VALOR

[charlestonsailing]

Anyone have experience with the VA's VALOR program? I do my clinicals at a VA and the program was mentioned to me.

[jeckrn, BSN, RN]

I did no use it but I worked at the VA where they had VALOR students. As a VALOR student you work x number of hours per week around your school schedule. The students at my VA worked along with the RN's. Also if you are a VALOR student it is easier to get hired by the VA once you graduate. Good luck with school.

[charlestonsailing]

Thank you for replying. Curious when you say work along with the RNs. Does that mean you perform the duties of a tech?

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

Found this on the VA's website after a quick Google search:

VALOR Program for Nursing Students

The VA Learning Opportunities Residency (VALOR) Program gives outstanding registered nursing students who have completed their junior year in an accredited clinical program the opportunity to develop competencies in clinical nursing while at an approved VA health care facility. Learning opportunities include didactic or classroom experiences, competency-based clinical practice with a qualified RN preceptor, and participation in nursing-focused clinical conferences.

VALOR participants who take a position with VA upon graduation are usually hired one to three steps above the entry level salary rate established for new graduates. This is because VALOR participants are already oriented to VA and its practice requirements. Students may be appointed on a full- or part-time basis during the summer months and may continue during their senior academic year on a part-time basis. Contact the nursing education department at your local medical center for more information about the VALOR Program and how to apply.

[jeckrn, BSN, RN]

Thank you for replying. Curious when you say work along with the RNs. Does that mean you perform the duties of a tech?

yes & no, It depends on the RN you are working with that day. At times it is almost like clinicals and you are doing RN duties upto what you are allowed by the facility & the RN you are working with. When I had a VALOR student with me I allowed them to do as much as possible.

[Az_RN_BSN]

I was a VALOR nurse when I was in school and it was a great experience. I work along side an RN and was allowed to pretty much do everything with their supervision. It really put me ahead of my classmates in terms of nursing skills - IV insertions, foleys, assessments and so on...Another perk..if you decide to work for the VA once you graduate..you get an extra pay step when you are hired because of your VALOR experience! I would def recommend it!

[charlestonsailing]

Thanks for the replies. How many hours did you work while in school? I am having trouble keeping my 12 hour EMS shift each week.

[Journeyman]

Could you give me some advice on the interview process for the VALOR program?

[SummitRN, BSN, RN]

VALOR participants who take a position with VA upon graduation are usually hired one to three steps above the entry level salary rate established for new graduates. This is because VALOR participants are already oriented to VA and its practice requirements.

My understanding is that there is no longer any pay level bonus for VALORs.