US PHS ( Public Health Service)

suzanne4, RN · Apr 4, 2004

The other place to also consider is the Indian Helath Service (IHS).

I used to work agency for them in Tuba City, Arizona-------the tertiary hospital for Navajo Nation, about 45 minutes from the south rim of the Grand Canyon, quite spectacular scenery......................

:balloons:

bagladyrn, RN · Apr 4, 2004

Has anyone worked for them? I just found out about the service today and I think that I may join them when I finish my nursing education. I was curious as to what others have heard about the service good or bad.
Thanks.
PS, Here is a link to the site:
http://www.usphs.gov/

The IHS (Indian Health Service) is part of the PHS. I worked for them for 9 years. I enjoyed the years of working there. As with any job, it has it's problems, but can be a very good learning experience and the loan payback thing is a good deal.

Some things to be aware of: Most of the positions are in medically underserved areas - read remote! One of the hospitals I was at was 110 miles from the nearest Walmart :chuckle and this was in AZ!. Depending on your personal situation some locations may be difficult. If you have children, schools may not be up to standard - not that the teachers aren't trying, but the children are a year or two behind the learning curve outside of reservation areas, so may not be at the same place yours are. If you are married, your spouse may (very likely) be unable to find work on the reservation - non government jobs are not available to "Anglos" on the reservation. These issues can be avoided if you take a position at one of the hospitals close to the edge of a reservation.

Check these things out and if you are up for something different - go for it!

Feel free to pm me if you have specific questions I could answer.

Salus · Apr 4, 2004

Thanks for the replies.