Va nurse for new grad

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Just wondering how feasible it is for a new grad, ADN, to get a job as a VA nurse? I also have a bachelors in computers.

What would the salary range be?

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A classmate of mine, BSN, got a job at the VA as a new grad because she did her senior practicum there and networked like crazy. The benefits are supposed to be really great so job competition is tough. Didn't keep in touch with her so that's all I can add.

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A classmate of mine, BSN, got a job at the VA as a new grad because she did her senior practicum there and networked like crazy. The benefits are supposed to be really great so job competition is tough. Didn't keep in touch with her so that's all I can add.

Thanks for the information.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

The VA hires ADN nurses.

Here is the link from the VA regarding RN positions:

http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0600/nurse-series-0610/

Hope this helps!

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They definitely hire ADNs. The one in Tennessee had a career fair right after I graduated. I interviewed for a position & the lady loved me. However, they cannot hire you if the job posting online closes before you are licensed (that's what happened to me). But if you interview well they stay in touch & keep you update on jobs at their facility you can apply for (again, what has happened to me.)

Sometimes they also offer a New Grad Residency Program. I would keep an eye out for one in your area and definitely apply. I've done some research on the VA and their benefits are amazing!

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The salary range is different for each state. Check out usajobs.gov and check your state. All job listings have a salary range posted. A new grad would most likely start at the base pay of that range.

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Thank you so much for the information. If you have any more I would greatly appreciate it. I am 51, and was raised in the military, and would love to work with and help them. I have heard of the military taking people up to age 60, but I understand a BSN in nursing is required.

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.
The salary range is different for each state. Check out usajobs.gov and check your state. All job listings have a salary range posted. A new grad would most likely start at the base pay of that range.
The pay scale is set by what the local nursing market is. I worked in Erie PA and the scale was different then what the pay scale in Pittsburgh which is 2 hours away. A clinic in Ohio pay was set by the Erie VA. The outlining clinics pay scales are the same as the hospital that overseas them for the most part.

Not all postings have a pay range listed on them. When they do they generally are from a nurse 1 step 1 to a nurse 3 top step. If you are a ADN you will be a nurse 1 unless they can use your bachelor degree. As with everything there are outliners.

It is hard to find online what the pay scale is since nurse's in the VA system are hired under a title 38 position and they are not listed under OPM.gov.

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.
Thank you so much for the information. If you have any more I would greatly appreciate it. I am 51, and was raised in the military, and would love to work with and help them. I have heard of the military taking people up to age 60, but I understand a BSN in nursing is required.

The only ones I have heard the military taking up to age 60 is physicians. Nurse's have to have a BAN and if they are over 42 need a age waiver.

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What is a BAN?

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Do you know if the VA hospital needs nursing with computer science backgrounds. Nursing Infomatics.

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

They do have nursing informatics but not sure how many and where.

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