USPHS

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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 :)

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.

Hi I am beginning my application process for the USPHS, what is the "Q-tips thing", and does it usually take that long to do a background check? Thanks

Hi I am beginning my application process for the USPHS, what is the "Q-tips thing", and does it usually take that long to do a background check? Thanks

Do you mean the EQip? It took me about 4 months to get my background check back (1 of them) but I had two being done at the same time...one from USPHS and one from BOP.

I don't know what the term is or what it means. I just saw a post that mentioned "Q-tip thing" and I didn't know what it was. What is EQip?

Thanks

Specializes in Family Med, Mental Health, Public Health.

Q-tip was probably confused with "E-Quip." Its a pain, really! But its the online process where you input all your info to secure your security clearance.

Got my professional and medical board cleared.....have questions...please help.

How long does the security clearance process takes? I did the eQip for PHS in December.

If I received a job offer with a start date, what does that mean?

What does effective date means?

If I need to relocate (job offer is 2 hours away), how long do they give you to report to your duty station? I would like to go on vacation with my family before starting the job.

How long after did you get scheduled for OBC training? And where is the training?

Charming,

Getting your board clearance and medical clearance is a good step in the right direction. Your security clearance timeline really depends on what agency you are going to, you will have to be checked and interviewed for USPHS and possibly your new agency. My suggestion is keep the EQip copy and always fill out all forms with the exact same information. As a matter of fact keep a copy of ALL paperwork submitted!!! EQip lets the federal government perform a background check, but again depending on the agency you are going to you may have to fill out one for the agency also. If you have a job offer that is great, contact your agency liason and HR consultant at PHS and let them know so you can be placed on priority status. This will be done when your agency submits documentation stating you are offered the position and have accepted. Your start date is tentative as well as the effective date, if you do not have security clearance these dates will be pushed back. Generally when your orders are issued you get two weeks to report to your station, DO NOT MOVE BEFORE YOU GET ORDERS, otherwise you will end up paying for the move. You also get three days of admin leave you may take when you get to your station. Take the vacation, but remember you will start accruing 2.5 days a month your first day of work in leave. Time to get into OBC varies, they are trying to get officers in earlier now but I have talked to officer that waited over six months before they went. It is located in DC and will last two weeks.

I hope this helps answer some of your questions. I know this seems like a long and non gratifying process but in the end it will be worth the perserverance.

Specializes in Psych, Med Surg, ER.

I have passed the professional board also. I sent in my security packet, except for the eqip (which I haven't recieved the letter yet for it). I have sent the copies of my army records also in today. All I have left is my medical packet for which I am currently working on. I already got offered a job working at ft riley in the mental health clinic. I am also waiting on my 1662. I can't be any more excited!

Anyone able to answer questions for a SRCOSTEP going to BOP? :)

Specializes in Family Med, Mental Health, Public Health.

Does anyone know wear I can order the PHS badge for the BDUs??? I really new to get one ASAP!! :)

Specializes in All kinds.

You can order badges from the US Navy clothing web site or your can buy them if your in the MD/DC/VA areas at the Bethesda Hospital Exchange.

Anyone going to OBC in February?

i am going to OBC in Feb. :)

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