Laurie Said:

Is getting a nursing job in VA hospital is hard?

We Answered:

Hi. I work at the VA now. Yes, its tough but not impossible. The VA gives preferential treatment to vets, obviously first and foremost and also to internal staff members. Nurses move around a lot here so vacancies are usually taken up easily. If you are lucky enough to find something at USAJOBS.COM, make sure you send in your resume right away. Once the date for the position is closed, they will not accept any resume that comes in afterwards. So, be vigilant for the job opening, check the website weekly if not biweekly and send in your resume. There was a recent opening in the Spinal Cord Injury clinic in Milwaukee and my boss said there were 35 resumes. They have to interview vets and internal staff first then outside staff. So, there're a lot of competitions. I got lucky because the position I am in now, the internal staff didn't want because of the pay. However, once you get in, you can move around within a year. So, get in somewhere and don't worry about the pay initially. Good luck.

Brittany Said:

Question about civilian jobs in Norfolk,Va...?

We Answered:

There are nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and doctor's offices all over Norfolk. She should have no problem getting a job in the Norfolk area. As for on-base jobs, check http://www.usajobs.gov/ .

Milton Said:

Is it possible for a RN who has a general-uoth to be hired by a VA hospital?

We Answered:

You can definitely apply. Your application will be among those considered. The process supposedly hires the individual most qualified for the position. So, if you are applying for a critical care position, but only have clinic experience, you probably would not get chosen.

As long as your nursing license is clear of any issues/infractions, it should not cause you any trouble. You could explain it as youthful indiscretion, if asked. However, RN's are Title 38, and are not given veterans preference in hiring (according to our HR dept.) as it is based on ability.

Additionally, as it is a FEDERAL job, it does not matter which state your nursing license is in, as long as it is current. You could have a nursing license in Alaska, and work in Florida - doesn't matter.

Allen Said:

A parent lives in a nursing home, all expenses paid by the state&VA. How much is expected of the adult child?

We Answered:

It is her job....as a retired RN, I can tell you, nurses get very stressed by extremely demanding/noncompliant patients [which your dad apparently is]...the one thing you could do, if it's financially feasible, is to hire a sitter, so he won't be on the nurses' backs so much, but if you can't, it is, after all their jobs....If he had been a parent that wasn't so difficult earlier in life, I'd say you owe him one, but by the sounds of things, you really have gone beyond the call....do not buy into any of the guilt trips people try to send your way....in my eyes, blood is NOT thicker than water! Take care of your own self, honey...people like your dad can drain every bit life out of you & you do NOT owe him...

Eric Said:

What do you think of this plan in regards to the "jobs no American wants to do"?

We Answered:

I think the idea would make us feel better about those welfare checks that are distributed to the lazy a$$es who want to be supported... Make them work for their $$ like the rest of us do.. great idea!

Ann Said:

How hard is it to get a job at a va hospital?

We Answered:

My understanding is that if you had a Juvi record at age 12 and have not been in trouble again, that your record should have been expunged, or erased, once you turned 21 (became an adult in the eyes of the law).
Having worked in HR at a VA hospital a few years back, I think that you shouldn't have any problem getting a job there. Just fill out the application, be yourself during the interview process, and you should do just fine.

Best of luck ~ hoping that all works out for you !

Bruce Said:

Just moved and having a hard time finding a job due to the nursing requirements here in DC?

We Answered:

It must just be the difference in the licensing. I'd suggest going to a good community college in DC and meeting with a counselor. Bring your transcripts from where you did your coursework before and see if they can help you. They should let you know if there's a requirement you didn't meet or if you need to retake any tests or anything.