USPHS

cutiepie_318 · Sep 5, 2009

Thanks so much ryan

goldensfo · Sep 8, 2009

Thank you everyone for your support!! :heartbeat

BSN317: I had 2 background checks, the background clearance for the PHS only took me 1 week, however, the BOP clearance took about 2 months. they interviewed so many people (my friends, my neighbors, etc) I don't know if the DOD will have separate background checks for you. I had to do the Q-tips thing for 2 times for both checks.

goldensfo · Sep 9, 2009

uniform question.

hi guys, i looked at the uniform requirements, there are so many kinds. does anyone know which ones i need for the bop? (service blue, service khaki, winter working blue, indoor duty white, working khaki...)

thank you~

rcjohnis · Sep 10, 2009

goldensfo,

make sure you are looking at the electronic version of regulations at http://dcp.psc.gov/eccis it supersedes all others (ex. Working Khakis were phased out on 01 August 2009). Some uniforms have gone away. Get in touch with someone (preferably another PHS officer) at the facility you will be working at to find out who is the local uniform authority and what is the stardard uniform of the day. I have a set of Service Dress Blues, two sets of Summer Whites, and 3 sets of coveralls (a uniform only authorized for wear in some BOP facilities and when deployed on board Navy vessels) but usual wear the coveralls. I have not bought the BDUs or Service Khakis but those are required per regulations.

Ryan

goldensfo · Sep 17, 2009

i bought the blue coverall. it's comfortable and easy to get around with. i love it. I didn't buy the summer whites cuz I can't get along with white colors. haha. my institution doesn't have a strict policy on uniforms. so i guess i'm good with the coveralls. gotta order more sets.

shae26 · Sep 20, 2009

Hello,

Im interested in doing the SrCostep, to your knowledge is it hard to get into that program? Are there any reasons one may be denied? I will need that program to help with financial obligations during school so I wanna make sure I get in.

Thanks

charming46 · Sep 24, 2009

chesrae...i currently completed my application for USPHS and is interested on looking into BOP or DIHS...can you tell me your job duties and how the work hours are? thank you in advance.

chesrae · Sep 24, 2009

My job duties are very wide ranging. But keep in mind that I'm still very new to everything so i haven't completely settled into my role yet. When I work a regular day shift I run the pill lines and make the trips to Special Housing. I handle all of the wound care during these times as well. There is always something going on to stay busy PPDs, flu shots, hepA or B vacs, someone sprained there ankle on the rec yard, etc. When I work nights or weekends I am the only health care staff on duty so I have to be prepared to handle any emergencies that come up. These shifts are usually the easiest. I am probably going to start working double on the weekends soon 6 am to 10pm. LEt me know if you have any other questions.

charming46 · Sep 25, 2009

chesrae...That sounds like your up on your feet a lot...Do you get to have a breather? How about any help from other disciplines or LVNs? How are the hours? Any problems with patient/inmate contact? Are the staff mostly male?

BSN317 · Sep 25, 2009

chesrae,

when you say youre going to start working doubles, is that in addition to your regular hours?!!! Im just a bit confused, sorry. Or, will you be working solely weekends and be off during the week? If so, thats pretty good!!! I have been wondering about the work-week as far as hours are concerned...I will be doing 12s but i didnt know if Im required to work a full 40 hour week. Do you know? Anyone else feel free to input too. Thanks

chesrae · Sep 25, 2009

charming46: The days very a lot. There have been days where I am on my feet all day running like crazy, dont get lunch, and have to stay an hour late. There are also days where I get to watch a lot of football. It just depends what happens. MY role is going to be operating entirely by myself, but generally staff is very helpful if you ask. Staff is very diverse if i had to guess 65% male. I have had no issues with inmate contact. As long as you are fair and NEVER lie they will respect you.

BSN317: I am hoping my schedule will be 6-10 on the weekends and 2-10 on Monday for a full 40 hours.

BSN317 · Sep 29, 2009

Thanks chesrae. Is anyone going to OBC in November??? I am, just trying to see if anyone else is so I'd know someone! :)