USPHS

[jennysong81]

Hi,

Are there any USPHS commissioned officers who can share their experiences working in IHS facilities?

What is it like living in rural areas? Please share your stories with me because I am interested in joining USPHS upon graduation (finishing up my BSN and will be done in May).

Thank you :)

[BSN317]

Yeah, I just got back from OBC about a week ago..have mixed feelings about it! I heard about Glynco from other fellow officers, lol. Congrats on making it through. I also wish everyone well in their application process/current positions. Golden, have you applied for the nursing bonus yet?

[goldensfo]

yes I applied for the bonus. I heard they don't give you the money until you come back from Glynco. So I'm gonna follow up on that soon. How about you?

[BSN317]

I am going to send it off this week. I heard it doesnt take very long. You should see it on your Jan 1st check at the latest, according to other officers it only took them about a month and it came with their pay.

[viper16731]

Hey y'all,

I sent my packet in about about 3-4 weeks ago. I still get excited seeing my status online. I haven't heard anything back other than I talked to Lcdr. Dunbar and he said that my packet was on his desk as he was talking to me. Could you tell me what OBC was like (what did they go over, physical training, etc)? I'm intrigued. So what do I do now? I can't do any of my medical things right now because I don't have the paperwork for it. I don't have a person who I can get in contact with other than Lcdr. Dunbar I've heard from a buddy who went throught the paperwork portion of it and I would get a case manager to keep in touch with. Am I being too proactive? I really want to get this position. I'm really hoping the I get to go back to the base that I was stationed at when I was in the army, I guess is kinda comfort level thing. Anyone have an idea what I'm looking at for the cost of the uniforms?

Thanks

[goldensfo]

BSN317: i just got my bonus. 1/3 was gone due to tax!!!

I'm scheduled "tentatively" to go to OBC in Feb. I can't wait!

[cutiepie_318]

Goldensinfo how did u find your job and how long was it before you knew when you were scheduled for OBC? Also how was the whole process of working with the USPHS and your hiring agency. I have passed my board clearance I am now waiting on my medical and security clearance. Any advice you can give a newly graduating BSN? Thanks and congratulations!

[goldensfo]

how did u find your job and how long was it before you knew when you were scheduled for obc? --- i just searched where is the bop facility in my area and called the hsa. she then scheduled me for interview. (bop is the only available phs position in my area). i started working in sept, they just told me i should be scheduled for obc in feb.

also how was the whole process of working with the usphs and your hiring agency. -- you mean the process of applying? if you take a look at the previous pages, you would see my posts about applying and the frustrations. haha... but, that is the process everyone goes through. my hiring agency wanted me to start asap. cuz they really needed people!! but it all depends on the phs clearance. in the end, i started 1 month later due to phs clearance.

any advice you can give a newly graduating bsn? -- i'm a new grad too. so my advice to you is: don't start with bop. don't get me wrong. bop is great! but it's not good for new grads. there is not much training. get some hospital experience first. i wish i started with ihs hospital. but the housing allowance is very very different! (you are looking at around $1200/month difference) so, weigh the benefits.

[BSN317]

Congrats golden, Im awaiting my bonus now!!! Yikes, 1/3 is alot, I was thinking like 22-25%! Oh well. Good luck with OBC, youll do fine it isnt that big of a deal.

[viper16731]

I just found out today that my packet will be going to the board on FRI!!! I am excited and scared at the same time. Then after that, do they send your stuff off to the different military bases? They said that they needed my release for my credit and goverment employment for my security clearance. Has anyone had any problems getting their commission with any blips on their credit? Thanks.

[Ultim0]

Hello all! I am getting ready to start my last semester as a SRCOSTEP and I have a few questions that maybe someone can/will answer for me. I will be working for BOP.

I was told that the uniform I will need is the service dress blue...is that all I will need before I report to my duty station after graduation?

Where can I order uniform(s) that are to USPHS standard and not Navy?

I was told I should receive a list around January of the available BOP assignments...does anyone know how many locations are usually on this list and maybe what locations are generally available?

Thanks in advance for any help :)

[BSN317]

WOW WHy would u need service dress blues??? Most nurses I know at BOP wear the khakis or the one piece coverall...Service dress blues are way too formal for the prison environment. Are u sure they said service dress blues and not the blue coverall?? U can order from the navy nex website. I think its navynex.com. I am not sure of the locations for BOP I do know theyre all over and generally the ones available are the less favorable locations...Sorry hope that helps at least a little

[Ultim0]

Thanks for your reply.

They just told us in our srcostep meeting that bop nurses needed to buy service dress blue...sounded strange to me too but that is what they said. I am assuming (i know) that our day to day uniform will be governed by the warden of the location in which we are assigned. Just thought I would ask around.

I see a list of locations that are on the usphs website that are always available...I wonder if these locations will be the ones I can choose from?