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VA STEP

This clinically intensive paid internship provides opportunities for outstanding students to develop competencies in clinical nursing while at an approved VA health care facility.

Opportunities for learning include didactic classroom and simulation experiences, competency-based clinical practice with a qualified Registered Nurse preceptor, and participation in nursing-focused clinical conferences.

Benefits

  • Pay is 80% of a starting RNs salary, no other benefits such as insurance, paid leave are given as part of this intermittent position
  • One-on-one clinical preceptorship with a highly qualified RN throughout the internship.
  • Shadowing opportunities in specialty areas such as the Acute Mental Health, Med-Surg, Hoe Based Primary Care, Residential Treatment Program, Short Stay Rehabilitation, wound care, and others.
  • A seamless transition into the Tomah’s VA’s accredited Transition to Practice Nurse Residency.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Must be U.S. Citizen.
  • Currently enrolled in a CCNE or NLNAC accredited BSN program.
  • Proficient in written and spoken English.
  • Background & Security Investigation are required.
  • Meet physical examination requirements at the time of entry
  • Random Drug Testing is required.
  • A desire and plan to continue as a RN at the VA after completion of the internship
  • Ability to complete 400 hours as a VA STEP student at the Tomah VA facility during the months of June through August with an additional 400 hours available to work during the school year.
  • Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Application Requirements

  • RESUME
  • PERSONAL STATEMENT/ COVER LETTER: 500 words or less “Why I Wish to be Selected for the Tomah VA STEP Program.”
  • THREE Reference names: TWO from school faculty (one must be a clinical faculty) and ONE from Nurse Manager/Assistant Nurse Manager of Unit of Senior Capstone Experience (or if you are employed as NA or PCA– your current immediate Nurse supervisor). 
  • TRANSCRIPTS: Official or unofficial are acceptable.
  • APPLICATION DEADLINE: Change

​​​​​For more information, contact:
Idland, Kimberly
kimberly.idland@va.gov

Or
ACHMAN, Kate 
Kate.Achman@va.gov