VA Long Beach Vs. White Memorial New Grad Programs

jojonavy · May 29, 2011

Wow thanks Carolyn, that really helps with making a decision. The unit placing will be a big deal for me. I'd really not want to work in the CLC, that seems more of long term sub-acute type job. At White Memorial I'll be cross trained for Med-Surg, Tele and Sub-ICU. Its a newer unit that deals with mulitple specialties. The contract and year long program might also be deal breakers to. If need be, I'd rather break a contract with White Memorial than VA, because it's messing with the Government.

Gonna give it a little more thought, but might take myself out of the running for VA. I'd love to be part of the VA system, but might just get the experience first and reapply to a unit of my choice.

As for my Spanish, I actually kinda like the challenge. My goal is to have my kids bilingual in Spanish, so this might help with it. Just downloaded Rosetta Stone, hope it works.

conure girl · May 29, 2011

Thanks so much, Carolynms! I have a few questions, if you don't mind.

During the 6 month time period that you shadow an upper level RN and working on an EBP, do you still have time to work on the unit? If so, are you on your own at that time or under a preceptor or one of the upper level RNs? When DO you start to work on your own? I take it the preceptors are hit or miss with how good they are? Someone in another thread posted that the VA uses Versant. Not true from how you describe it.

What type of unit is S8? Have you heard rumors of other good units to work on? At WLA VA there is a 7 or 8:1 ratio on the M/S units, but the LVNs pass most of the meds. Do you know if it is the same at LB?

And finally, for the interview-- did they use strictly "give me an example of" (Performance Based Interview) type questions or were there also open ended type questions like "tell me about yourself," "why did you choose nursing" etc. I realize this may have changed since you interviewed, but I sure would like to have an idea of the type of interview format.

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer any of these questions! You can Private Message me if you like.

carolynms · May 31, 2011

You begin with two preceptors and one mentor starting at the beginning of the program. Each unit has their own "check-list" of skills to complete before you are officially signed off by the preceptor. If I remember right, you will be basically "on your own" after three months. However, you will never work alone or without a preceptor on shift until you graduate (or at least after 6 months). Each preceptor is trained by the education department and receive a stipend for their extra work. I had wonderful preceptors, but I understand some weren't as lucky. Fortunately, the Education Department is very clear at the beginning to alert them of any problems. They really do want you to succeed!
In the final 6 months, you are working full time on your unit with about 2-4 work days per month shadowing. The EBP is largely done on your own time with your group.
This is NOT a Versant Program. The program is relatively new (only a few years old I believe). This program actually began at the LBVA and was later adopted by all other VA facilities.
S8 is a med/surg floor that is supposed to eventually become a telemetry floor. They see a wide population and also do some chemo.
I can't answer for the ratios, but I believe it is similar. My S8 friend often has 4-5 total cares and covers two LVNs. LVNs do pass a good deal of medications, but of course, RNs do IVs.
Regarding the interview, most were very rigid, "Why do you want to work with the veteran population?" "Why are you a nurse?" "Tell me about the veteran population," etc. Basically, know as much as you can about the healthcare issues facing the Vet population today and what you would expect. Also, have a very good answer for why you choose to work exclusively with Vets.

Best of luck!

conure girl · May 31, 2011

Thank you so very much, Carolyn. You've really given me a clear picture of the program. I'm really hoping to get into the program.

conure girl · Jun 2, 2011

So Jojonavy & WUNSN---what did you think of the interview? I thought that the panel were so very nice and made me feel like I was giving great answers. But I am so upset that they are only hiring for night shifts!

jojonavy · Jun 2, 2011

I didn't go to the interview because I decided to stick with White Memorial, but you really got take what you can get at this moment. Most new grads are working nights.

WUNSN · Jun 3, 2011

Hey conure, yeah I thought they were really nice! They made me feel comfortable. They kept making me smile cause of their jokes to one another. Anyway, how did it go for you? were you able to ask more questions about the program? Mine went over the time as they started pretty late. I didn't wanna take up more time.

ks1773 · Jun 3, 2011

Does anyone know when they will let us know by?

conure girl · Jun 3, 2011

They'll let us know by next week.

I asked very few questions since they were running late. I learned they are heading towards an all RN (no LVNs) workforce and a 1:5 NP ratio on the M/S floor. 1:3 on SCI. Sounds like they are getting the new grads on the units earlier than in previous cohorts---not being exclusively classroom time at the start. The first 3 mo is 2 da of education/wk with 3 days of shadowing then the next 5-6 mo phase is education one day every 2 weeks, and the final phase is one day per month of education.

I'm going to try to get all the emails of all the panel members from ---- this morning so that I can write thank you's. If you need them (or already have them) you can PM me & I'll give you my email.

ks1773 · Jun 3, 2011

conure girl,

I actually don't think I can send PMs yet =/ but I might be able to reply to a PM, do you mind trying PMing your email address?

thanks!

WUNSN · Jun 3, 2011

Same here conure girl I can't pm yet but send me your email and I will email you back :) thank you!

ks1773 · Jun 12, 2011

updates?