shed some light on the VA hiring process that I just got thrown in to, whirlwind style. I did read a lot of the posts here, but I didn't see an answer addressing my specific situation.

I applied for an RN position at the Long Beach, CA VA back in January. Quite frankly, I forgot about it, because I didn't hear anything back until last week. I got a voicemail on Wednesday of last week asking me to call back & schedule a preemployment physical, get my fingerprints taken, etc. I checked my email and had a "tentative job offer" asking me to fill out paperwork accepting the job, giving instructions to schedule the physical, etc. This "tentative job offer" did not include a salary. After asking about it the next morning, I got a response telling me that the job posting has this information, but that they can see it's 70-125k (approximately). I said that I would really need to know something more specific than a 50-60k range, given that I would be moving to a much more expensive area, and didn't want to accept an offer if I couldn't afford to take this offer. I tried to follow up on Friday, at which point I was told that I had to submit a bunch of documents to the NPSB for salary info, including written references from my current supervisors (who are very definitely not amenable to those of us trying to leave the department). I was also told that most of the information was due in 3 business days (conversation took place Friday, documents due Tuesday).

So I guess I'll find this out, but am I completely screwed without the written references? My hospital has huge turnover, and there are always repercussions for those who are even rumored to be looking for a change in employment. And, is this actually a "job offer"? I've had a lot of offers in the last 6 months, but all of them are "job offers" with actual salary information in the offer, but the offer is contingent upon physical (or whatnot). I've never had an offer with no salary information, or an offer BEFORE the references are checked, or an offer without an interview. I hope this makes sense. I'm incredibly confused. The other posts on this board show a lot of time between VetPro and offers and NPSB documents, but this has come at me all at once, and without warning. I don't even know the hours or parameters of the position. Any advice would be appreciated.

[pfchang]

You have not even had an interview? I've never heard of that and it is crazy for them to think you would accept a position without more info. The references issue is completely understandable and if they don't get that, I would not work there. No one can expect you to provide refs for a current employer. There are too many repercussions possible, as you have noted. Offer "safe references" only and tell them why. Three days is not enough time and I would tell them that professionally.

The salary will not be determined until you provide a lot of info about your experience which the NPSB board evaluates. This salary is provided in a formal offer letter but may take months. You can, of course, turn down the offer which is why you don't want to give current refs unless you are sure that there will be no negative effects for you should you decide not to accept the job. Scheduling a physical, fingerprints, etc, sounds like they have selected you but things take forever and it could still be awhile and they can decide to put the position on hold for whatever reason.

There should be a nurse recruiter aassigned to the position. Call or email this person and share your concerns. Trust me, they have heard these concerns before.

[CMLPN08]

Catrina387,

To be honest and blunt, the inpatient psych unit has a bad reputation. There are nurses who work on the unit that are not allowed to work anywhere else in the hospital due to medical errors and other professional issues. The description I gave in my other post about blatant entitlement, refusal to do certain duties, unprofessionalism, and insubordination is what I encounter on a daily basis on this unit. There is also favoritism, lack of effective communication, etc. This unit is rarely ever fully staffed and most of the time we are short and nurses on average have about 5-7 patients, however, there have been times when there have only been 3 nurses to cover 25 patients and one of those nurses was the charge nurse. On a rare good day in terms of staffing, you can have 3-4 patients. The most I've had is about 8 or 9 which included a new admission.

Charge nurses take on a full load of patients and we essentially have two units. 7 East can hold a max of 25 patients and 7 West can hold a max of 13 patients. The charge nurse already has a bunch of paperwork to do, so having a full load of patients and be responsible for the staff and patients on both units is a challenge, and there is also no differential for being charge nurse.

If you are interested in the benefits and think you can handle the stress, by all means go for it. I personally do not like it and am already making plans to move out of state to another VA next year when my probation is up. (The probation period for RN's in two years) Overall the benefits are the only plus, but it's relative whether or not the benefits are worth the environment to work in. If it weren't for me being a veteran, I would quickly and gladly work somewhere else. Hope this helps.

Hi

As I was reading your post I saw where you stated that you were going to transfer out after probation period. You don't have to wait to transfer, the probation period doesn't hurt you when it comes to leaving. I was told during orientation that most nurse managers and others won't tell you upfront but once you are in the VA you can apply and transfer immediately for any openings you choose.

[jadiva]

I can't say my experience has been great. I have been at the VA about a year now. It is by the grace of God that I have hung in there. A few things I will point out that drove me nuts:-

1. The thirsty male staff in other departments that see fresh meat and constantly hit on you. The sexual harassment is real there. I've had to tell one too many "no, I'm not interested". The worst part in all this is that a lot of them are married. It becomes tiring fending them off.

2. I have to agree with the lady that said there is a undertone of jealousy. I was accepted to NP school. When I told my manager, I could tell that the congrats was not genuine. Usually I like keeping this detail to myself, but it couldn't be avoided as I needed her in order to apply for the scholarship.

