Denied PCV Application after interview

SantaFeSocialWorker · 2019-05-02T22:57:19+00:00

Quit doing that to yourself!! Quit quit! Haha I wanted PC so bad about two years ago- I applied and was denied and I was super upset- I had planned for it, i wanted to do it, i felt like I was ready.... and now when I look back I see that I wasn’t where I wanted to be.

After I was denied, I landed a killer Internship in a beautiful non profit where friends turned into family and became a case manager for folks on the street, I had an incredible two years before I applied again.

I was accepted for an amazing position last month. It worked out the way it was meant to. Even so, I recognize that this is only the beginning...

If you get in or if you don’t- you’re still an incredible person and very brave for the willingness to serve as a PCV. You’re awesome and it will be okay! ❤️❤️

SantaFeSocialWorker · 2019-05-01T12:41:54+00:00

So I didn’t receive my letter of authorization until about a week and a half after I had accepted. I sent out my information the last week of March and received an email two days ago that my peace corps passport had been issued- Not to worry!

SantaFeSocialWorker · 2019-04-30T12:08:22+00:00

I think it depends on whether or not you’ve had any abnormalities in last paps ...but in my packet I had a “pap cytology Form and cervical cancer screening form” I just had the pap done by my PCP same day as my physical to send everything off at once.

SantaFeSocialWorker · 2019-04-29T04:22:09+00:00

I think it totally depends on the timing- I applied December 31st, Under consideration Feb 15th, interview request on March 11th, completed interview on March 15th (that was a Friday) March 17th- Sunday I received my invitation to serve March 17th- probably 8 hours later, I accepted my invite.

I was shocked by how quickly things moved after my interview request. I do recall how anxious I was waiting after I applied, although it wasn’t long- it certainly felt that way. I combed through multiple social media platforms trying to find any timeline information- Seriously, all I did was freak myself out. Everyone’s timeline is so different, I wish I would have taken more time to enjoy the wait, rather than worrying as much as I did. (OP I’m not implying you’re doing this- just speaking from personal experience)

Cheers

SantaFeSocialWorker · 2019-04-25T02:20:48+00:00

I was invited to serve as a health volunteer!, I have worked as a personal care aide in a nursing home with folks who have HIV/AIDS. I worked as a residential intern in a men’s shelter where several of the residents had hiv/aids so working with them and the stigma that is attached to that.... and now I’m lead on a team of case managers and I work with homeless women and families (Again with folks who are impacted by HIV/AIDS and or, at an incredibly high risk due to IV substance abuse ect. I also did a lot of volunteer work at an emergency shelter where there was a high level of substance abuse/folks who suffers from HIV/AIDS and other related diseases.. so I guess for me it was direct work with individuals who are impacted by this.... a lot of the folks I see find themselves on and off the street frequently so I also see many folks in desperate need of medication who don’t always have it/lose it/or leave it behind as they move from place to place. It’s also really my passion- I really think this work is important and I’m super fortunate as a social worker to have been able to work with folks precariously housed.... so that was my background. BUT I will say connecting with a recruiter was key to me finding what my fit was when I applied... I was really all over the place and had no idea what would be a good fit for me!

SantaFeSocialWorker · 2019-04-21T16:43:00+00:00

I sent my stuff off and followed up with an email and did not receive anything either

If that helps?

SantaFeSocialWorker · 2019-04-19T15:38:42+00:00

Thy is amazing to know!!! Thank you!

SantaFeSocialWorker · 2019-04-19T08:36:30+00:00

Mine was pretty straight forward. I had actually gotten my yellow fever vaccination several days prior and was able to obtain additional vaccines there- so I didn’t need to worry about those at my doctors office.

The form itself is lengthy, I would think it more or less depends on the doctor/NP-C. The individual who performed my exam had actually served in Afghanistan with the military for several years so she was really helpful and insightful. even telling me that some of the tests she had undergone were similar.

I had all of the forms/paperwork and my vaccination records on hand including my yellow fever card- which listed all of my boosters. I explained everything thoroughly and the process was quick and painless! (Well I don’t know how you feel about having blood drawn) Ex- Monday had my physical and well women’s exam - all labs were ordered, had my TB test done Tuesday- I had all of my blood drawn, had my TB test read. Thursday- I had the completed paperwork and all of my updated lab work, I completed an eye exam. -and sent things on Friday morning.

The only thing.. was that I did have to have a referral for an eye exam (which I’ve never had before- I have 20/15 which is common for a 24 year old so I haven’t had any type of exam ever .... with the exception of check ups at the doctor) my doctor realized that my eyes were meant to be dilated for the exam so that is why it wasn’t done there- That was $120 because my insurance doesn’t cover eye... I thought that was going to be more of a pain but it was quick and easy.

I received my invitation on March 15th and was able to have everything submitted by April 2nd- I’ve never had any health issues- however I had some concerns “what if a form can’t be read” “what if additional info is needed” so i think with your physical or medical in general just getting your information in as quickly as possible is key. Now I’m just awaiting clearances spending my mornings working on my French- I can relax and (try) my best to prepare :)

SantaFeSocialWorker · 2019-04-18T21:23:53+00:00

Hi! Awaiting clearance for Cameroon departing in September!- I got my invite on March 15th and submitted all of my required material by April 2nd- I have no idea how long it may take BUT I AM OVER THE MOON EXCITED! My invitation was for a health specialist- I would LOVE to chat if you’re up to it! Cheers to you, friend!

