VA Interviews

Columnist · Feb 23, 2008

I just wanted to say "good luck" with your interview! Would you kindly share details about the interview after you finish? I'm hoping for a VA interview within the next couple months and would really appreciate knowing what to expect. For example, is it a "group" interview? What did they ask you? Also, what specialty did you interview for?

Hope you get the job!

Semisweetchick

YCAussie · Feb 23, 2008

I had my interview yesterday and it wasn't bad. The interview was conducted by 2 nurse managers from 2 different units. It was pretty laid back. They asked a lot of questions drawing from previous experiences. For example, "tell me about a time when you faced an ethical dilemma" or "tell me about a time when you did..." etc.

There were probably about 15 questions. They had me rate my skills on a scale of 1-5. That's about all I can remember.

Good luck on your interview!

Columnist · Feb 24, 2008

Thanks very much for sharing, YCAussie! That sounds like a typical, corporate-style interview, which is what I'm most familiar with. That sets my mind at ease.

I hope you get the job!

Semisweetchick

stardogdaisy, RN · Feb 24, 2008

:nurse:To prepare for an interview with VA do a google search for VA Performance Based Interviews. This is the way that VA does all of it's interviews. The VA calls it PBI. This web site will give you hints are the questions that may be asked during the interview, what to expect and how to prepare. I hope that this helps. Good luck!

Columnist · Feb 25, 2008

Thanks, stardogdaisy! That's very helpful to know.

Semisweetchick

chocokitten · May 19, 2009

:nurse:To prepare for an interview with VA do a google search for VA Performance Based Interviews. This is the way that VA does all of it's interviews. The VA calls it PBI. This web site will give you hints are the questions that may be asked during the interview, what to expect and how to prepare. I hope that this helps. Good luck!

I googled this and the page is down :banghead:

Does anyone have these questions saved or anything?

JKidzMom · May 20, 2009

I was just curious to see how your interview went? Did they give you any time line as to when you might start? or how long it would take to get boarded?? I had an interview about a month ago....still going through the process. Good luck to you!! :nurse:

mzjennx, BSN, RN · Jun 26, 2009

any updates? did you get the job?

chocokitten · Jul 2, 2009

A month after my phone interview I was hired ^_^ I transfer to the SLC VA on July 20th :yeah: Took a lot less time than expected. Either they were very desperate or I impressed them :) Either way, I'm happy it went quickly lol Can't wait to move to Utah and get away from Michigan. I'm going from Telemetry to Psychiatry. Wish me luck!

JDCitizen · Jul 2, 2009

Hmmm I see this string goes back to 2008.

VA interviews

Interview #1 was with an MD and a nurse manager and was very structured.

1) When have you had to go over and beyond the call of duty?

2) Have you ever had to report / reprimand an employee? How did you handle it?

3) Why should we hire you?

Interview #2 (Different department) No structure and it was with two doctors, a social worker and a PA that all came in at different times.

Basically told me what the job would entail and than they all asked about and reviewed my background. More like a group of professionals sitting around comparing notes than an interview. Much more informative than interview #1.

bluechick112, BSN, MSN, RN · Jul 4, 2009

My Mom is a Nurse Manager for the VA and conducts interviews for her potential employees. Her interviews are done by herself and she asks basic questions like "give me an example of when you had to convince people to do something that was questionable". She said that interviews vary by department. For example, HBPC will interview with a focus on how that nurse works independently since HBPC nurses are typically out on their own. Surgical units typically interview with a focus on quick decision making skills, ability to work under stress, etc.