How to Get a Nursing Job at a VA Hospital

By Leigh Wittman

Many nurses want to work at a Veterans Administration (VA) hospital. Helping veterans and obtaining benefits provided to government employees are a few of the common reasons that nurses desire to work at VA hospitals. Therefore, being hired by a VA hospital is quite competitive and requires effort and strategic planning.

Work at a VA hospital as a CNA (certified nursing assistant) while in nursing school, if possible. If this is not possible, try to work at the VA hospital as a nurse extern during nursing school. Both of these options will enable a nursing student to make valuable connections to recruiters in the human resources department, as well as to make a positive impression with the director of nursing.

Volunteer at the VA hospital. This is beneficial because the nurse will have an opportunity to make valuable connections at the hospital and to become acquainted with various departments.

Obtain board certifications for your nursing specialty to improve your application. Additionally, pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing to make yourself a more favorable applicant.

Apply for a position at a VA hospital and follow up on your application. If you are not selected for a position initially, continue to reapply.

Apply for a position with the VA Travel Nurse Corps. Positions with the Corps involve traveling around the country and working at understaffed VA hospitals.

http://www.lenderva.com