Navy/military background checks (?)

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Specializes in ER/Trauma/Critical Care.

Hey everyone,

As some of you know I am considering joining the military after I graduate with my BSN. I saw in one of the threads that someone mentioned background checks (?) I have never heard of these and am not exactly sure what that means. What kind of investigation do they do on you and whom do they talk to about you? I don't have a criminal history or anything like that, never done drugs or even gotten a speeding ticket, but I only have an "ok" credit score right now and am wondering if they'd hold that against me. I guess it just makes me a little nervous, lol. If anyone has any info it would be greatly appreciated!!

thanks!

:balloons:

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Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.

If you have never defaulted on a laon, never claimed bankruptcy, never had a credit account to collections, blah, blah, blah, then your ok credit should be, well okay.

All Nurse Corps Officers have a background investigation in order to rate a Secret Security Clearance. The application packet is very loooooong, which includes questions related to your background. I filled out the paperwork and never heard about it again until I found out I had Secret Clearance.

This is something you can rest assured an AHC Recruiter can give you the straight scoop. BTW, you will have your fingerprints submitted... but it does'nt hurt, I promise. ;)

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Its no big deal to do an EPSQ. Most recruiters have a paper document that you fill out and it is then computerized as part of your application packet.

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Specializes in ER/Trauma/Critical Care.
Its no big deal to do an EPSQ. Most recruiters have a paper document that you fill out and it is then computerized as part of your application packet.

What is an EPSQ???? I guess I am just confused about how it works...do they do a private investigation on you, or do you give them references? I have just heard different things about this.

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Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.
What is an EPSQ???? I guess I am just confused about how it works...do they do a private investigation on you, or do you give them references? I have just heard different things about this.

The best source of info for you is the Navy HealthCare Recruiter regards to background checks, which is standard procedure for all applicants.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Corvette guy is right-----do investigate this at the source. GOOD LUCK!

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Specializes in ER, Trauma, US Navy.

My .02 cents. The EPSQ is the anacronym for the background check, ask me what it stands for and I couldn't tell you. It takes about an hour to do, even on the computer. You have to provide certain things about your history going back to between 7-10 years or so. Things like names, addresses, jobs, etc.,. very in depth. The credit score could be a problem, but how low are we talking (don't answer that)? For me, when I moved overseas and changed all my addresses for my bills, they started dinging my credit score saying I had fled the country and was avoiding my bills, even though I was paying them. My command started and investigation, put my clearence on hold, because of this. Once I presented my side and showed they were the problem, it all got cleared up. Keep in mind I did my EPSQ, 9 YEARS AGO!! and they still keeping checking up after you. So if you have some problems, get them cleared up before you apply.

LT Dan

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Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.
My .02 cents. The EPSQ is the anacronym for the background check, ask me what it stands for and I couldn't tell you. It takes about an hour to do, even on the computer. You have to provide certain things about your history going back to between 7-10 years or so. Things like names, addresses, jobs, etc.,. very in depth. The credit score could be a problem, but how low are we talking (don't answer that)? For me, when I moved overseas and changed all my addresses for my bills, they started dinging my credit score saying I had fled the country and was avoiding my bills, even though I was paying them. My command started and investigation, put my clearence on hold, because of this. Once I presented my side and showed they were the problem, it all got cleared up. Keep in mind I did my EPSQ, 9 YEARS AGO!! and they still keeping checking up after you. So if you have some problems, get them cleared up before you apply.

LT Dan

LT Dan - Excellent posted reply. I sure wish you'd visit [reply on] the Military Forum section more often. ;)

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Specializes in ER/Trauma/Critical Care.
My .02 cents. The EPSQ is the anacronym for the background check, ask me what it stands for and I couldn't tell you. It takes about an hour to do, even on the computer. You have to provide certain things about your history going back to between 7-10 years or so. Things like names, addresses, jobs, etc.,. very in depth. The credit score could be a problem, but how low are we talking (don't answer that)? For me, when I moved overseas and changed all my addresses for my bills, they started dinging my credit score saying I had fled the country and was avoiding my bills, even though I was paying them. My command started and investigation, put my clearence on hold, because of this. Once I presented my side and showed they were the problem, it all got cleared up. Keep in mind I did my EPSQ, 9 YEARS AGO!! and they still keeping checking up after you. So if you have some problems, get them cleared up before you apply.

LT Dan

Thanks for that post! My credit is ok, I mean I've never had a collection agency or anything like that, I always pay my bills on time. But being in school i have a couple of high balances that I won't be able to pay down until I graduate, that's about the extent of my credit worries. I just didn't know how much weight that carries when one is going into the military as an officer. thanks again!

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Specializes in ER, Trauma, US Navy.

Vette Man-

I'm always checking in, I just don't open my big mouth unless I think I can help or be of use to someone. I've been on vacation for 10 days, so I'm catching up. I'm trying to get more involved here, so you may see more of me than you want to.

Baby-

As long as you are paying them on time you should be fine. if you can oay more than the minimum, even if it's $5. That way it shows your willingness to be debt free and you have that in your defense if they ask, but I think you will be O.K. Now if you recently charged your new Ferrari on your card, they may get concerned.

LT Dan

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Specializes in ER/Trauma/Critical Care.

Baby-

As long as you are paying them on time you should be fine. if you can oay more than the minimum, even if it's $5. That way it shows your willingness to be debt free and you have that in your defense if they ask, but I think you will be O.K. Now if you recently charged your new Ferrari on your card, they may get concerned.

LT Dan

That is good to hear. When I graduate I plan on increasing my payments big time, so hopefully that will help my case as well. Now if I can only get a hold of my local recruiter, I can get started on all this!! Thanks for the great info, as usual :)

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