VA JOB OFFER!

[Tbmingo]

Hello Fellow Nurses!

I'm a new nurse (6months since I've had my license). I recently went to a job fair at the VA Hospital here in Tampa,Florida, and was offered a job the same day. I did a TON of paper work that day. I'm just curious to know how the whole hiring process operates. I've heard some ppl say they started working as early as 3wks and others as late as 6 months. I'm curious to know how long did it take others and what should I do to stay on top of the Recruiters, I'm so EXCITED that I got the job offer and can't wait to start working.

And also I have NO IDEA on how the pay grade scale works?! Can someone explain that to me as well? I do have 7 yrs experience at another hospital and I have Bachelor Degree?

HELP PLEASE & THANK YOU!

[Pkham]

First off, congrats on landing your very first nursing job! Here is a link to VA RN pay scales for different states Title 38 Pay Schedules - Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM) I believe with Tampa you are RN Grade 2 (BSN) step 5, or $77,096. Grades are 1 for ADN, 2 for BSN, 3 for MSN. Steps are years experience with 1-3 being 1 year each and 4-6 being 2 years each, 7 is 3 etc. 7 Years experience is step 5 if I'm not mistaken (step 3=3 yrs, st 4=5 yrs, st 5=7 yrs). It can be quite confusing and even I'm not 100% sure I broke that down correctly. VA offers great benefits and 5 weeks paid vacation a year starting day 1 ain't bad at all. I would love to life in Florida, enjoy.

[Tbmingo]

Thank you!!! I'm just anxious to start working. The recruiter said she'll call by Tuesday with all my details so I'll try to hold off til then to ask all my questions.