mandatory commitment to the USPHS?

viper16731 · Oct 24, 2009

All I can speak for from what I researched with the DOD mental health initiative is that its a 3 year commitment before PCS (perminant change of station).

BSN317 · Oct 26, 2009

Yes, you must do a minimum of 2 years at your duty station. But, if you opt for the sign on bonus for nurses, then you incur a 3 or 4 yr committment, depending on if you want the 20,000 or 25,000 bonus, respectively. But, you can also choose to voluntarily go to another duty station-if its within your agency. For example, I am signed with the Dod Mental Health Initiative. I plan to accept the 4 yr 25,000 bonus. So, I must serve 2 years initally at my first duty station--BUT I can move to another location elsewhere, as long as its under the Dod Mental Health Intiatitive and I secure a position to finish my contract. Hope that helps

cutiepie_318 · Oct 27, 2009

BSN317,

How long was it between getting your license(passing the test) and you getting a job offer. I have started my application to the commissioned corp but was told that i cant get a job until i have my actual license. By the way I am graduating in December.

Ace587RN, RN · Oct 28, 2009

BSN317,
How long was it between getting your license(passing the test) and you getting a job offer. I have started my application to the commissioned corp but was told that i cant get a job until i have my actual license. By the way I am graduating in December.

you have to have a RN license

BSN317 · Oct 28, 2009

I already had my license when I applied. I have been a RN only about a yr and half. You will need that to pass the nursing review board. Its a little late to apply as a SRCOSTEP, so go ahead and start compiling your documents for your app so everything will be in order for when you do receive your license.

viper16731 · Oct 29, 2009

I am glad to announce that I officially put my packet together and sent it to LTC Dunbar yesturday with a tracker....after collecting everything from a DD214 to official d/c from the reserves to the recomendations and 4 transcripts, etc. I almost cried sending it off...it took a while to get it ready. I even had one of my recomendations accidently send it to him instead of me...lol. Now the hard part starts, the waiting. I'm hoping that my security clearance is quick, due to the fact that I already work for the VA and went through one probately with the same company.

StaciRN1971 · Dec 16, 2009

I began the application process for the USPHS back in August. I was medically cleared in October, and then the Board met at the end of November, and I found I that I was eligible for Commissioning as an O-2. I found out that they don't do your Background Check until AFTER you are offered a job (that you have to find for yourself). So far, I had one interview, but didn't get the job. I've been an RN for 17 years and that is only the second job I was ever turned down for. Anyway, I have several applications out there on USA Jobs, but no one else has called for an interview yet. Now I'm looking into the Federal Prisons. I knew when I started this process that it would take at least 6 months in total, because an acquaintance of mine is in the USPHS and told me about it. So, we will see what happens.

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2009

OUCH! Seventeen years and only an O2? OMG.

StaciRN1971 · Dec 17, 2009

Yep, but I've only had my BSN for 4 1/2 years, so I assumed that's what they counted from, since you have to have a BSN to get in. I was expecting at least an O3, though. Guess I should inquire as to why I graded so low. Hmmm....

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2009

Oh - if you only have 4.5 years as a BSN, then that's probably why. I knew they rank like the AF does and with 4.5 as a BSN, you'd only be an O2 in the USAF as well.

mbaze001 · Dec 23, 2009

Hello,

I have recently decided to apply to the USPHS, and have been reading most of these posts. Just needed a little clarification. Does your rank depend on degree or experience or both. I have a Master's degree, but only 3 yrs of nursing experience. Thanks