Public Health Nurse Corps questions

allnurses Guide · Jun 30, 2009

I am wondering what it is like in the public health nurse corps. I am really interested in the mental health initiave. I know that you would be working hand in hand with the military on base. Does anyone have any experience being in the corps? Do you feel like an outsider there? I know that you would be an officer while you are in. What is your family life like while in the corps? Is it more like the military, or a little less on the go? Obviously I know that it is part of the military like the merchant marines (per the recruiter). Do you need to be more proactive with your career or are you sent more along the needs of the Corp? Do you have any problems while on base (i.e. with housing, etc). Are you on your own for PT? Do you deploy with your unit/clinic you are attached to? Are u assigned a weapon? I know its seems stupid to ask, but I just can't find alot of info that isn't already on the website.
Thanks.

USPHS is not part of the military. It is a uniformed service, and not a branch of the military (the merchant marines are definitively not part of the military either). In general the vast majority of USPHS does not work with the military on a day to day basis. What I know from my USPHS friends is that in general when and if you deploy it is usually for 2-4wks at a time, they usually deploy individually and then join a larger group. Day to day in most USPHS jobs it is more or less like working a civilian job.

Try these links for explanation of the differences between military and uniformed services. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uniformed_services_of_the_United_States

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Public_Health_Service_Commissioned_Corps

http://coa.spsp.net/webpage/links/body.html

JDCitizen · Jun 30, 2009

United States Merchant Marine

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The United States Merchant Marine refers to the fleet of U.S. civilian-owned merchant ships, operated by either the government or the private sector, that are engaged in commerce or transportation of goods and services in and out of the navigable waters of the United States. The Merchant Marine is responsible for transporting cargo and passengers during peace time. In time of war, the Merchant Marine [1] is an auxiliary to the Navy, and can be called upon to deliver troops and supplies for the military.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Merchant_Marine

Although we are at war right now I don't know if they are considered Navy auxiliary at this time.....

United States Merchant Marine Academy

http://www.usmma.edu/

NursePamela · Jun 30, 2009

Although separate, the USPHS, can work WITH and FOR active duty, or it may not. There are many different jobs in the USPHS so it would be hard to answer many of your questions, you might have to focus in on one area of the USPHS.

viper16731 · Jul 1, 2009

Thanks for all your help, Its just confusing at times. I just didn't get much in the way of info from the recruiter. I will have to research it more. But if any of y'all could give me any more info I would be much appreaciated. Also, do any of y'alls friends know whats its like in the 2 week (basic) training in VA?

thanks

ilmbg · Jul 1, 2009

I worked for the USPHS- I worked side by side with the military. There are great benifits- I was civilian. I would do it again.

Good luck.

allnurses Guide · Jul 1, 2009

I worked for the USPHS- I worked side by side with the military. There are great benifits- I was civilian. I would do it again.
Good luck.

Out of curiosity: Where did you work/what agency did you work for that allowed you to work with the military on a regular basis?