Nurse
Job Description
Department of Health and Human Services
Indian Health Service
Summary: Registered Nurse – Outpatient Department
Location: Various Indian Health Service (IHS) Facilities, Great Plains Area
Department: Nursing
Employment Type: Full-Time, Federal
Series & Grade: GS-0610-09
The Indian Health Service is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse to provide comprehensive nursing care to patients across the lifespan in the Outpatient Department. This includes individuals with medical, surgical, pediatric, obstetric, and newborn conditions. The nurse plays a critical role in patient assessment, care planning, intervention, and evaluation, supporting the delivery of culturally competent healthcare services to Native American communities.
Who May Apply
This position is open to:
- U.S. Citizens and Nationals
- Current Federal Employees (Competitive and Excepted Service)
- Veterans and Military Spouses
- Individuals with Disabilities
- Native Americans/Alaska Natives (Preference Eligible)
- Peace Corps & AmeriCorps VISTA alumni
- CTAP/ICTAP/RPL eligible applicants (Career Transition)
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct thorough head-to-toe assessments and ongoing evaluations of patient conditions.
- Develop individualized care plans, update them based on patient progress, and coordinate with providers.
- Implement nursing interventions and administer therapeutic or emergency treatments as ordered.
- Operate and maintain specialized medical equipment (e.g., defibrillators, infusion pumps, glucometers).
- Document all assessments, treatments, and patient responses accurately and promptly.
- Participate in and lead quality improvement (PI) initiatives within the department.
- Assist in peer reviews and contribute to performance evaluations of nursing staff.
- Ensure compliance with policies, protocols, and time/attendance standards.
Qualifications
Basic Requirements:
- U.S. Citizenship
- Active, unrestricted RN license
- Graduation from an accredited nursing program (diploma, associate, or bachelor’s in nursing)
GS-9 Minimum Qualifications:
- One year of professional nursing experience equivalent to the GS-7 level
OR - Possession of a Master’s degree in professional nursing
Experience Must Include:
- Patient assessment and care planning
- Emergency response and use of life-saving interventions
- Medication knowledge (effects, side effects, complications)
- Patient education and counseling
- Coordination of interdisciplinary care
Conditions of Employment
- Subject to background investigation, fingerprinting, and E-Verify
- COVID-19, MMR, and seasonal flu vaccinations required (with exemptions considered)
- Must obtain/maintain clinical privileges
- Designated position under Public Law 101-630 (involving contact with Indian children)
- Male applicants must be registered with Selective Service (if born after 12/31/1959)
Additional Information
- Position is covered by a Bargaining Unit
- Relocation and recruitment incentives may be offered (with service agreement)
- Eligible for Loan Repayment Programs through IHS, NHSC, or HRSA
- This position supports Public Health Service (PHS) Commissioned Corps eligibility
How to Apply
- Visit the USAJOBS announcement and click “Apply.”
- Upload your resume (include job duties, dates, hours worked/week, salary, and employer details).
- Submit transcripts (if qualifying by education), licenses, and any preference documentation (e.g., BIA-4432 for Indian Preference, DD-214 for Veterans).
- Complete the online questionnaire.
- Ensure your application is submitted by 11:59 PM EST on 07/14/2025.
First cut-off for application review is 5 business days after the opening date (12/29/2023), with subsequent reviews every 5 days.
