VA nursing is NOT "uniformed service"

[Elizabeth Hanes, BSN, RN]

I see the title of this forum has changed to "Military Nursing and Uniformed Service Nursing," and the description reads, in part, "...as well as in the US Public Health Service, such as VA hospitals." I just want to clarify, for those who may be considering VA nursing, that VA nursing is NOT part of the US Public Health Service, nor is it "Uniformed Service" nursing. In fact, VA nursing is civilian nursing. It is federal civil service nursing. You do not need to be a former military member (veteran) or part of the USPHS to be a VA nurse. Any civilian who is a US citizen qualifies. VA nursing is highly rewarding. Not only do you serve those who served our country, but, as a federal civil service employee, you enjoy some of the finest fringe benefits available to civilians in this country. I just wanted to make this clarification so those who are considering VA nursing do not get confused. To learn more about VA nursing, visit http://www.vacareers.va.gov or http://www.usajobs.com (sorry, unable to make links due to a temporary problem with the allnurses site). Be aware that not all VA nursing jobs are listed on these sites. Your best bet is to contact the nurse recruiter at the VA facility you wish to apply at. Good luck! Semisweetchick (VA nurse hopeful)