Nurse (ER)

Summary At the Indian Health Service (IHS), Nurses do more than practice medicine—they change lives. Guided by our mission to raise the health of American Indian and Alaska Native people, you'll deliver compassionate care where it's needed most. Your expertise brings healing and hope across generations. Begin your journey with purpose – and receive a recruitment/relocation sign‑on bonus, if eligible. USAJOBS Help Center – Update your resume now so it meets new resume requirements. Position Purpose The purpose of this position is to provide comprehensive care to pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients within the Indian Health Service. The Emergency Department Registered Nurse provides competent, evidence‑based, and patient‑centered care to patients presenting with urgent or emergent medical, surgical, critical care, trauma, or psychiatric conditions. The RN is accountable for all elements of the nursing process and serves as an essential member of the health‑care team, ensuring safe, high‑quality, and efficient care in a high‑acuity environment. Responsibilities Assess, plan, coordinate, implement, and evaluate the delivery of skilled patient care in accordance with nursing standards and evidence‑based practice. Perform triage using the Emergency Severity Index (ESI) system to determine patient acuity and prioritize treatment needs. Provide comprehensive emergency care to stable, unstable, and critically ill patients, including stabilization, resuscitation, and life‑support interventions. Utilize critical thinking skills to make complex clinical decisions and respond effectively to rapidly changing patient conditions. Supervise the delivery of nursing care by other professional and non‑professional staff, providing guidance, evaluation, and feedback as needed. Operate and maintain specialized medical equipment such as defibrillators, electrocardiogram monitors, IV pumps, oxygen flowmeters, and bladder scanners. Collaborate with physicians, nurse practitioners, and other health‑care providers to develop and implement coordinated care plans. Total Compensation Package Check out IHS’s outstanding total compensation package for this job: Registered Nurse Total Compensation | Pay (ihs.gov). All grade levels MAY NOT be available at all locations. Requirements U.S. citizenship is required. Selective Service registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Selectee may be subject to a probationary period. Must set up direct deposit so the agency can pay you. This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101‑630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Persons hired for these positions must not have been found guilty of, or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to, certain crimes. Qualifications for employees working in an IHS health‑care facility may include Employee Health Policies related to measles and rubella, and seasonal influenza immunizations. Vaccine exemption requests may be available according to National and/or Service Unit guidance. Required to obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges, including licensure requirements. Failure to maintain privileges may lead to removal from federal service. Successfully pass the E‑Verify employment verification check (visit Position subject to rotating shifts; days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Shift rotations may vary from 8‑, 10‑, and 12‑hour shifts. On‑call hours or standby duty may be required. Background Investigation This position requires the successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment. Applicants must complete all required background investigation forms within five (5) calendar days of issuance. Timely completion is critical to avoid delays or a determination of unsuitability. Qualifications To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying. Experience includes paid, volunteer, and unpaid work (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps). Identify duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. Basic Requirements – Education – A graduate or higher level degree, bachelor’s degree, associate degree, or diploma from an accredited professional nursing educational program is required. The degree must have been accredited by the CNE, COA, ACME, or a U.S. Department of Education‑recognized accrediting body at the time the degree was obtained. Degree from Foreign Nursing School – Official certification from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) is required for individuals who graduated from foreign nursing schools. Licensure – Must have passed the National Council Licensure Examination and possess a current, active, full, and unrestricted license or registration as a professional nurse from a state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory. Experience – Work experience must equip the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties. Many positions may require experience in a specialty area of nursing at GS‑9 and above. Basic Requirements by Grade Level GS‑5: Possession of a bachelor’s degree in nursing with no experience; or possession of a diploma or associate degree with one full year of professional nursing experience. GS‑7: Possession of a bachelor’s degree in nursing and eligibility under the Superior Academic Achievement provision; or possession of a bachelor’s degree and at least one full year of professional nursing experience; or possession of a diploma or associate degree and two full years of professional nursing experience; or completion of at least one full year of graduate education. GS‑9: Possession of a master’s degree in professional nursing; or at least one full year of professional nursing experience (equivalent to GS‑7 or above) and possession of a diploma, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree. GS‑11: Successful completion of a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree from a professional nursing educational program or related medical science field; or at least one full year of professional nursing experience (equivalent to GS‑9) and possession of a diploma, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree. Minimum Qualifications Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the federal service obtained in either the private or public sector. The required tasks include: assessing and caring for patients, developing care plans, recognizing adverse signs and symptoms, reacting swiftly in emergency situations, and basic triage knowledge. Additional Information Financial suitability requirement: applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility and a good standing with creditors prior to applying. Employees earning annual leave at rates of 4, 6, or 8 hours per pay period based on years of service. IHS may offer credit for related non‑federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized. At least a six‑month service agreement will be required. Government housing availability is based on location. Student loan repayment programs are available through IHS, NHSC, and HRSA. Eligibility and details can be found at and This position has promotion potential to the GS‑11 grade level. Promotion to higher grade levels is at management's discretion and based on demonstrated ability. Will be evaluated in accordance with the OPM Merit Hiring Plan. As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide short essay responses (200 words or less each) to four optional questions. While optional, responses may be reviewed by hiring managers and agency leadership. You will also be required to certify that your responses are written in your own words and that you did not use a consultant or AI tool. Benefits Review our benefits. #J-18808-Ljbffr Indian Health Service