VA hospital

[Natasha A., CNA, LVN]

I'm a CNA with five years mental health experience and have an interest to work at a VA hospital. My previous DON works at a local VA hospital so I have a connection when I do apply for a position. Also, the va hospital employee benefits like paid school tuitions, will help tremendously. I've heard the only way to "get your foot in the door" is to volunteer as a nurse tech. Any nurses with va hospital experience?

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

Not exactly sure what you're asking.....if you're a CNA, you can apply for an open CNA position (https://www.usajobs.gov/). If you're currently a student in a BSN program, you can apply for a "nurse tech" position, which is a student nurse (temporary) position. You cannot "get your foot in the door" by applying for a nurse tech, if you do not qualify on the educational front. The tuition program you mentioned is for current employees who have completed the required on-the-job time necessary to be eligible (it varies by job).

You can either go to the VAMC you're interested in, and review the posted job openings (found in HR dept). Or you can go online to the link I gave.

Good luck!