Who here has participated in the VALOR Program?

Julesmama28 · Apr 10, 2016

I did it. It's a good program and an amazing way to ease into nursing. I was taught by some great preceptors and had some really great hands on experiences. I was treated like a nurse, it was awesome. The pay doesn't hurt either. Downsides? Not great communication about the actual job status but that's something you can work around. I was offered a permanent job after graduation but I chose another direction. Don't regret my almost year there though, it was great!

sc1211 · Apr 10, 2016

I graduate in December with my ASN and have had my eye on the VALOR program since last August. I'm kind of confused about the process though, can I apply as an ASN if I plan to enroll in a BSN program ASAP?

WookieeRN, BSN, MSN, RN · Apr 10, 2016

I graduate in December with my ASN and have had my eye on the VALOR program since last August. I'm kind of confused about the process though, can I apply as an ASN if I plan to enroll in a BSN program ASAP?

The way it was explained to me is that it is intended for BSN students in their senior year and that you need to be enrolled in a BSN program with I believe 2 semesters or less left.

gere7404, BSN, RN · Apr 10, 2016

The VALOR students at my facility get to do a lot of hands on things -- they're much more than glorified CNA's, in fact, from what I've seen a lot of the time the VA nurses just expect you to do everything and use you as a way to pawn off their nursing duties (this could be specific to my VAMC). I'm currently a nursing assistant for the VA and my major responsibility is mostly psychosocial support, I do very little bedside care or traditional CNA stuff.

I'm interviewing for a BSN program locally who is aligned with my VAMC and hope to apply to the VALOR or VANAP program later down the line (I was told 2nd year students can apply), but from what I here they prefer outsiders for those positions for recruiting purposes because "they already got you" if you're a current employee. :banghead:

nsti · Apr 12, 2016

I did the VALOR program after my first year of nursing school. To answer your question, yes, there is a ton of paperwork. I do feel like the experience is more than worth it. In the competitive environment that new grad nurses are coming into, the nurse extern experience gave me the ability to get the job I wanted after graduation. I was on a med surg tele floor and it was all nursing responsibilities. They pick often from the VALOR pool for new grad RNS, but it will depend on the needs of the hospital l ended up in ICU at my VA because spots were open. The pay is nice, and I was able to act as a tech per diem whenever I wanted after I finished my VALOR. However, do not assume that because you got the VALOR they will offer you the job you want after graduation. Also, I ultimately ended up leaving the VA and staying there per diem after two years. I thought the program was the best step into nursing I could have ever had, though.

Nurse_bre · Apr 13, 2016

I LOVED the VALOR program. I did the program the summer after my junior year. I learned a lot more there than I had in clinicals. I worked in the ICU and my nurse preceptors were so knowledgeable and eager to teach. I was not a glorified CNA at all, I actually got to use some of my delegating skills for practice! I functioned as a nurse, charting assessments, giving medications while supervised, of course. Practiced IV insertion, how to admit/discharge patients. I even got to tag along to rapid response calls. I highly recommend this program. Now after graduation I didn't apply to the VA but it's definitely an option in the future.

cjcsoon2bnp, MSN, RN, NP · Apr 13, 2016

My significant other works for the VA as a Med/Surg. nurse and precepts VALOR students frequently and I also have a friend who completed the VALOR program. As a VALOR you are much more than a "glorified CNA", you get to practice a lot of nursing skills that can include: medication administration, procedures (e.g. foley cath. insertion, IV insertion, NG tube insertion, wound care), assisting with admissions and discharges, document in nursing notes with your preceptor countersigning and much more... It is a 10-week program but some programs allow you to request additional hours and extend your time in the facility if they have needs for ancillary staff on a particular unit. While it's not 100% guaranteed that a VALOR student will be offered a position upon graduation it is highly likely (think of it as they have already made an investment in you and want to see a return). If you get a chance to join this program I would, its a great way of securing employment after graduate and gives you some good experience.

!Chris :specs:

nurse826 · Apr 13, 2016

I work for the VA, and actually work in a department, that chooses and oversees the VALOR program. I cannot say enough about the program, and it will also open doors to the possibility (if you want it) to come back and work as an RN serving our Veterans. There is a lot of hands on training, as well as learning opportunities that the VA gives.

I think it should be something that you give serious thought to!

gere7404, BSN, RN · Apr 13, 2016

I work for the VA, and actually work in a department, that chooses and oversees the VALOR program. I cannot say enough about the program, and it will also open doors to the possibility (if you want it) to come back and work as an RN serving our Veterans. There is a lot of hands on training, as well as learning opportunities that the VA gives.
I think it should be something that you give serious thought to!

Would you say being a current VA employee is an advantage or disadvantage when applying for a VALOR position?

cloudneoqt · Apr 13, 2016

Hi,

I am going to start my BSN program in the Fall of 2016 and would like to know what I should do to prepare me to become a competitive candidate for the VALOR program. I live Rosemead,CA and am willing to commute in the LA area and OC area

Nurse2bViolinist · Apr 14, 2016

Thank you all SO MUCH!! It sounds like everyone has loved the VALOR program and it is totally worth it! So, so good to know. :) I am waiting to hear about an interview via email, so fingers crossed! Now I am sure that I would love to do this program. I was having some doubts (probably also from end of semester stress!) but now my mind is put at ease.

Another question: is it kind of like a preceptorship where your work hours are whatever the RN you are assigned to has? If that makes sense....