Is working at the VA easy?

The best thing with the VA is you are working with, for, and under Veterans. I have worked for the VA for over 6 years, 4 years as a VSR, the job has changed a lot. It is not an easy job. The VA is nice because you can move up but morale is low right now with the massive back log.
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Is the VA hard to work with?

VA leaped to sixth place among the federal agencies with 15,000 or more employees thanks to its 64.2 employee engagement score, which is calculated based on responses to questions designed to assess employee engagement characteristics such as job and organizational satisfaction.
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Is it worth it to work for the VA?

The VA hospital is a great place to work, learn and grow. The hospital has exceptional staff to help our veterans. The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs is a wonderful place to work. You get job security working for the government, and with the VA there is so much room for career advancement.
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Why is working at the VA a good job?

Productive great place to work

Wherever life may lead, VA employees can seek employment at a VA facility with an open position and transfer with no loss of benefits. Employees are free to explore new areas of career development and pursue opportunities anywhere within VA.
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How long does it take to get hired into the VA?

Application processing can take up to 60 days, and in some cases, up to 120 days. Since hiring decisions are made locally, you will need to call the VA facility where you submitted your application.
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Why is it so great working at the VA? Watch this to find out!



What drug test does the VA use?

The VA uses a standardized four-panel drug detection kit. This test shows the presence of narcotics (Vicodin, morphine, Oxycontin, and others), marijuana, cocaine (or crack), and amphetamines. Some tests might detect benzodiazepines such as Valium and similar drugs.
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How do I get started with the VA?

VA Health Care Enrollment Process
  1. Online - Apply online at VA's website.
  2. By Telephone - Call toll-free number at 877-222-VETS (8387)
  3. In Person - Complete the "Application for Health Benefits" at your local VA. Find a VA medical center.
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Is working for the VA stressful?

Of the respondents, 45% said that they strongly agreed or agreed that they felt stressed at work most of the time. Learn more about work-life balance at Department of Veterans Affairs.
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How many vacation days do VA employees get?

ANNUAL LEAVE (VACATION)

Full time employees initially earn 13 days per year. You can earn up to 26 days per year after continued service. Full time nurses, nurse anethetists, physician assistants, and expanded function dental auxiliaries earn 26 days annually.
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How long do you have to work at the VA to retire?

VA employees are part of the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Under FERS, you are eligible for monthly retirement benefits after just five years of federal service.
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Why I love working at the VA?

“Working here aids in my quality of life; we get great vacation and sick time and more regular hours too.” “As a VA employee, I'm part of a diverse team serving Veterans.” “Everything that we do is about serving Veterans. And, I've never had more fun in my life – this is just the place you want to be.”
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How often do VA employees get paid?

Normally you will receive your first pay check three weeks after you enter on duty. You will be paid bi-weekly (every two weeks) according to the calendar of holidays and pay periods.
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How do you answer VA interview questions?

To give a complete answer to a behavior-based question, you must, first, reflect on specific situations that you faced while working (include any volunteering or internships), then, describe the specific action you took, and, finally, the outcome as a result of your actions.
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How long is the VA onboarding process?

The challenge seemed daunting, considering it usually takes VHA about 90 days to hire and onboard a new employee. Checking the identity and medical credentials of a prospective employee often takes 30 days.
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Does the VA pay out sick leave?

Sick Leave. VA will allow an employee to use accrued sick leave for medical needs for self or care of a family member (including for adoption purposes). VA will follow the applicable accrual schedule and ensure that time is recorded as care or bereavement, adoption, or other sick leave.
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Is there paid family leave in VA?

Paid family and medical leave program.

Requires the Virginia Employment Commission to establish and administer a paid family and medical leave program with benefits beginning January 1, 2024. Under the program, benefits are paid to eligible employees for family and medical leave.
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Do federal employees have good benefits?

Generous Retirement Benefits. Speaking of retirement, federal employees tend to have the option to retire earlier than their private sector counterparts and have access to superior retirement plans through the Civil Services Retirement System (CSRS) or the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS).
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What benefits do Veterans get?

Other VA benefits to consider as a Veteran
  • Disability compensation. ...
  • Support for Veteran-owned small businesses. ...
  • Veterans Pension program. ...
  • Aid and attendance or housebound allowance. ...
  • Disability housing grants. ...
  • More life insurance options. ...
  • Pre-need eligibility determination for burial in a VA national cemetery.
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How do I get VA disability?

You can apply online for veterans disability benefits using the Veterans On-Line Application (VONAPP). To apply by mail, complete Application for Veterans Compensation and/or Pension, which can be found at the VA Forms Website, and send it to your local VA office. You can apply by phone by calling 800-827-1000.
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Where do I start for VA disability?

If you need help filing a disability claim, you can contact a VA regional office and ask to speak to a counselor. To find the nearest regional office, please call 800-827-1000 . An accredited representative, like a Veterans Service Officer (VSO), can help you fill out your claim.
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What happens when you fail a VA drug test?

If you are found to be using illegal drugs or using legal drugs without a valid prescription, you will be removed from duty and sent to UMMC Employee Health for Fitness for Duty Testing. A positive test result may affect your employment at UMMC.
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How often does VA random drug test?

A Drug Program Coordinator (DPC) at each Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facility is responsible for scheduling drug tests each month for randomly selected employees. VA randomly selects 285 employees each month for drug testing—for an annual total of 3,420 employees.
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What does the VA physical consist of?

An average physical can include: A comprehensive physical exam catered to a patient's age, gender and specific risk factors. A check for heart health. A lungs examination.
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What should I wear to a VA interview?

Plan your outfit. When you're calling to confirm the interview details, ask what to wear. It could be scrubs, business attire or business casual. Feel free to ask this question and any others as you prepare.
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What interview questions does the VA ask?

Sample PBI Questions
  • Describe a situation in which you had to use your communication skills in presenting complex information. ...
  • Share with me an example of an important personal goal that you set, and explain how you accomplished it.
  • Lead me through a decision-making process on a major project you've completed.
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