The VALOR Program is designed to increase participant's clinical skills, clinical judgment and critical thinking while caring for our regions’ veterans. One to one preceptor relationships help Students build confidence in their nursing skills, and VALOR Students have a unique opportunity to connect with the VA Puget Sound Health Care System, to assess the feasibility of employment after graduation. A part of the largest healthcare system in the country, US News & World Report cites several studies indicating that the Veteran Administration is among the preeminent providers of quality health care today. Indeed, the Seattle Times  article entitled "How Our Hospitals Unleashed An Epidemic", noted the VA's efforts to prevent MRSA infections, saying "Federal veterans hospitals screen all patients for MRSA, which has reduced their cases to near zero." While Nursing 2007 article, "TheVA Leads the Way in Electronic Innovations " applauds the VA for implementing both the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) and the Bar Code Medication Administration (BCMA) programs as highly effective tools for promoting safe quality patient care.

• Ten- week paid summer program, June 22 - Aug. 28, 2009. Hourly wage is $20.30 plus students accrue sick and vacation leave during the

  Collyn West, RN 3 East Assistant Nurse Manager 2004 – 05 VALOR Student Audio statement Real/WMA Text statement

  summer when they work full-time; a bus pass subsidy is available.
• A $10,000, tax free tuition scholarship is available if a Student opts to apply.
• One-week general orientation including classroom, computer training to introduce students to the VA; specific unit orientation follows thereafter.
• Clinical assignments available in a variety of specialties: acute medical surgical units, critical care, home health, renal dialyses, emergency department, mental health, outpatient surgery and rehab unit. Placements also available at the American Lake campus and Students have the opportunity to rotate to more than one clinical setting throughout the course of the year.
• VALOR Students work 40 hours per week during the summer program which includes clinical practice with an RN/Preceptor coach along with other planned educational experiences. Students continue to work during the school year as their schedule permits.
• NCLEX-RN review course registration fee will be paid by the VA when VALOR students accept a VAPSHCS offer of employment.

To be accepted into the VALOR Program a student must,

• Be currently enrolled in an NLN accredited BSN program.
• Have a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, with no grade lower than a B in any nursing course.
• Have completed the final semester or quarter of your junior year and must graduate by June 2010.
• Have had at least one clinical experience in a medical center or hospital.
• Be a U.S. citizen and meet physical examination standards at the time of entry into the VALOR Program.
• Provide documentation of current immunization status and Basic Life Support at the Healthcare Provider Level.
• Be able to complete 400 consecutive hours (10 weeks) as a VALOR Student during the summer mo

  Rashada Allen, RN Oncology Staff Nurse 2006 – 07 VALOR Student Audio statement Real/WMA Text statement

  nths.
• Complete the application process and submit all materials by the application deadline.

HOW TO APPLY:

• Fill out the Federal Employment Form (OF-612) and a Declaration for Federal Employment online.
• Submit the OF-612 and Declaration for Federal Employment along with a cover letter/goal statement identifying the strengths you would bring to the program, how you expect to grow from this experience, your long term nursing goals availability for an interview and your current, unofficial transcripts. (Please limit letter to one page).
• Request two letters of reference, including one from a clinical instructor. All application materials should be submitted in one envelope to: Janice M. Foster – VALOR Program Coordinator at 1660 South Columbian Way Mail Stop S-118 Seattle, WA 98108; questions can be directed to Ms. Foster at janice.foster@va.gov or 206.277.3083.
• All prospective VALOR's must complete an interview as part of the selection process
• Deadline for application is Monday March 2, 2009.