I am interested in applying to the nurse corps scholarship 2017 2018 in order to pay for my accelerated program of sixteen months. I have a bachelors in sociology. I have done quiet a few researches. The application cycle will be open this month but I don't know which exact date. I have read discussion threads of previous years and have found really helpful information. I want to create a platform where interested applicants can ask questions, share information, discuss and help each other.
I heard that DNP students are less likely to get Nurse Corps than NHSC because Nurse Corps prioritizes MSN NPs over DNPs. Otherwise, Nurse Corps is generally less competitive than NHSC, assuming you're a nurse, because you're not competing with all those dental and medical students...
I'd take either, honestly. I didn't get a credit check.
Hey CRM81, I'm sorry to hear that but I honestly believe that things work out the way they're supposed to, and you are still in the game until September 30, most definitely! It's a great program but also an extremely huge commitment, and if you don't get the scholarship, there is always loan repayment. From what I hear, that's the most flexible way to go, and it does cover a huge portion of your loans afterwards!! I wish you luck!!
Could you clarify what you mean about site placement after graduation being more favorable for NURSE Corps? The biggest difference I was aware of between NHSC and NURSE Corps was the tax situation (latter taxed much more heavily, award+stipend, versus the former taxing the stipend only). I am an MSN dual CNM/FNP student and I'm curious about what the other differences might be. I remember being convinced at one point that I could find a placement as either an FNP or CNM with NURSE Corps after graduation, whereas with NHSC I'd be required to work in the discipline I put on my application (CNM).
For context, I applied for NHSC and NURSE Corps. I got credit checks for both. I haven't been notified of finalist status for NHSC (maybe they'll do a second round? hopes aren't high), but today at 10am EST I got a finalist email from NURSE Corps.
Thanks!
Hi!
Yes, but first I'm not sure of the situation with a dual specialty degree, as I'm only FNP and haven't looked into this.
But, as far as I can tell, the Nurse Corps program requires you to find employment at a site with an HPSA score of 14 or higher. 14 is the current minimum score, and this is specifically outlined in the application guidelines (but, of course, as with anything it can change at their will). The NHSC, however, requires a scholar to find employment at a site with an HPSA score of 17 or higher - they make it clear that this score is re-assessed each year, but for the current year it's 17. So that led me to look at exactly what's out there for jobs in each of these kinds of placement sites.
If you look at the HRSA Connector job-seeking website, the sites with a score of 17 or higher seem to be fewer and further between... meaning, if you have any personal stipulations afterwards - you want to remain in a specific local area, or have kids and don't want to be in a remote area, or what have you - your options are a bit more limited. But there are many people out there who are happy NHSC scholars, and seemed to find what they wanted. While the Call Center can't and won't give much more info on this, it does seem to be the case that the NHSC is a little more restrictive in the end.
However, if you don't have a problem moving, or really want to get out there to reach the absolute most underserved, it's an awesome program because you don't pay taxes on the scholarship, and it can be a great opportunity to serve those who are the most needy in the country. I would have favored it if I didn't have school-aged children, which made me more risk-averse in terms of education and their healthcare as well.
The other difference I see is that NHSC provides you with a "counselor", someone to help you find a site for employment after graduation; I didn't see anything about this kind of assistance in the Nurse Corps guidelines.
Please - if I'm wrong, someone correct me! I've called the information center a bunch of times to try to get more specific information on the differences, but I haven't really gotten that much more out of them than what's already in the guidelines.
Thank you for sticking around to share what you know. It has helped tremendously!
FuturenurseEmilyp198, you are the Bomb!! Thank you so much for helping us through this and for all the support you've given us. Your future patients are lucky to have you as a nurse...your kindness and patience shows...
Does anyone know what happens after the paperwork is submitted? I submitted my paperwork and electronically signed contract. Do we get a "real" contract that we have to sign in person? If so, when will that arrive and how long do we have to sign it?
I very happy to be offered the chance at being in the program, but I'm going backpacking this Wednesday for a week and afraid I will miss a short-notice required response...for any other backpacking trip I'd just cancel but this is into the zone of eclipse totality-a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see it in my home state.
Does anyone know what happens after the paperwork is submitted? I submitted my paperwork and electronically signed contract. Do we get a "real" contract that we have to sign in person? If so, when will that arrive and how long do we have to sign it?
I very happy to be offered the chance at being in the program, but I'm going backpacking this Wednesday for a week and afraid I will miss a short-notice required response...for any other backpacking trip I'd just cancel but this is into the zone of eclipse totality-a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see it in my home state.
If they had you sign an electronic contract, this is legally just as binding as a "wet ink" contract, and you shouldn't have to sign another one. My impression from last year's thread is that you are just waiting for them to countersign, and several people reported that this took about a month - so I think you'll be good for a week! Depending on how backcountry you're going, maybe try and turn your phone on once or twice to check your email/VM for peace of mind.
FuturenurseLove
78 Posts
Thank you for sticking around to share what you know. It has helped tremendously!