USPHS

chesrae · Jul 20, 2009

Do you like working for them? What do u like the most and the least and do you have any advice for me as far as things I should be mindful of?

So far I definitely like working for them. Keep in mind though you really aren't working for PHS but for the agency your assigned. I imagine working for IHS is extremely different from BOP where I work. I am still new so I cant give too much advice. Keep in mind that you are in a certain sense your own HR department. You are responsible for making sure everything is in order as far as paperwork and promotions. Keep calling if something needs to be done on their end.

chesrae · Jul 20, 2009

Hi chesrae,
Got got a job offer with FCC Tucson and they want me to start August 16th. The problem is with PHS. My CAM transferred in May and it is July and I don't have a replacement. PHS recieved my 1662, logged in but not on Management Info System so that I can see it. I have all my medical and school/professional paperwork in but no joy when I call. Any pointers?
Also being SRCOSTEP did you get a signing bonus? Is it something you have to ask to BOP for or is it up to PHS?

Being SRCOSTEP disqualifies me from the signing bonus. But I did get full pay and benefits for my senior year of school which more than makes up for that negative. Who or what department are you calling? Make sure you are calling the correct person/department.

rcjohnis · Jul 20, 2009

Being SRCOSTEP disqualifies me from the signing bonus. But I did get full pay and benefits for my senior year of school which more than makes up for that negative. Who or what department are you calling? Make sure you are calling the correct person/department.

Chesrae,

I have been speaking with an officer in the Divison of CC Assignments, my old CAM's voive mail gave me a name to contact.

I just checked again today (3rd time) and the MIS website shows that my Board is completed. Sounds promising.

Where did you get your nametags and uniforms?

chesrae · Jul 20, 2009

Chesrae,
I have been speaking with an officer in the Divison of CC Assignments, my old CAM's voive mail gave me a name to contact.
I just checked again today (3rd time) and the MIS website shows that my Board is completed. Sounds promising.
Where did you get your nametags and uniforms?

If it says your Board is completed that should be a very good sign. You'll get used to the pace at which PHS moves eventually.

For uniforms I would recommend against ordering online. Call a navy uniform shop and they should be able to help you. 301-295-1489 This is the number for Bethesda which I used. You will probably be wearing the Navy coverall which they should do the name tag for you, although you will need other dress uniforms for other occasions. Do a google for "PHS device supply center" for other PHS items such as name tags for your other uniforms.

The best advice I could give you is to try and contact a PHS officer at your duty station. They will be your best resource for how things run at that specific institution. I was allowed to wear civilian clothing for my first two weeks till I got my uniform.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

cutiepie_318 · Jul 21, 2009

Thanks so much for your help

BSN317 · Jul 21, 2009

Hello, sorry guys I have been out of the loop so to speak. To NursePamela: I interviewed with the Dod Mental Health Initiative, and was offered the job. I have only been a nurse for a year, but I did begin working in mental health and I still do so PRN...so I am guessing as long as you have a little psych experience, you should be fine. I decided to go with the position versus the DIHS position, I think I will like it more. I am in the process of getting my 1662 Call to Active duty completed. Also, I have to pass a security clearance. I am upset about this...what was the point of me sending in all the other security documents, fingerprints, etc??? Does any current active duty officer know how long this takes? Ughh so frustrating but I believe it will be worth it. I am looking forward to starting-I will be at Ft Benning, which is actually an Army base, and they are just starting the Mental health intiative there. I know its going to be weird wearing my PHS uniform while everyone else is in their Army uniform, I think I will stand out like a sore thumb! Anyways, if anyone has any questions, let me know. Good luck everyone in your endeavors. Congrats WanderingMinstral on school!

SlavicNurse · Jul 27, 2009

I was contacted by BOP in January, went to a facility for an interview and all seemed to go well. A couple of weeks later I did my part for the background check, talked to an investigator and had several people tell me they were contacted via mail to complete a form about me. I have not heard anything else from BOP since then, but I know there is nothing in my background to be concerned about. We had a phone interview (we being SRCOSTEP applicants) in April and in May I got the email to complete my PHS background check. I talked to a second investigator 3 weeks ago and again, several friends said they were contacted via mail to complete forms and I actually saw an investigator talking to my neighbors about 2 weeks ago. On the PHS website it still shows my background as pending...how long does this usually take? I am just wondering what I need to do between now and then to make sure all goes smoothly and according to plan...my classes start 5 weeks from today. Any ideas?

NursePamela · Jul 28, 2009

Hello, sorry guys I have been out of the loop so to speak. To NursePamela: I interviewed with the Dod Mental Health Initiative, and was offered the job. I have only been a nurse for a year, but I did begin working in mental health and I still do so PRN...so I am guessing as long as you have a little psych experience, you should be fine. I decided to go with the position versus the DIHS position, I think I will like it more. I am in the process of getting my 1662 Call to Active duty completed. Also, I have to pass a security clearance. I am upset about this...what was the point of me sending in all the other security documents, fingerprints, etc??? Does any current active duty officer know how long this takes? Ughh so frustrating but I believe it will be worth it. I am looking forward to starting-I will be at Ft Benning, which is actually an Army base, and they are just starting the Mental health intiative there. I know its going to be weird wearing my PHS uniform while everyone else is in their Army uniform, I think I will stand out like a sore thumb! Anyways, if anyone has any questions, let me know. Good luck everyone in your endeavors. Congrats WanderingMinstral on school!

Congratulations on your USPHS position! Keep posting and let us know how all goes. I saw your post on AK USPHS, is that no longer an option? I worked for Providence in Anchorage. Alaskan Native in Anchorage is a good position. I would go back to Anchorage without a problem. I have also been to Fort Benning but I did not work there - I played. :-)

I looked into USPHS, mental health side but I was told one needed a year full time experience to apply. i am guessing that was not the case for you???

Good Luck again,

Pam

SlavicNurse · Jul 29, 2009

UPDATE: My background check was completed today (7/28) So now my board, medical and background are completed. I hope I talk to someone soon to find out what I need to do next....

rcjohnis · Jul 29, 2009

That is great SlavicNurse. Sorry I can't help with talking to someone, I did not do SRCOSTEP.

rcjohnis · Jul 29, 2009

UPDATE: My background check was completed today (7/28) So now my board, medical and background are completed. I hope I talk to someone soon to find out what I need to do next....

Chesrae did SRCOSTEP maybe they can help you.

rcjohnis · Aug 2, 2009

Hey everyone,

My security, medical, and board are now complete. I was told that my orders will be cut this Monday and I should recieve them on Tuesday. Whew that was not easy. Be persistant, call, ask what you need to do to make the next step happen or it won't happen.

Tucson or bust...

Ryan