VA Hospital hiring process questions

NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN · Sep 11, 2016

Outside of selling the house part, I'm going through the exact same process and will wait it out simply because of the 5-year work-to-retirement option....and the outstanding starting pay based on my years of experience.

I've had 2 in-person interviews and 1 phone interview for another state. I was informed that I was selected for all 3 positions; so, first come, first serve in regards to my location.

Be advised that the paperwork (computer) process for you after the interview is horrendous if you've been a nurse with various positions over several years. It took me two full uninterrupted days at home to gather all that information from archived brain cells and online data bases.

Then, the computer would not allow me to submit all that stuff because there was an unexplained period of 30+ days between my graduation and first nursing job. So, I had to explain that, hello, it was 1985, where test results were still delivered by the local Pony Express. :woot:

After all that, I received an email two days ago that some of that stuff had to be re-done as I had been assigned a new HR recruitment team since the first representative did not put ANY of that stuff in my file. Fortunately for me, I'd saved to my computer everything that I'd uploaded to them just in case there was a habit of misplacing stuff.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>If your interview goes anything like mine have, you will be told that they will notify you when it's OK for you to turn in your notice, put your house in the market, place the kids up for adoption (just kidding about this one:D), etc.

My first two interviews were one week apart beginning in the first week of August. The phone interview was early last week. HR dropped the ball with my August process. Otherwise, I would have been sitting in orientation by now...so I've been told...since I was selected for critical needs areas, staff-wise.

I hope this helps, somewhat. Whatever you do, don't hold your breath.

ejnjj143 · Sep 11, 2016

Thank you! Good to know information. Sounds like they will give me enough time then. Guess they'll habe a field day with me, cause it took me 8 months to find a nursing job. Stupid recession. :mad: That's ok though, I'm here now, right! I'm really hoping and praying the interview goes well. It's been a while since I've applied for a government job and I was so shocked they wanted to interview me. It's not a confidence issue. I live in AZ so I assumed I'd be wrote off cause I lived far away but maybe they'll give me a chance! How did you're phone interview go? I'm so nervous about it! I literally lol'ed at the adopting kids part! :up: Thanks so much for your input. I won't hold my breathe, as you say, but I'll be positive and hopeful. Thank you!!

NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN · Sep 11, 2016

The phone interview went well; its identical to the in-person interview. It appears the VA has its own set of uniformed questions where you simply describe your experience with handling specific situations since they were similar to the ones presented during the two in-person interviews. I think they may tweak the questions to be unit-specific. The silence on the other end of the phone was nerve-racking:nailbiting:. But they warn you ahead of time that they are quiet because they're writing down what you say.

If you've been in nursing for a while, you most likely have experienced or witnessed the scenarios. If you haven't, just tell them that, but explain what you would do if it arises. It was very simple, and I actually preferred the phone interview so that my nervousness could not be seen. It only lasted about 15-20 minutes...it just depends on how drawn-out your answers are.

As for being out of work for the eight months, even if it includes graduation-to-NCLEX-to employment, just make sure you account for the time (DATE) from graduation to hire date in your explanation: This time was spent studying for the NCLEX, waiting for license to be issued, and applying for jobs until you were hired on or about (date).

No need to mention the post-NCLEX party and celebratory hangover that lasted for a full 30 days.

ejnjj143 · Sep 12, 2016

Update!!!!

So I had my phone interview today. I think it went well, despite my nervousness. I mean, my voice was shaking! (Can you tell I want this job?) So at the end of the interview, they asked to speak to my references and to notify my work that I applied to the Va if I hadn't already. I'm thinking that's a good sign that they want to talk to my references!!!! Trying not to get too excited, the the good thing is, they said they will decide by the end of the week. I won't have to suffer too long with the waiting! Been a while since I had butterflies over a job like this. Oh I hope I get it!!