VALOR Nurse Externship Program

Shelby, BSN, RN · Mar 16, 2015

I had an interview for the Valor program and it was a tough interview. Just stay clam and be yourself. Some of the questions I remember were:

"Tell me about a time when you provided excellent patient care."

"Why should we hire you?"

"Tell me about a time that you had with a difficult patient or nurse and how did you handle it?"

"What are your strengths and weaknesses?"

It was a panel interview (4 people interviewed me at the same time). It is very competitive, but don't think you have to have a 4.0 to get into the program. In fact, I know several people who had a 4.0 and were turned down, and several people who had around a 3.8 and were accepted to the program. Some other tips-- Get there early!! Bring extra copies of your resume. Dress professionally. Shake everyone's hands when you arrive and before you leave the interview. Always demonstrate excellent manners.

GOOD LUCK!!

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Mar 16, 2015

Can't speak for the experiences at all VAMCs as you will find that there is a wide variance among them in terms of "how it is". I can tell you that at mine, admission is very competitive because of the quality of the program: students can expect to be exposed to a broad range of care situations and the population of patients at VA is really not the same as you'd find at a non-VA hospital. Students here do report having had great experiences and frequently seek jobs if they intend to stay in the area. They may or may not get in after graduation, BUT they definitely do have an edge, as they are "known quantities" as new grads :)

amb218, BSN, RN · Mar 17, 2015

Looks like an awesome program. Good luck everyone!

claire43 · Mar 17, 2015

Thank you so much for that wonderful advice!!