VA PBNR in Dallas

anothervietguy, ADN, RN · Jul 26, 2020

I applied for the Transition to Practice program and received an unofficial offer from the coordinator. Now I am waiting for the firm offer with the start date from HR. The VA takes forever with HR paperwork. Hang in there ?

Jen1234, BSN, RN · Jul 30, 2020

Thank you for your reply. It just takes so long for this firm offer. I thought it would take a long time, but this is forever (it feels like).

MsPurple20 · Jul 30, 2020

I’m in the same boat!
April: Tentative offer

May/June: vetpro, Equip, physical, blood, urine testing
July: PSB reviewed my dimensions.
Now I’m just waiting on my official offer and start date!

anothervietguy, ADN, RN · Jul 30, 2020

1 hour ago, MsPurple20 said:
I’m in the same boat!
April: Tentative offer
May/June: vetpro, Equip, physical, blood, urine testing
July: PSB reviewed my dimensions.
Now I’m just waiting on my official offer and start date!

You have done the PSB review already? I haven't done that yet :) They will probably send the offer a week before the start date. Things are running slowly over there. I am working as a student nurse tech on MICU/CCU.

MsPurple20 · Jul 30, 2020

58 minutes ago, anothervietguy said:
You have done the PSB review already? I haven't done that yet ? They will probably send the offer a week before the start date. Things are running slowly over there. I am working as a student nurse tech on MICU/CCU.

Yes I have done it already! Took about 10 days until I was notified that that step is completed. I’m just practicing patience.

Boomshakalaka · Aug 2, 2020

It seems like another “hurry up and wait” situation.

anothervietguy, ADN, RN · Aug 29, 2020

So I finally got my offer letter yesterday, Friday 08/28. I will start on Monday, 08/31. Are you guys/gals starting on Monday too?

MsPurple20 · Aug 29, 2020

Yup starting Monday too.

Scoutislife · Jun 18, 2021

Hi. I know this is an old thread but I recently got a tenative offer and I am wondering how you found the program vs a traditional hospital residency program. Also, was your stipend disclosed to you early on so that you can find housing, etc.? Do you still recommend this route to the VA after completing the program?

Jen1234, BSN, RN · Jun 18, 2021

Hi! So I’m almost done with PBNR. It is a very good program, nothing like it anywhere else. Think of it as if your an MD going through residency. You get to see it all! Every dept and learn what you like and don’t like. I didn’t learn my pay till day one….. which was very annoying but you will be pleasantly surprised. The VA pays very well compared to other major hospitals (honesty one of the top paying ones). The VA is a completely different world in the health care world. The attitudes and lack of respect from some can get you down….. once you learn to move past that (which took me months) you will be happy. The pay, benefits, it’s all there. It’s a lot to learn but no contracts at the end so you can leave and not worry about paying anything back. It is a hurry up and wait situation. Again, if you can look past that, you will be happy there. Just go into it knowing nothing is very organized, expect wait times, expect everything to be very very slow…. I know this sounds crazy (trust me I do) but the VA is a whole different world…. But I honestly love my job. I wouldn’t trade it for the world!

Scoutislife · Jun 18, 2021

Thanks for the in @Jen1234! I also wondered at the end if everyone typically gets placed somewhere? I know it isn't a staff position at the VA so I think my next worry is if there isn't placement at the end. Also, do you feel if you ever did need to leave for whatever reason that you can find a job easily again in the private sector directly after the resideny program? Since it isn't a training on a unit and being on your own like other hospital residencies, does it give you enough for outside hospitals to still consider you for their positions after completion of this program?

So many quesitons! I appreciate any insight as I feel a little blind going in.