VA Travel Nurse Corp

Spoiled1, MSN, RN · Jul 3, 2012

Any advice yet on the VA travel nurse corps? I've recently applied for a VA nurse position here in NC, but still waiting for an interview. I am also interested in the travel nurse corps.

Hello all! I've been working at a local VA hospital for about 5 years now, and am interested in travel nursing. There are so many agencies out there it's ridiculous! One that peaked my interest though was the VA travel nurse corp. I want to continue working for the VA if possible, so it seems as though I would get the best of both worlds. Have any of you worked or work for the VA travel nurse corp? I would be interested in getting your feedback. Thanks!

kellygurl64 · Jul 4, 2012

There is an old post (somewhere here) that gives alot of info on VA Nurse Travel Corps. I read quite a bit about it, went to the site, started the paperwork, then basically gave up and went the conventional agency route. It was EXTENSIVE! It seemed interesting enough and the appeal is that you do not need individual state licensing. Also, they staff in many interesting places. Drawbacks besides the paperwork: the wait for approval can be over 6 months and they offer no health insurance. I absolutely could not go that route. If you really want to do it, you can find a way, though. Keep us updated...I am interested to see if anyone has gone this route of late...

Spoiled1, MSN, RN · Jul 4, 2012

Thanks for the feedback! I don't mind the health insurance so much because I think there is a way to COBRA your current insurance for up to 18 months. My plan was to travel for 12-18 months anyway. I've heard that the paperwork takes forever! I'm trying to figure out if its even worth it. I think there are some agencies who pay more than the travel nurse corps.I may start the paperwork and see what happens!

There is an old post (somewhere here) that gives alot of info on VA Nurse Travel Corps. I read quite a bit about it, went to the site, started the paperwork, then basically gave up and went the conventional agency route. It was EXTENSIVE! It seemed interesting enough and the appeal is that you do not need individual state licensing. Also, they staff in many interesting places. Drawbacks besides the paperwork: the wait for approval can be over 6 months and they offer no health insurance. I absolutely could not go that route. If you really want to do it, you can find a way, though. Keep us updated...I am interested to see if anyone has gone this route of late...

vanurse1022, BSN · Jul 4, 2012

There is an old post about the travel nurse corp, but the program was just starting off then so the information is dated. Location options were very limited at that time, and some of the kinks in the program were still being worked out. It's still considered a pilot program, but has grown tremendously over the last couple of years. Also, if you're already a VA employee, you can keep your health insurance while traveling, which is nice.

vanurse1022, BSN · Jul 4, 2012

I got through the application (which was quite extensive comparitively, but not awful) process and had an interview yesterday. Now I wait to hear back! There are definitely some perks, but it sounds like the private agencies might offer more. I'll let you know more as I start my first assignment!

As far as applying to the VA goes, if possible, I would visit the unit you would like to work on and talk with the nurse manager. That was the only reason I got in! It helps too if you know someone who works there already. I was told by a nurse recruiter that there were no openings, since typically the VA fills positions internally, but learned there were many openings by dropping by the unit. If you meet face-to-face with the manager, you're more likely to get in. Good luck!

Spoiled1, MSN, RN · Jul 4, 2012

Thanks for sharing! I look forward to hearing about your first assignment. I recently applied for a VA ICU nurse position here in NC. No word yet. Just got the update that said application was forwarding to hiring officials. Whatever that means... Good luck on your journey!

I got through the application (which was quite extensive comparitively, but not awful) process and had an interview yesterday. Now I wait to hear back! There are definitely some perks, but it sounds like the private agencies might offer more. I'll let you know more as I start my first assignment!
As far as applying to the VA goes, if possible, I would visit the unit you would like to work on and talk with the nurse manager. That was the only reason I got in! It helps too if you know someone who works there already. I was told by a nurse recruiter that there were no openings, since typically the VA fills positions internally, but learned there were many openings by dropping by the unit. If you meet face-to-face with the manager, you're more likely to get in. Good luck!

rntraveler2012 · Jul 4, 2012

My husband and I are both current VA Hosp employees (RN) with insurance benefits. I just recently wanted to return to travel nursing which I did before but not with VA. I would like to know more about it if anyone has info or website to use? Is is comparable with other travel companies on pay rates, benefits, housing etc? Thank you!!

vanurse1022, BSN · Jul 4, 2012

Here is their website:

VA Travel Nurse Corps (TNC) Home

From what I could tell, the pay and housing are the same if not better, but the benefits aren't as great. You really need to talk with a recruiter to get more info as the website is limited.

rntraveler2012 · Jul 4, 2012

Thanks so much!!

THERESAHALL · Jul 13, 2013

Too new to pm anyone - but can someone contact me and let me know what the specifics are for travel nursing with the VA. I am currently a VA employee - would love to travel. Thanks.

THERESAHALL · Jul 13, 2013

Did this ever work out for you?