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Registered nursing residency

For more than 20 years, VA Puget Sound Health Care System has offered this exciting, year long clinical residency for Baccalaureate Program Nursing students between their junior and senior years.

VA Learning Opportunities Residency (VALOR) is becoming VA Student Trainee Experience Program (VA Step) in 2023.  VALOR / STEP is designed to increase participants clinical skills, clinical judgement, and critical thinking while caring for our nation’s Veterans. This program provides opportunities for learning in the classroom and clinical practice with qualified Registered Nurses (RN) preceptor. Students are appointed during the summer months for 400 hours. This experience may continue during the senior academic year on a part time basis to no more than an additional 400 hours. The program offers opportunities for employment and participation in a federally funded entry to practice nurse residency program within the VA system, nationwide.

Applicant eligibility requirements

  • Currently enrolled in an accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program
  • Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, with no grade lower than a B in any nursing course
  • Have completed the final semester/quarter of junior year prior to the program start date
  • Be eligible to graduate by the following June (2024)
  • Have had at least one clinical experience in a medical center or hospital
  • Citizen of the United States
  • Provide documentation of immunization status and current BLS Healthcare Provider training
  • Submit all application materials by the deadline
  • Not have a service obligation to any Federal, state, or private institution or be a recipient of any Federal scholarship that incurs a service obligation
  • Be able to work full time during the summer months (June-August) and part time during the academic year Application package documents Cover letter Resume Two (2) letters of reference:
  • (1) One from Dean/Director of the school of nursing, on school letterhead, including a nomination of the student to the program, verification of enrollment as a full time student, and anticipated graduation date
  • (2) One from clinical or faculty advisor on school letterhead, recommending the student for the program
  • Unofficial transcript BLS Provider certification (expiring within no less than 60 days of program start date)
  • Nurse Technician Certificate Washington State Nurse Licensing

Submit application package electronically (preferred), or by email, mail, or fax

VALOR / STEP application dates

  • Application accepted: December 01, 2022
  • Application deadline: February 28, 2023
  • Interviews: March 2023
  • Selection notification: April 2023
  • Program start: June 2023

Students with the most competitive application will be invited to interview with a panel of VA nurses. If selected for the program, students may be required to complete a physical exam and a drug screening.

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