Nurse Corps Loan Repayment 2014!

[NY1984]

Hi everyone,

I am an NP working at a NY facility with a score of 19, which is tier 1. My loans each month are CRAZY (about $1500), so even though my debt:income score isn't as high as some (it's about 120%), this would be life changing for me!

I was just hoping to get some general advice/thoughts from everyone during this very painful waiting process. I've heard that if you do get the award you generally find out in July/August, otherwise rejections mainly come around October.

Has anyone else been in my shoes, with a similar facility score and debt/income score, with any words of wisdom? I'm nervous and thought it would just be nice to chat with other people who are going through the same thing, or who have been through it!

Lastly, for the folks who have gotten this before, what ways do you utilize it? Do you use it to make your minimum monthly payments and try to save, or do you make 1.5 x your regular payments? Pay off private loans first?

Just thought it would be nice to get a convo going this application cycle!

Sarah :)

[Surprised1, MSN, RN]

Can someone please post the link to the portal? I can't see it on the HRSA.gov homepage. I haven't heard from them at all, so I'm really disappointed

ETA: I'm just an RN, not a nurse practitioner, but I hope it's ok that I post here.

Thanks

[grandpaj]

https://programportal.hrsa.gov/extranet/application/nelrp/login.seam

[Surprised1, MSN, RN]

https://programportal.hrsa.gov/extranet/application/nelrp/login.seam

Thanks! It says "under review". I wonder if there will be a point at which the message changes to "denied", or something along those lines, to give closure...?

[allisonhillary]

Thanks! It says "under review". I wonder if there will be a point at which the message changes to "denied", or something along those lines, to give closure...?

They say they give out awards until Sept 30th, so you'll find out then if not before.

[allisonhillary]

I know there were a few people that got the award finalist email around the end of July, and I was wondering if anyone from then had heard the official word yet? It seems like from stalking prior years that it's usually 3 or 4 weeks between the finalist email and the congratulations. I just hit 3 weeks yesterday, and it's agonizing to wait! I got my finalist email July 31st. Crossing my fingers for good news soon, and I'd love to know if anyone has heard anything yet!

Have you opened your contract again to see if it was cosigned??

[fsunole86]

I received my finalist email the same day (7/31) and noticed a cosign on my contract on 8/22 but I haven't received a welcome email yet. With the end of August approaching, I am wondering if this cosign is legitimate confirmation or not. Anyone have a cosigner yet with no acceptance?

[sjamerson]

I received my finalist email on 07/14 signed on 7/18. I still show I am in 'final review' and have had no further emails but I can see my cosign dated 08/22. I am thankful to be where we are but I am frustrated as can be with all of the uncertainty. I may need a therapist before I get through this. Praying for everyone who has applied.

[sjamerson]

I heard back from Customer Care and I was told that the second signature on my contract is not from the Secretary of Health and Human Services but by one of his assistants (I believe) and is not the one I need. He says that I "should get my second (second) signature within 6-8 weeks of signing my contract. I pointed out that it has been 6 weeks on Friday and he told me that 'it will be in the next 2 weeks then' Really? thanks.....

Now I think I just might cry, or vomit, or both.... Back to the waiting game.

[fsunole86]

What name appears on the cosign?

[kdawnz, MSN, NP]

I remember reading back through the old forums from this program the past few years, and someone said the customer care reps don't work or have anything to do with the application process, so they aren't real knowledgeable on the specifics. I kind of think they may be mistaken about the signature not being the right person on your contract... It says right on the contract before the signatures "The Secretary or his or her authorized representative must sign this Contract before it becomes effective." It seems pretty clear that it can be a representative? I'm a little encouraged that it took them a bit to get the signature on yours. I signed mine on 7/31, and I know a couple of people have had second signatures for a while that became finalists the same day as me. I talked to a rep yesterday, and they told me I can expect to hear something by September 30th. It's an honor just to be considered, but I agree, what an insanely stressful process!

[fsunole86]

I received a congratulations email around 7pm tonight. I am a participant. My cosign signature was from Lisa Walsh, OFAM Approver, HRSA. If you also have her cosign I would assume you're in a good spot. Good luck to you all.

[sjamerson]

That is who mine is signed by, I will just assume that this is one more lesson in patience.