3. The environment lacks professionalism. Nurse cursing at each other across the unit. I've had to tell a few stop it.

4. The constant moaning and groaning of staff over 1st admission and assignments are redundant.

So much to tell. I've contemplated leaving many times. I'm about to start school and will try to make the best of it.

[pfchang]

That is appalling. Have you filed for sexual harassment? Managers allow the behavior you noted? Unreal. I work at a different VA and have never worked in a more professional environment. Those actions would never be tolerated in my department. Good luck to you.

[catrina387]

I can't say my experience has been great. I have been at the VA about a year now. It is by the grace of God that I have hung in there. A few things I will point out that drove me nuts:-

1. The thirsty male staff in other departments that see fresh meat and constantly hit on you. The sexual harassment is real there. I've had to tell one too many "no, I'm not interested". The worst part in all this is that a lot of them are married. It becomes tiring fending them off.

2. I have to agree with the lady that said there is a undertone of jealousy. I was accepted to NP school. When I told my manager, I could tell that the congrats was not genuine. Usually I like keeping this detail to myself, but it couldn't be avoided as I needed her in order to apply for the scholarship.

3. The environment lacks professionalism. Nurse cursing at each other across the unit. I've had to tell a few stop it.

4. The constant moaning and groaning of staff over 1st admission and assignments are redundant.

So much to tell. I've contemplated leaving many times. I'm about to start school and will try to make the best of it.

What VA do you work at? Are the patient assignments usually fair? Do you know any about the spinal cord injury unit? I was recently hired for a position there.

[cisneroj]

I just finished the hiring process with the Columbia SC VAMC. I am just waiting for the final offer and I hope it comes soon. I went there two weeks ago to get the finger prints completed with the physical. The whole process so far has taken around 3 months.

[greatloxz]

Hi all,

I just wanted to share my experience. I have been applying with the VA for a year now at multiply locations in Pennsylvania. I received and "Eligible" NOR on June 1st for a CLC (but didn't really want it....just to get my foot in the door). I followed up on June 28 on the status. However, I was being considered for another position that I had applied for back in April and was not selected. The position was the one I wanted (lucky me) in the Hospital Outpatient Clinic. I interviewed on July 15 and a was called and given an tentative offer on July 22nd. I was sent a link for VETPRO on July 25 and completed it the next day. On July 26 references were called and emailed forms to complete. I received a call later in the afternoon to schedule my physical and fingerprinting (I missed the call). Things are moving quickly......much faster than I had expected from reading the helpful post. These threads were most helpful in completing VETPRO....(thanks!). So far, it been less than a month and I have completed 3/4 of the process. I only have to complete the physical and fingerprinting. I am excited to get started. I am a new nurse with 1 year experience. However, I worked agency for 6 months that helped me again a lot of skills and experiences while working as a staff nurse a my full-time job. I knew when I was in nursing school I wanted to work at the VA. My advice: Keep applying, and if selected the process may be lengthy and take a while (months), but hang in there. Anything worth having is worth the work and wait! List all of your nursing skills (it sets the salary). Don't burn bridges with employers and Supervisors, Managers and DONs because you will need them for references above just basic employment verification. Do NOT quit you current job until you have an official hire and start date. If the process is too long and you need a job, by all means get a job maybe at an agency, if you have a tentative office. You don't want to a full-time job just to quit and burn a bridge in the future. As we all know, people in nursing move around and up. Good luck to you all!

BTW.....I received an email saying I was referred for the CLC position on 7/26/16.

[boywithacoin, BSN]

Just adding my experience with the VA in Portland, OR.

I graduated from my nursing program at the end of December 2015, got my license in February 2016. I applied for a couple VA jobs in the winter/early spring, then applied for a med-surg position on April 20 (the first day it opened). I went in for an interview on May 18, got a tentative offer on May 27. I filled out and submitted my VetPro and eQIP in the first full week of June, had my physical on June 13, and got fingerprinted on June 17. I was told by my HR rep then that it would probably be at least another four weeks before my credentialing was complete, and the earliest I would start would be July 24. I called NPS (the VetPro folks) on July 15 to check on the progress and they told me that everything was completed and just needing to be processed and sent to HR. On July 20, HR called me with my firm offer and a start date of August 8, 2016. I was previously a VALOR student at a different VA location; I was credentialed at Nurse 1, Level II, Step 5 as a BSN new grad with no RN experience.

From my interview to my start date, it'll have taken just under 12 weeks. Considering the fact that it's summer so I had to contend with the vacations of the HR rep and some of my references, I think it was a pretty decent timeline.

[AmberRN2012]

Help!

Ok I applied for a position, the closing date was 7/12. Had an interview on 8/4 and received call the next day extending the offer. Emailed my 3 references to the nurse manager and then had to tell my current supervisor (the DON) that they would be calling her for a reference since they have to call the current supervisor. Well today my DON tells me that she needs my resignation letter so that she can post for my position. I haven't received any emails from HR or anything of that nature. But I did get a call on Friday afternoon to offer the position. This is a tough spot. I don't know the timeframe so I can't really give a resignation date. I'm kind of prepared to be treated like crap now until I can get out of here. Ugh.......