VA Nursing Background Check

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As a soon to be ex-active duty nurse, I have been looking at a position with the VA. On the application, it asks if you have ever received an Article 15 in the last 7 years. Unfortunately, I have received 2 in the last year. I'm not sure what to do. If I check "No", how likely are they to find out? I am going to receive an honorable discharge, and the Article 15's are from a foolish mistake. Any advice?

Thanks so much!!!

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I wouldn't hide anything. I think it would be worse to be hired and then have them find out and potentially fire you, vs. not getting hired at all. If possible, attach a letter explaining the circumstances, perhaps that would help. Good luck in your transition! I'll be there next year.

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Specializes in Pediatric Critical Care.

@alternate It's in your best interest to disclose it up front. It would be better for them to know ahead of time so that if they see it, it's not a surprise vs you withholding that information and then they see it. If the latter were to occur you don't want to risk the repercussions.

Best of luck!

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Applicants are taken out of hiring, deleted from candidacy all the time for inaccuracies in their applications. Usually the opportunity for an explanation is not afforded; either the candidate knew it was not the honest/accurate answer when it written, and therefore is dismissed, OR they were otherwise not entirely up-front and in an effort to hide something, wrote the inaccurate entry. Either way---not getting in.

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Thanks for the advice. I have applied, and been offered a job. I didn't disclose anything on my application (I just couldn't rehash the past). Now I have to start the VetPro Process. I still am not sure how anyone would/will find out. Guess we'll see.

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

Hey Alternate,

Have you done VETPRO yet? If I'm remembering correctly it asked about article 15's as well. I would suggest you fully disclose, it gives you a chance to explain all yes answers. Go ahead and explain because technically you are committing a crime when you intentionally lie on a job application, if the VA finds out that you didn't disclose they will rescind the offer and I remember reading something about a fine and/or jail time for intentionally lying. As a veteran myself, I love being able to work with and for other veterans, unfortunately I know other veterans who are now barred from being able to obtain federal jobs, this might happen when they find out you intentionally withheld information.

I know someone with a felony who was hired as an RN with the VA, she simply made them aware and explained what happened and how she has grown from her bad decisions, one of her former managers also gave her a good reference regarding her change. I would honestly be scared to not fully disclose on any job application, let alone a federal one. Good luck!!!

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I haven't done VETPRO. Just have a verbal offer. I guess I am torn, because the Article 15s aren't mentioned on my DD214. I have an honorable discharge. I've paid enough for my mistakes (being forced to separate), I just wonder how anyone would find out?

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I haven't done VETPRO. Just have a verbal offer. I guess I am torn, because the Article 15s aren't mentioned on my DD214. I have an honorable discharge. I've paid enough for my mistakes (being forced to separate), I just wonder how anyone would find out?

It isn't asking if you felt you paid for your mistakes. Your words:

" On the application, it asks if you have ever received an Article 15 in the last 7 years. Unfortunately, I have received 2 in the last year."

If you deny this, and say "no" when the answer is "yes", you are falsifying the information. You will be signing the bottom of the form, attesting that the information you have provided is true and accurate.

Yet you intend to lie. And hope no one finds out....not the same as answering the question truthfully. Do you suppose this question is asked for no reason whatsoever....or that a lie to answer THIS question is ok?

You might not be discovered prior to hiring. But if you are discovered at ANY point, you are terminated because you lied on your application, provided false documentation.

" I just wonder how anyone would find out?"

Maybe because you are applying to the Department of Veteran's Affairs....and submitting military/veteran data for verification?

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

Alternate,

I'm not sure how they would know about your article 15's, but again why not disclose especially since you were still discharged honorably? I recently tried to obtain my medical records from the military and was told the VA now has all those records, so I assume they might have my non-medical files too. Just be honest, it might save you from any future issues.

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Hi iToniai, I have a question I was given a job offer to the va, however on my resume I only listed my two jobs that I stayed at the longest. Anything less than six months I didn't indicate. When I go to enter all the jobs in vetpro will that be a problem? Also I will have to get exact dates from the jobs that I did indicate because at the time of application I guesstimated the best to my ability. Thx for a response.

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