VA Hiring

[Jams95]

Has anyone heard of a hiring freeze coming for the VA? I applied (Registered Nurse), interviewed and was offered the job. But, I am waiting on processing and heard of a hiring freeze coming. So, I was wondering if there is any talk out there.....

[tmartinez.RN.BSN]

I think it's ending. I just got hired at the Palo Alto VA and I start on Monday. G'luck to everyone.

[Mobiusrain]

Really? Congratulations! When did you apply for the position you got accepted for?

[tmartinez.RN.BSN]

I applied in January...however, I had been working on the unit as a nurse assistant and VALOR student nurse resident while I was in nursing school. That helped a lot. I'm not doing the Versant new grad program...I'm just a regular hire new grad nurse. I consider myself VERY lucky.

[jeckrn, BSN, RN]

The hiring freeze is a soft one which means the unit supervisor has to justify the position and not just by having a opening. It takes 2-3 months to get hired by the VA, sometimes longer. Once you get over the culture shock of working at the VA its a great place to work.

[fungus]

Can you give any advice for the interview? =)

[elprup, BSN, RN]

VA interview advice? Research job you are applying for and make sure you have examples/stories of how you have met those expectations. Also check out VA website, there is a section that explains how they interview...the types of questions they ask are not the standard "tell me your weakness/strength". Questions are more like "tell us about a time when ........" They want the Who, What, Where, When, How, Why, and what you did. VA believes how a person has acted/responded in the past, is how they will act/respond in the future. Good luck. Be yourself. Wear a flag pin on your suit and tell them you want to work there because it would be an honor to serve those who serve us...then your other reasons. Bring notes, I always do.