USPHS

If the fact that they are offering a $25K sign-on bonus in exchange for a four-year commitment is any indication, the USPHS is in desperate need of nurses. This is especially true for hard-to-fill positions with the IHS and BOP. With that said, I have found their recruitment efforts to be SERIOUSLY lacking. My medical forms were received eight weeks ago and still nothing has happened (and I'm young, active, and pretty healthy). At a certain point, I will have to withdraw my application and accept another opportunity.

... from my understanding the number of interviews will be based on how many slots you apply to and their need... as USPHS conducts interviews at the agency level and they make the choice to 'select' you after you meet the baseline requirements to enter the health service. Therefore you could theoretically apply to one IHS job and they happen to interview you and select you.. then that is one interview.

AWanderingMinstral: 8 weeks and no response? my gosh. I should have applied earlier...

also, I wasn't aware of the 25k sign-on bonus. Do I ask the CAM about this or it's too late to ask now?

goldensfo, if you select "Nurse" on the USPHS website, you should see a blue square on the right of the screen that advertises this. It's $20K for a three-year commitment. In addition, if you pay a small amount monthly for the first year and serve for a minimum of three years, you qualify for $40K+/- from the G.I. Bill for graduate school. If you want to serve in a high-needs IHS position, you could potentially qualify for up to $20K a year (for two years) in tuition reimbursement. You have to apply for this (I believe) annually and there is a limited amount of funding. So, it can be a great opportunity. While I'm a registered nurse (for two years), I'm finishing my BSN in less than two weeks. : ) I have "passed" the professional phase and, as a result, have been given the green light to apply for positions. I have applied for three and I have heard N-A-D-A. It's a shame the recruitment staff isn't more proactive.

Thank you for the info! Good luck to you!! :redpinkhe let us know if there's any update~

I'm a USPHS Officer for the past 21 year. I've worked in the Indian Health Service, Immigration Health, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

I can answer most questions you have about assignments, benefits, recruiting, and retirement.

CorrectionalNP: would you please share your experience with the IHS? how's the living condition? how many people work in the clinic? how's the population? etc.. thank you very much!

AWanderingMinstral:

Hello, I am in your same position!! I have applied to the USPHS, passed the nursing board..applied to positions..and HEARD ZILCH! It is highly frustrating to say the least. This is a great opportunity for me, but I just wonder why the recruitment efforts are so slacking? I dont get it. I only have a year of experience, and my CAM told me to aim for NIH, BOP, and IHS if I wanted a clinical experience. I have done this but of course NIH positions are highly competitive and all their new grad positions are filled. With that said, I have been focusing more on BOP and IHS...That "jobs database" link on their site seems to be lacking as well. My CAM told me to search on USAJOBS as well...but still no luck. This process has become very tiresome and although I want this very much, I am getting really discouarged and really have started to look elsewhere for opportunities. I hope something turns up soon...

BSN317: i'm sorry to hear that. i just sent in all my medical papers. i'm waiting for them to be cleared. i don't know if you can start applying for positions before you take your NCLEX? i'm taking mine in July.. How did you apply for the jobs? Did you phone the person from the job list directly?

Yeah...I applied by calling...emailing...most anything short of stalking! :) J/K but it seems that way because you have to keep calling and emailing people a lot. I dont think you can apply before passing boards...because I had to send in proof of my NCLEX results as a condition of passing the Nursing boards...but hey Im no expert! I havent even sent in my medical forms yet...From my understanding that can be done later...Again Im no expert! But yes, phone the person from the job list. They will ask for your resume and how far along in the process u have gotten. its worth a try, especially if youre looking to go to places like the IHS

Yes I do plan to work for IHS. So did they interview you in the phone?

Everyone has been saying it takes a long time to get a response... sigh..

I HAVE found the application process to be very frustrating. There is very little guidance in regards to the application process, but it's clear that finding a suitable position is largely left up to the applicant. I recently had an opportunity to speak with a few recruiters and I think the proverbial ball is finally moving. :) First of, I think it's very helpful to have submitted ALL required paperwork (professional, medical, and security). It really doesn't take that much time. That way, when things DO start moving, you can move with it. :) I suggest that, if you know of any agency (and region) you'd like to work for, get on their website and call them. GOOD LUCK!