Updated USPH Commissioned Corps Roll Call

BSNinTX · May 22, 2008

I was commissioned in October. What can I help you with?

cinja · May 22, 2008

I was commissioned in October. What can I help you with?

Do you work in a BOP joint or for IHS? When you get transfer orders does the Gov buy your old house if it don't sell like they do for regular GS employees. What or how are the grad school options?

BSNinTX · May 22, 2008

I work for BOP...please be aware that BOP and IHS are not the only options for PHS officers - there are about a dozen agencies that have PHS officers.

No, the government does not buy your house when you move as is the case with SOME employees from the GS side. Moving expensese are paid by PHS just as is the case with military moves.

Grad school options are what you make of them. If you are not prior service, you can elect the GI Bill when commissioned - that's > $40,000 for grad school of your choice. Some agencies, especially Indian Health, offer student loan reimbursement as well. The Uniformed Services University for Health Sciences offers graduate nursing programs in FNP, CRNA, and CNS (operating room). Spots at USUHS are very limited but available.

HisTreasure, BSN, RN · May 23, 2008

Thanks for the reply! I have a couple of questions. Here goes:

I am currently in NY. Although I am a year to year and a half away from my BSN (if I kick it into high gear, which I plan to do if PHS is a true option). I have looked at the different position offerings on the PHS website and the only ones in NY are a couple hours from me. Doesn't really matter because I would love to relocate. So, the question is, if I apply to a position out of state initially will PHS pay my moving expenses?

Will they give us an allowance to stay in a hotel until we find a place or will it be on us to secure a home before moving? Would we be able to stay someplace for, say, three years and move (with expenses paid) or are expenses only paid on Gov't initiated transfers?

What are the physical restrictions on becoming a commissioned officer? I currently have a shoulder injury that doesn't really affect my ability to work (lifting restriction that is easily accommodated as it is my non-dominate arm). I have a workman's comp case on it for medical and I will receive a payment for the permanent loss this summer. Of course this all is in my medical record. I will likely have problems with it indefinitely. Would I be able to get a waiver to still apply or would my shoulder injury instantly disqualify me?

I would like to work in research, disease control, or with drug trials...something out of the box in nursing. Is there anything special I should do aside from getting my BSN to qualify for one of those positions (like with the CDC)?

Sorry if I am asking too many questions. :)

BSNinTX · May 23, 2008

Disclaimer: Tax, Title, and License NOT included...which is to say, I will answer as best I can but I am not an authority on recruiting, medical, etc.

If you are still in school, look into the Senior COSTEP option...it will pay for school. Also consider the Junior COSTEP program, which is essentially a paid internship for a few months with no committment after completion. It would give you a chance to experience PHS without any future committment.

Your moves are paid each and every time. Anytime, from first assignment to retirement, your household will be packed up and moved for you and certain expenses will be paid along the way, such as temporary living quarters. Again, the details are beyond me but can be clarified by those in recruiting should you pursue it.

There are many options in many agencies across the country and across the world. We have many nurses doing no direct care, i.e., research, etc. A masters in nurse or, better yet, a masters of public health, will better prepare you for such roles. This would be an excellent future step using the GI Bill after you are in PHS.

As for the shoulder, I defer to the medical affairs branch on that. I can tell you that the physical requirements are similar to other services. Some issues can be waivered or put on a limited tour of duty at commissioning - in essence, a trial period where PHS can evaluate whether you can continue your career. I really can't speak authoritatively on this matter.