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Registered nursing residency

About the VA Student Trainee Experience Program (VA-STEP) VA Puget Sound’s VA-STEP program offers students working toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) the opportunity to gain clinical experience and grow their critical thinking skills alongside a qualified Registered Nurse preceptor. VA-STEP students are paid as hourly, intermittent employees.

The VA-STEP academic year usually runs from June through September of the following year, accounting for a total of 400 hours. Applications are usually open from December through mid-February. This experience may continue during the student’s senior academic year on a part-time basis as long as it does not exceed a total of 800 hours (including the initial 400 hours).

If you have any questions, please contact PUGNursingEducationAdmin@va.gov

Eligibility

Enrollment Qualifications:

  • Be currently enrolled in an accredited BSN program.
  • BSN students should have completed the final semester/quarter of junior year prior to the program start date.
  • Have a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The CGPA must be computed on post-secondary academic work taken within the past three years or based on academic work accepted for credit toward the student’s degree.
  • Be eligible for graduation by the following June (or December for prior approved nursing programs).
  • Have had at least one clinical experience in a medical center or hospital.

Application Requirements:

  • Be a United States citizen.
  • Provide documentation of immunization status and current health care provider basic life support (BLS) training.
  • Submit all application materials by the deadline.

Work Requirements:

  • Pass a physical exam and drug screening.
  • Not have a service obligation to any other Federal, state, or private institution or be a recipient of any Federal scholarship that incurs a service obligation to another agency.
  • Be able to work full-time during the summer months and part-time during the academic year.

How to apply

  1. Create an account in VA’s Application Management System (AMS). Use 1 user profile and provide 2 email addresses for communication.

  2. Prepare documents which include your:

    o Application (Completed by student applicant in AMS)

          o Two (2) Recommendations Letters:

                    -- Required: Dean or Academic Faculty

                    -- Required: Employer, Manager, or Supervisor

          o Resume

          o Transcript

          o DD214 (current and former service members)

          o Form VHA 10-2850a

          o Form OF306 Declaration of Federal employment

          o Other documents as you deem necessary.

  1. Start early and complete each task on time; some items require coordination with your school or other entities.
  2. Submit by the deadline. If you edit after submitting, file an addendum and ensure all items are complete before the window closes.
  3. Complete the online application. Paper, scanned, or emailed applications aren’t accepted. Use a reliable internet connection and modern browser.

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