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 :)

[viper16731]

Security paperwork turned in, medical paperwork will be done tomorrow and then the waiting game begins. I already have a job that hopefully will start in May....I can't wait! Just waiting on my 1662. Hopefully going to OBC in Apr or early May.

[charming46]

Got news that I've been cleared on all 3 boards today (professional, medical and security). :yeah:Wow, it was a long wait. How did you find out who your HR specialist was? How long after getting cleared did you get your acceptance letter? How long did you wait from getting the clearance until starting your job.?

[charming46]

Reporting to duty soon. Any advice on the first few days on the job and being a PHS officer?

[cutiepie_318]

I just got my 1662 and I have been cleared professionally and medical. Now I just play the wait game. My CAM told me that it woulld probably take 30-45 days to complete my orders. So right now my report to duty day is set for May 17th. It could have been earlier around the end of April or closer to the beginning of may but I have a friend graduating so i requested the delay. Does anyone know how I need to go about geting my uniform? And how is the sign on bonus done and how long did it take u guys to get yours?

[visakapsi]

My background check has been completed.....How long did it take after seeing the update on the system...for you all to receive an acceptance letter and orders?

[charming46]

@ visakapsi, I noticed the update about my background right away on the system. I actually found out first on the website and called my CAM to inform her and asked her what the next step was. Here is the timeline...

1/25/10 security clearance cleared online and called CAM the same day.

2/2/10 acceptance letter sent via e-mail by HR specialist

2/4/10 orders was sent via e-mail by HR specialist (Fyi: I requested for a month's extension from my original report to duty date)

Hope this helps!

@cutiepie, you will be getting instructions/guidance and websites from your agency on how to get uniforms...I obtained some at the navy exchange and the PHS Supply Center. The sign on bonus is processed once you start by turning in a document. I was told you get the bonus within 60 to 90 days of starting your duty.

[visakapsi]

@charming46

Thanks for the insight! However, I have more questions... After seeing the update on the system and speaking to your CAM..did she inform you that you had been cleared over the telephone? Did you receive any opposition when you informed your CAM that you wanted to push the date back?

[charming46]

When I informed my CAM about the new update on the system, like you I wasn't sure if it means everything cleared. So I asked her and she said this is a good thing and that I will hear from my HR specialist soon (hence, the acceptance letter). Since this was getting closed to my start date I asked my CAM for an extension and she said to call the HR contact for DIHS. I did and I called but I was asked to contact the person in the actual duty station. So I did. There was no opposition, but some would say this move was a bit risky because they can just say "ok, well...we can hire somebody else since you're not ready." My approach was to try and see...

I am glad I did request for the extension because it gave me time to handle my personal and family obligations before moving.

FYI: don't forget to ask about the administrative leave (3 days) that you can use.

[viper16731]

I got my acceptance letter and I will start on Apr12th. I will hopefully find a house tomorrow to move into around june 1st. My supervisor is so ready for me to start and so am I. I just put in my month in to my job at the VA, so I leave on good terms so I will have a job after I retire from the USPHS. I can't believe that this is finally happening!

[BSN317]

Congrats Viper!!!! YAY!!!!

[visakapsi]

@charming46

Thanks again for all of the information. This is a great networking and informational site.

@ viper

Congratulations to you and your family! It is a great opportunity! I know that you are excited!

[viper16731]

I found a house already...all I need to do now is get some uniforms and get my household goods ready to ship. Does anyone know if you need to be in deers before setting up a move date?