USPHS

AWanderingMinstral · May 13, 2009

I HAVE found the application process to be very frustrating. There is very little guidance in regards to the application process, but it's clear that finding a suitable position is largely left up to the applicant. I recently had an opportunity to speak with a few recruiters and I think the proverbial ball is finally moving. :) First of, I think it's very helpful to have submitted ALL required paperwork (professional, medical, and security). It really doesn't take that much time. That way, when things DO start moving, you can move with it. :) I suggest that, if you know of any agency (and region) you'd like to work for, get on their website and call them. GOOD LUCK!

goldensfo · May 13, 2009

thank you for your advise!!! best luck to you too!!:redbeathe

BSN317 · May 13, 2009

Yeah..thanks for the advice!!! I hope we all make it :)

BSN317 · May 13, 2009

Oh, to answer your question, no they didnt interview me on the phone. One contact from the BOP did make the statement (in an email)...."call me so I can get you the necessary paperwork to get you in for an interview." Yet I call and call and she is never in. Ive left messages too. So that lead isnt going anywhere yet. I am going to my PCP for my physical so at least I can get my other things done in the meantime...I just didnt know it would be this difficult

CorrectionalNP · May 13, 2009

CorrectionalNP: would you please share your experience with the IHS? how's the living condition? how many people work in the clinic? how's the population? etc.. thank you very much!

Goldensfo - Most resevations are remote but very livable. Housing will have air conditioning in the summer and heat in the winter. Shopping on the reservation will be limited to basic supplies, but on the week-end you can drive off the reservation to stock up. The population really appreciates you being there to provide them health care. I seldom felt overworked, but some days are busier than others. The clinics are staffed by tribal members and USPHS and Civil Service personnel that can not be recruited locally. I would suggest contacting: Sells, AZ; Tuba City, AZ; Chinle, AZ; Crown Point, AZ; White River, AZ; Browning, MT; Gallup, NM or Phoenix Indian Medical Center. If you can get in as a COSTEP your Junior Year, it will give you a leg up on what is going on.

goldensfo · May 15, 2009

BSN317: OK, so my "career advisor" just told me I can start looking for jobs. he just told me "go look at the usajobs website".. i emailed a few IHS people, and you are right,finding a suitable position is largely left up to the applicant. I think I read on USPHS website that the career advisor will "help you finding a job." How are they "helping" exactly?? I spent a lot of money on getting my physicals done, and if i can't find a job.... what to do.. ugh....

CorrectionalNP · May 15, 2009

Oh no. Previusly you could go to any Armed Forces Physical Exam Center for the PE.

Anyway, let me know what area of the U.S. you are interested in. I will help you find a job in that state. Maybe in the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), Indian Health Service (IHS), or Immigration (DIHS).

goldensfo · May 15, 2009

CorrectionalNP: thank you so much!! I'm interested in IHS and I'm willing to relocate to any state!! Thank you again!! :loveya:

also, the clinics you suggested previously-- Sells, AZ; Tuba City, AZ; Chinle, AZ; Crown Point, AZ; White River, AZ; Browning, MT; Gallup, NM or Phoenix Indian Medical Center how do I find their contact info?

CorrectionalNP · May 15, 2009

I'll get back to you.

goldensfo · May 15, 2009

Thank you!!!!! :specs:

CorrectionalNP · May 16, 2009

here are some links.

my best advise is to talk directly with the director of nursing (don) at each facility. you can also ask to speak with the head nurse in the what ever unit you think you want to work in; such as obstetrics (ob); emergency department (er), etc.

http://www.hospital-data.com/hospitals/sells-indian-health-service-hospital990.html

http://www.ihs.gov/facilitiesservices/areaoffices/tucson/tucrec.asp

http://tchealth.org/

http://www.ihs.gov/jobscareerdevelop/navajojobs/index.cfm?module=najr_nursing_information

http://www.ihs.gov/facilitiesservices/areaoffices/navajo/index.cfm?module=nao_hcc_crownpoint

http://www.ihs.gov/facilitiesservices/areaoffices/phoenix/phx_su_whiteriver.cfm

http://www.ihs.gov/facilitiesservices/areaoffices/billings/blackfeet/

http://www.ihs.gov/facilitiesservices/areaoffices/navajo/index.cfm?module=nao_hcc_gallup

http://www.ihs.gov/facilitiesservices/areaoffices/phoenix/phx_su_phx.cfm

http://www.ihs.gov/index.cfm?module=areaoffices

BSN317 · May 16, 2009

goldensfo..that is very much true. I dont know why they seem to imply that the CAM's "recruit" applicants. When I think of "recruit" I think of other military services where the recruiters actually assist and guide much more heavily. No disrespect to any CAM officer, but I just was a little misunderstood. Furthermore, yes it is definitely left up to the applicant. I am leaning now towards the BOP. I have a year of nursing experience, but many people (ie my family) feel it is too dangerous. Although in essence that is true, for some reason I do not feel fear when I think of working in a Prison. The IHS is also a heavy choice, if I can get the Anchorage area. That is turning out to be pretty tough. Just be persistent, you will get what you desire! PS CorrectionalNP is right, I have an appt at a military facility for my physical as a back up-I heard the waits can be pretty long though because the recruits get priority

CorrectionalNP:

I am trying to get into the BOP. I have an interview with Carswell in Texas. Do you know anything about this facility? Any pointers? I would actually prefer to work in the facility in Atlanta, I just dont know how to go about contacting them. I put in an online application to there. Anyhow, for my interview for the facility in Texas I must drive to Atlanta and do an interview by video conferencing. Sounds kinda cool...But, I would also like to interview for ATLANTA. Any suggestions or info you can offer would be highly appreciated. You're very helpful. BTW, which facility are you employed at?