VA Hospital Nursing Assistant to RN

I currently work at a hospital an a nursing assistant and will start nursing school fall 2013. I am prior Air Force Active and Reserve (22yrs total). I know that I want to work in the federal system (VA, Active, Reserve, etc.) once I finish my ADN/BSN. The military age waivers for direct commissions change every year so I won't know if that's an option until I finish school. I am trying to decide if it would be of benefit to work at a VA hospital as a nursing assistant to improve my chances of getting a nursing position once I graduate. Any suggestions? Last edit by lkirk2 on Jul 30, '13 : Reason: spelling correction