Medical Clearance Continued

So I have FINALLY compiled all the necessary information for the PC medical clearance and have spent well over $800 doing it. Yes, folks, the reimbursement of $175 is almost laughable! I cannot honestly believe people can get this clearance done for less than $500. My lab work alone was over $300 (with insurance!). I cannot even imagine attempting to apply without insurance, bless anybody that does because that is dedication.

So now that I have been to the doctor 5 times, seen a urologist (damned kidney stones), the gyno (sorry tmi), had 18 vials of blood drawn, peed in 2 cups, went to the dentist, saw a shrink, and a therapist (pesky mental health issues) as well as written 2 personal statements (10 pages!) I am finally ready to submit my paper work. It took me about 6 weeks, though I likely won't send out all the paperwork for another couple of weeks as I need to make copies of everything and organize all the information.

At this point I am relieved it is finished. No more running around like a lunatic from appointment to appointment! On the other hand, now I know the real wait is about to begin. It's funny though, when I first applied I feel anxiety and impatience everyday upon not receiving anything in the mail or any e-mails. However, at this point, I am beginning to accept that the PC moves slowly and I likely won't hear anything until December - January.

So how am I feeling about the future? Well, very unsure. I am excited, yet I do not want to get too excited seeing as I have only been nominated. It is scary and upsetting to think I could get rejected, and I do believe it is a real possibility as I have past mental health issues which is not something that will reflect well on me.

At this point all I can hope for is the best and know that I did everything I could in order to get accepted. I hope it is enough.

Wish me luck.

PS - if anyone has gotten accepted/rejected/deferred for a past/current mental health condition please consider sharing your story with a highly stressed current applicant!

My Application Timeline

I have seen quite a few blog posts regarding PC application timelines. I personally cannot get enough of them. I will outline my own timeline thus far below:

Early May 2010 - Finally decide after going back and forth for almost 2 years the PC is something I am definitely interested in.

May 16, 2010 - Submit my application along with 3 references

May 17, 2010 - Submit Health Status Review Application

May 19 - Receive packet of additional information needed including college transcripts, a signed NAC (National Agency Check) form, a reference label sheet, and a copy of my fingerprints

May 26, 2010 - Receive e-mail from recruiter stating that she received my information and to give her a call so we can schedule an interview

May 27, 2010 - Call recruiter and schedule interview in NYC for June 9, 2010

June 8, 2010 - Travel by train to NYC and prepare for interview in my hotel room

June 9, 2010 - Have interview at NYC Regional Office. Recruiter was so friendly and open. She asked a bunch of questions regarding my past leadership experience, volunteering, commitment, etc. She tells me at the end of the interview that she will be nominating me!

June 10, 2010 - Officially nominated for the PC! My tentative departure date is in April 2011 for Eastern Europe in education. Excited, but very nervous for the medical clearance. Yikes.

*Sometime within this period I get my ToolKit information with a user name and password. Apparently I have already been legally cleared for service.

June 21, 2010 - Received medical/dental packet (dun dun dun!). Lots and lots of information needed. Physical, dental, and specialist forms along with a bunch of personal statements. Get started right away making appointments and writing statements...

July 1, 2010 - As of right now I am about half way through my medical packet. I have gone to the dentist, had 18 freakin' vials of blood drawn for my lab work, and had my therapist and former psychiatrist fill out the crazy person papers. Tomorrow I am seeing a urologist for a single episode of kidney stones I had almost 4 years ago. I am following up with my general doctor on July 9 to go over lab work, fill out forms, and have a pap.

I will keep you posted on my progress.

"The longest journey begins with a single step."

Well hello there...

Well here goes.

My name is Nikki and I am currently applying for the Peace Corps. As of right now I am working through the dreaded medical clearance. I have been nominated for a program in Eastern Europe in the spring of 2011.

This blog is meant to share my experiences about the PC application process with other potential and current applicants.

I also plan to use this blog as a means of sharing what is going on in my life.

I hope you all enjoy!