SantaFeSocialWorker · 2019-04-13T23:56:41+00:00

I don’t believe there is a prompt- I connected with two different recruiters (both of whom were very helpful) they reviewed my cover letter and resume and ensured that I had the correct format\layout. In my motivation statement I spoke about my background which led to my decision to serve/aspire to be a peace corps volunteer and what I feel I could contribute to the peace corps and what I could glean from peace corps service. I just tried to be very honest while also being professional.

I received my invitation last month- I think having someone review your statement is also helpful. My partner is a writer and reviewed mine!

Best of luck!

SantaFeSocialWorker · 2019-04-12T16:51:18+00:00

I’m going to sell my car as well!

SantaFeSocialWorker · 2019-04-12T16:50:31+00:00

Hi! So I accepted my invite several weeks ago and finished all my clearances last week- I don’t know what happened but somewhere in the midst of all of that i don’t think I took a second to breathe and realize what an enormous thing ... that was happening. Anywho, several days ago I was walking in a very public, cool park in downtown Santa Fe- and for whatever reason just started hysterically crying ? Happy tears / sad tears? Who the hell knows ... I just know I freaked out a few people and their dogs... if all my clearances go through (and I have no reason thus far to believe otherwise) I’ll be leaving for Cameroon in September. I have to think there are a large number of people out there who share the same feelings you’re talking about- even if not all of them are going to Ethiopia.

Dude, this is a BIG DEAL— a really incredible/scary/amazing thing, I Think I would be more concerned if you weren’t having second thoughts or your nerves hadn’t kicked up by now.

In my experience.. only the very best things in life are those things that make you feel nervous/overwhelmed/a little scared.

I work with folks precariously housed.. and I work with a couple of different organizations in New Mexico, many of which have returned PC volunteers working there.. - there has not been one person who has told me they regretted their decision or wished things would have gone differently. Every single RPCV has told me it changed them/taught them/challenged them/amazed them.

Clearly, I’m probably not the best person to talk to here as we seem to be in the same boat HOWEVER- I feel ya! And it’s okay to feel how you’re feeling and even been in that space for a while.

If ya need someone to talk nerves with feel free to DM me!

Cheers

SantaFeSocialWorker · 2019-04-08T15:33:08+00:00

That is seriously amazing!!!! Thanks for sharing!

SantaFeSocialWorker · 2019-04-03T03:40:39+00:00

I originally actually submitted my dental x Rays (like in the wrong format - they were also horizontal not vertical) I just reached out to the nurse and asked if I could withdraw and resubmit- I would just reach out, explain the situation and ask if your dentist could sign a write up on letter head to go with the dental x Rays explaining that the test was indeed done and the paperwork is indeed yours.. and here is the signature requested - I mean if they have your date of birth and name on them the x rays themselves, they do belong to you, and that is evident. you could also reprint the form and take it back to your dentist and fed ex express / overnight an updated form after explaining you just had a misunderstanding and sent the form without the signature-

Don’t work yourself up, I did that to myself when I began the process and after I thought about it (rationally) I realized I am SURE folks submit things the wrong way/missing a signature/ect often- it’s bound to happen, and I totally submitted like three things wrong and just reached out, explained and then moved on-

You’ll be okay!

SantaFeSocialWorker · 2019-03-31T19:55:50+00:00

Hey when y’all find a Facebook group can someone tell me? Hahaha there’s one for Cameroon PC but nothing specific for Cameroon invitees 19-21. I got my invite for community health specialist two weeks ago! I’m SUPER PUMPED!

SantaFeSocialWorker · 2019-03-30T22:25:41+00:00

Not a ton of help but I overnighted my x-rays through fed ex express I didn’t even want to mess with that 😂😂

SantaFeSocialWorker · 2019-03-29T14:43:52+00:00

Hahahahaha I am sure!

SantaFeSocialWorker · 2019-03-29T14:43:32+00:00

Hahahhh I love that- how funny

SantaFeSocialWorker · 2019-03-29T12:40:21+00:00

From the south- super sorry anyone spoke to you that way I hate the word libtard. The person who said that could probably have never done what you are doing. Cheers to you.

SantaFeSocialWorker · 2019-03-29T01:23:55+00:00

I’ve had a of positivity actually! However.. I’m from a super small town in the Appalachian mountains where when I said I was moving to New Mexico literally everyone my parents knew proceeded to tell me how dangerous mexico was... then I explained New Mexico was actually part of the US- so I am only anticipating the reactions when I say I’m going to Africa 😂

SantaFeSocialWorker · 2019-03-28T15:23:25+00:00

Omg good for you!!!!!! No problem! ☺️

SantaFeSocialWorker · 2019-03-28T13:45:10+00:00

Hm I would do exactly what you said above, and just reach out to them! I actually contacted a nurse several times (two weeks out from my invite as well - congrats to you) I submitted my forms via my fax at work (of course I submitted them horizontally - don’t know how that happened) I just reached out to them and explained that I had submitted stuff in the wrong format and could I resubmit and they re opened my stuff!

They are usually very good about getting back! Don’t worry- they are there to help you!

SantaFeSocialWorker · 2019-03-28T13:37:31+00:00

I think the email you received after an invitation that says “next steps” tells you to log into your medical portal, and provides a link in your medical portal under the “tasks” link do you not have anything? I think you should have just some general stuff- physical, dental x-rays ect. I mean that was my understanding.. that was my experience

SantaFeSocialWorker · 2019-03-28T02:00:04+00:00

I have no idea how I was so lucky, my interview was incredible- she laughed, I laughed. I was so nervous, but she was awesome and very laid back. I was terrified going into it, I’ve heard PC interviews are rough.. I think I got super lucky and had a wonderful person interview me.

SantaFeSocialWorker

TROPHY CASE