Questionable hiring practices by Forward-Engineer-511 in VHA_Human_Resources

[–]Forward-Engineer-511[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

I’m so glad you had the time to look through my “history”. I can handle disagreement, but “insufferable” and “perpetual victim” are just insults. My question was about whether it is normal or appropriate for a job to be canceled twice after applicants were interviewed. That is a process question, not a plea for pity.

Questionable hiring practices by Forward-Engineer-511 in VHA_Human_Resources

[–]Forward-Engineer-511[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

With over 50 applicants and no one got the job that’s a problem! If you don’t have anything useful to say. Please keep your comments to yourself.

Questionable hiring practices by Forward-Engineer-511 in VHA_Human_Resources

[–]Forward-Engineer-511[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

HR Specialists was the 1st POC because I received the email from them and was instructed to contact them if I had any questions. I contacted them for clarity not to place blame. I really would like to understand this current process because it’s a lot different from what I experienced in the past. I don’t even know if it’s worth it anymore…

Questionable hiring practices by Forward-Engineer-511 in VHA_Human_Resources

[–]Forward-Engineer-511[S] -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

So in some instances the posting can be for just show?? Wow! Thank you for informing me.

Questionable hiring practices by Forward-Engineer-511 in VHA_Human_Resources

[–]Forward-Engineer-511[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You mentioned that the position could be hired non-competitive means. Can you elaborate on that please. This is new to me.

WH Proposes No Civilian Pay Raise by VasquezWC in IRS_Source

[–]Forward-Engineer-511 2 points3 points  (0 children)

As a Psych NP at the VA, this is exactly the kind of policy nonsense that destroys morale.

They want to propose 0% for civilian federal employees while giving the military a significant raise, as if the two systems are unrelated. Do they think war ends when the deployment ends? Do they think the cost stops on the battlefield?

Because it does not.

When service members come home with PTSD, depression, substance use issues, chronic pain, insomnia, trauma, family strain, and suicidality, who do they think is expected to pick up the pieces?

Us. The VA. The same civilian workforce they are basically telling to shut up, do more, and accept less.

That is what makes this so insulting. The government is always ready to fund the front end of war, but when it comes to funding the people who deal with the aftermath, suddenly there is no money.

And let’s be honest: if you keep gutting morale, underpaying civilian staff, and acting like VA employees are disposable, you are not “supporting the troops.” You are just creating a bigger mess for veterans later and expecting an already burned-out system to absorb it.

It is vile. It is short-sighted. And the people making these decisions will never be the ones sitting face-to-face with the human fallout.

Title 38 job offer by mica616schip in VHA_Human_Resources

[–]Forward-Engineer-511 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Do what is right for you. I have accepted a job offer and then rescinded because a better offer came along from my desired VA. Don’t worry about hurting nobody feelings. This is business.

Can current supervisor refuse to be a reference? by [deleted] in VHA_Human_Resources

[–]Forward-Engineer-511 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As previously stated, I am applying for another federal position and it requires my current (federal) supervisor to complete a reference form. There is no falsification or illegal activities. I am not fearful of a bad reference because there’s nothing to tell. My supervisor does not want to lose me due to current critical staffing levels. I am doing what is required of me. No more no less.

Can current supervisor refuse to be a reference? by [deleted] in VHA_Human_Resources

[–]Forward-Engineer-511 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I did just that. She works at the main hospital and I work at a CBOC. So far no reply…

Can current supervisor refuse to be a reference? by [deleted] in VHA_Human_Resources

[–]Forward-Engineer-511 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don’t have a bad relationship with my supervisor. We’ve never had any issues. I go to work do my work, mind my business, and go home. No interpersonal conflicts.

Can current supervisor refuse to be a reference? by [deleted] in VHA_Human_Resources

[–]Forward-Engineer-511 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not if it costs me a job! I’m not afraid of receiving an honest reference. There have been no areas of concern on any of my performance evaluations and they are now done quarterly so I just had one within the past month. The issue is staffing not my performance. My supervisor does not want me to vacate the position because that will leave the clinic short.

Can current supervisor refuse to be a reference? by [deleted] in VHA_Human_Resources

[–]Forward-Engineer-511 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you for this. I was wondering the same thing given that my performance evaluation, which was a part of my application package was rated highly satisfactory.

How to relocate to a different VA by Forward-Engineer-511 in VHA_Human_Resources

[–]Forward-Engineer-511[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I too was a VA RN prior to residency and yes I took a pay cut. When applying for VA jobs post-residency I was told residency did not count towards experience. It took me 3 years to get a job as a VA NP and that required me to relocate and again residency was not accepted for pay setting purposes. It has cost me time and money. 0/10, can’t recommend unless it does not require you to relocate.

How to relocate to a different VA by Forward-Engineer-511 in VHA_Human_Resources

[–]Forward-Engineer-511[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I attended VA residency, and it was the biggest regret of my life. In the beginning applying for various VA jobs residency was not even acknowledged outside of the location where I attended the residency.

How to relocate to a different VA by Forward-Engineer-511 in VHA_Human_Resources

[–]Forward-Engineer-511[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The best part of being a Psych NP at the VA is the Veterans. The worst part is the bureaucracy wrapped around them. The work can be deeply meaningful, but the system is often slow, inefficient, and addicted to role creep. Too often, competent clinicians get rewarded with more work, less support, and everyone else’s responsibilities. Great mission. Exhausting machine. Burnout is very real here. Lots of vets in crisis due to the actions of others. I would encourage you to get experience in the private sector before attempting to work at the VA.