USPHS

txfnp12 · Feb 12, 2011

Yes....the pause has finally been lifted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I spoke with my CAM and the only thing left is the 1662. It is generated by the agency for which I am working. According to my supervisor, that process was started today. Not much longer!!!!! Thank goodness because it has been about 9 months and counting since I started this whole process. I am so excited.

ImThatGuy, BSN, RN · Feb 12, 2011

Is there no way you can just join the commissioned corps and get put in a position somewhere? That seems so odd that it doesn't work like that.

txfnp12 · Mar 10, 2011

I guess that it is one of the benefits of being PHS instead of other military branches. They do not put you in a position. You have to find your own position. This allows you to choose where you go.

For example, I was in the Air Force. When I was commissioned they told me, I was going to California. It didn't matter that my first choice was somewhere else. I went to California. This process was much easier but I didn't really have much control.

However, it can be a pain in the butt to find your own position (especially if you don't want to move or if you are picky about where you work). If you are willing to move, there are lots of positions available. If you are willing to work in a prison or immigration detention center or for Indian Health there are plenty of openings for nurses.

txfnp12 · Mar 29, 2011

This process is extremely long...please tell me it is worth it. According to my CAM or recruiter I have done everything I can do. They are waiting for the HR department at my job to convert the position. I asked my boss about it and he said that HR messed up the paperwork some how and the PHS people are calling him asking him what is taking so long. FRUSTRATION with a capital F!

ImThatGuy, BSN, RN · Mar 30, 2011

This process is extremely long...please tell me it is worth it. According to my CAM or recruiter I have done everything I can do. They are waiting for the HR department at my job to convert the position. I asked my boss about it and he said that HR messed up the paperwork some how and the PHS people are calling him asking him what is taking so long. FRUSTRATION with a capital F!

What agency did you end up getting a job with that allowed you to apply for a Commission Corps position?

txfnp12 · Mar 30, 2011

I work for the BOP. It is not bad at all. I never in a million years thought I would be working in a prison but I like it and the USPHS is a great opportunity (if I can ever get in!!!). Now if for some reason PHS doesn't work out, I will be going back to hospital work.

79Tango · Mar 30, 2011

Starting out as a traveler is a good way to choose your facility and get hired with the Feds. I know of a few RNs that switched over to PHS after getting released by their agency. In fact there is a TON of ER contracts in AZ and SD right now.

ImThatGuy, BSN, RN · Mar 30, 2011

I work for the BOP. It is not bad at all. I never in a million years thought I would be working in a prison but I like it and the USPHS is a great opportunity (if I can ever get in!!!). Now if for some reason PHS doesn't work out, I will be going back to hospital work.

There are a couple of BOP facilities in Arkansas that I hope might work out for me next year or maybe some of the Indian reservations in Oklahoma. With previous paramedic and police experience it seems like a prison might like having me on staff. I'm like you though. I wouldn't want to work there if I wasn't a PHS officer. I'd rather do something else with my time like work three 12 hour days in a small ER somewhere, lol. That's why I'd prefer you just join the PHS and get stationed somewhere similar to the way the military does it. Con for you. But it'd be a pro for me.

What are the hours like in BOP? 5, 8's?

ImThatGuy, BSN, RN · Mar 30, 2011

Starting out as a traveler is a good way to choose your facility and get hired with the Feds.

Can you expound on this?

79Tango · Apr 4, 2011

Many of these smaller remote facilities have travelers as part of their business model-- meaning they depend heavily on travelers and seasonal RNs.

Working these contracts and showing the Nurse Managers your skills is a great way to do a "trial run" at the facility. They may like you & you may like them, making it much easier to get you on as a Perm Employee.

ImThatGuy, BSN, RN · Apr 5, 2011

Many of these smaller remote facilities have travelers as part of their business model-- meaning they depend heavily on travelers and seasonal RNs.
Working these contracts and showing the Nurse Managers your skills is a great way to do a "trial run" at the facility. They may like you & you may like them, making it much easier to get you on as a Perm Employee.

And then get on permanent and transition into PHS. Gotcha.

klonginoRN · May 30, 2011

HI, I just filled out the prescreen for the PHS, so excited! Question: How is the OCS, and how are the deployments? According to one of the websites I saw, the deployments are mostly voluntary and longest is two weeks. Can any of you current PHS corp expound at all?

Thanks, I would GREATLY appreciate!