VA Hospital Travelers

bonesrn · May 25, 2011

Wow..wasn't aware that VA hospitals used travel nurses? Where are you going and which company has VA contracts?

79Tango · May 25, 2011

Congratulations on your new assignment. There are about 200 companies out there that staff VA hospitals. Being a Federal facility they will honor an RN license from ANY state, which makes it nice for travelers.

Im not sure what floor you are working but its been my experience to work 8hr shifts.

The big speed-bump in the hiring process is the VetPro Credentialing(big background check). You will have to provide everywhere you've worked and everywhere you've lived going back to nursing school. Even if you churn and burn the paperwork it will take them at least 45days to give you the "all clear."

You will want to have your Transcripts ordered and ready to go (do not open). Your references should also be notified to be checking the mail and to fill out the reference form and mail back ASAP upon reciept.

EastCoastOR · Jul 22, 2011

79Tango,

Can you please list some of the agencies that staff VA hospitals? If not publicly, can you pm me?

You seem well versed in this subject.

Your assistance will be greatly appreciated.

79Tango · Jul 22, 2011

Thats a good question and something I learned the hard way. Every VA is different and all of them use some type of contractor: RN, NP, MD, R.Ph, CNA. The problem is they might be using 5 companies at 1 location & maybe only 1 of them is supplying RNs. The other 4 are trying to supply RNs and will submit profiles hoping to bump the other company out. Of course being double submitted is a quick way to be dumped by everyone... You have to research the facility you are interested in & almost go undercover calling the unit to find out who they are using. Since 1 company might staff the OR & another staffs the ER, its a crap shoot.

One quick way to find out is when a recruiter starts selling you on a facility simply ask them "How many others do you have working & what depts?" If they start stuttering or say "You'll be the first" its probably a long shot. I hope that helps. The first VA job is always the toughest but once you get into the system you will have preference on every job going forward.

EastCoastOR · Jul 24, 2011

79tango.. Thank you for the information.

rainkat · Jul 25, 2011

The VA has their own travel nurse corps. I have worked at a local VA and just sent in my application for traving with them. I am hoping to connect with others who are already using them but will update here as I go through the process. My biggest concern is availability of jobs. Wish me luck.

jdickrn · Aug 11, 2011

I work for American Mobile and I traveled to the Denver VA, finished my contract on July 7, I wouldn't expect too many VA positions to be available in the near future, the budgets are in HORRIBLE shape ( go figure right?) and the Denver VA was eliminating all travelers and agency staff. I stayed there for 8 months and was unable to get a safety net extension in case I couldn't find another assignment.

79Tango · Aug 11, 2011

It's been hit and miss. The hiring freezes have forced some of them to use travelers.

JdizzleRN--the VA in Houston is hiring MedSurg RNs for the Spinal Cord unit. I have a buddy that was just hired & word on the streets says they have 4slots left. I am not advertising/advocating for the agency but they sure do have the openings.

gnursjr2 · Aug 13, 2011

79 Tango, the VA in San Diego is also doing away with Travelers, d/t Federal Budget, but they seem to always be short nurses. Many of them transfer into other positions, promotions etc. It pays well to work there, but there is a lot of other stuff you have to put up with.

79Tango · Aug 15, 2011

Wow, SD too?/ I know they had ER openings last May. They may be doing away with the travelers however the needs are still there. They will be bringing them back when they cannot hire permanent employees.

gnursjr2 · Aug 17, 2011

79tango:

They had 7 positions open up to hire into LVN/RNs on the unit I work. I guess the Feds freeze hiring and then open it back up. I've been here since March, need a break. All the perm employees tell me they always say "NO MORE TRAVELERS" but they all say management tells stories!