unescorted access for new hire

[newtothebiz]

I was recently "hired" for my first job out of college to work in an nuclear power plant. My hire is of course contingent on being able to gain unescorted access to a nuclear power plant. I was wondering how long it takes for this access to be granted? Basically, how long from filling the PHQ form and turning it in, completing the MMPI, drug testing, etc. will I know if I have been granted or denied access? The reason I am curious is that the job is in another state and they currently have me away from home and I am financially unable to stay in the state for too much longer without being paid. Right now I do not know when or if I will be approved and they kind of want me to just hang around until whenever they feel like it and I cannot afford it and I am not sure how to let them know that I have no money to stay in the state. Any advice ideas on timeline will be greatly appreciated. THANKS!

[Bleyse]

You should know within a week or two.  Most of my class had our plant access badges by the end of the second week, and some of us had to retake our drug tests.

[BoilerHP]

For my internship it took just about a full week. Bring a book!

I have a question pertaining to regaining unescorted access. I started working in the plant in May and left in August of 2008. I am supposed to report on Feb 17th. Would I regain unescorted access quicker? Do they really need to recall all the same people? Or can they just re-drug test and make sure I have not gotten into any trouble since August?

Thanks!

P.S. I did not find anything using the search that pertained to my time of approximately 6 months and the same plant.

[tr]

My understanding (based on essentially zero actual knowledge ) is that they mainly check the gap from when you were last badged.

[BoilerHP]

It would make sense, since this would be the most cost efficient... but than again, money can and probably should be spent on security.

We'll see! I was more curious regarding if I need a passport or state id+ss card if they all ready have a photocopy of my passport on site. I unfortunately all I currently have is a state drivers license at the moment, I am going to get another copy of the SS card sent to me today.