TOTAL REQUEST WAS $6,500 OF WHICH THE VA WILL PAY HALF OR $3,250 AND THE SVH WILL CONTRIBUTE THE OTHER HALF. THE PROGRAM INCLUDES RECRUITMENT INCENTIVES FOR NEWLY HIRED NURSING ASSISTANTS WHOSE POSITION IS PRIMARILY A BEDSIDE CAREGIVER. BONUSES OF $500 ARE GIVEN WHEN THE NEW HIRE REACHED THE 90 DAY MARK AND COMPLETES THE 6 MONTH PROBATIONARY PERIOD.