USPHS or government jobs...FNP

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Air Force veteran here. Finishing up my FNP this August and considering applying for USPHS. I would love to serve another 10 years to finish off my retirement and appreciate the value the USPHS brings to their communities. Would also love to hear other's experiences in the USPHS, from application process, duty assignments, etc. I would also love to hear about other government positions or opportunities I might not have considered.

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Specializes in Psychiatric and Mental Health NP (PMHNP).

Other government health opportunities:

  • Indian Health Service
  • VA
  • Civilian provider at a military facility
  • State and county
  • Department of Corrections
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Specializes in psych/medical-surgical.

From what I know about the USPHS, it is pretty similar to the other big branches. You just don't deploy overseas - instead you do humanitarian missions. It is also much smaller. But you will have the normal command chain, extra duties, military stuff. 

Duty assignments are limited; you can search all options and departments on their webpage: https://www.usphs.gov/professions/nurse-practitioner/

Keep your fingers crossed that the retirement is still there when you go to retire. With the way things are going now, I would be surprised if it isn't completely changed in 10 years. They were changing it when I got out in 2017 to make it more like a 401k that you have to contribute to.

The top benefits are IMO:  1) education 2) retirement 3) healthcare in some order. I would question those as like I said, the retirement and you already have an FNP, so unless you consider more education...

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Thank you so much for your response! I went through nursing school while active duty, so used the benefits to pay for that, and have had my BSN, and MSN paid for through the post 911 GI bill. I would consider going back for my DNP, but as you listed above, education and loans aren’t a driving factor right now. 

So, with the retirement potentially changing to a 401k, that definitely is a bit of a game changer. 

I’ve tried to do the job search on the site, but when I click on FNP jobs, only RN jobs come up. I’ll keep looking, but appreciate the thoughtful response!

I’m also considering other options for going back active, or guard/reserves. I miss being in, and trying to explore all options. 

 

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Hello- they will be having a few nurses answer questions via a facebook Live Chat this evening from 7-8pm EST if anyone is interested. I have been with USPHS Commissioned Corps for 7 years now. The page is US Public Health Service nurses: https://m.facebook.com/PHSNursing
 

To original poster: I believe they only accept new appointments for those with <8years of prior service. Or only count the first 8, but think it’s the first part. However, those commissioned with prior service get 30 days to pick retirement path: old versus current. For those without prior service current is similar to a 401k with eligible matching after a few years and 40% pension at 20 years. 

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