Nurse (Med/Surg)

Summary At the Indian Health Service (IHS), nurses deliver compassionate care to American Indian and Alaska Native people, guided by the mission to raise health outcomes in these communities. Responsibilities Perform comprehensive assessments, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care based on clinical findings and the nursing process. Promote evidence‑based nursing practice and coordinate care focused on patient education and self‑management. Administer medications and perform procedures in accordance with established policies and clinical standards. Recognize changes in patient condition, identify urgent or emergent situations, and initiate appropriate interventions to ensure patient safety. Ensure compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards and maintain knowledge of current clinical and operational guidelines. Participate in performance improvement, patient safety, and quality initiatives to enhance clinical effectiveness and efficiency. Requirements U.S. Citizenship is required. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Eligible candidates must pass the E‑Verify employment verification check. On‑call hours or standby duty may be required; a rotating shift schedule (days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays) is possible. Applicants must obtain and maintain medical‑staff clinical privileges, including any required licensure. Background Investigation Requirement Successful completion of a federal background investigation is a condition of employment. Applicants must complete all required background investigation forms within five calendar days of issuance. Basic Requirements Participants currently assigned to positions in the 0610 occupational series as of September 2017 are considered to have met the 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 education must be accredited by a U.S. Department of Education‑recognized accrediting body. Foreign nursing school graduates must provide official certification from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools. Licensure Applicants 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, Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory. Minimum Qualifications GS‑5 Bachelor’s degree in nursing with no experience; or Diploma or associate degree in professional nursing and one full year of professional nursing experience, including routine assessments, medication administration, care plan implementation, patient education, and electronic medical record documentation. GS‑7 Bachelor’s degree in nursing with eligibility under the Superior Academic Achievement provision; or Bachelor’s degree in nursing and at least one full year of professional nursing experience, including comprehensive assessments, independent medication administration, individualized care plans, tailored patient education, and interdisciplinary collaboration; or Diploma or associate degree in professional nursing and two full years of professional nursing experience; or At least one full year of graduate education in a professional nursing program. GS‑9 Master’s degree in professional nursing; or Diploma, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree in nursing and at least one full year of professional nursing experience, including complex assessments, high‑risk medication management, advanced care plans, mentoring of junior staff, and interdisciplinary project participation. GS‑11 Successful completion of a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree from a professional nursing educational program or related medical science field; or Diploma, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree in professional nursing and at least one full year of professional nursing experience, encompassing senior clinical leadership, unit‑level quality improvement or evidence‑based practice initiatives, policy development, and staffing coordination. Additional Information Applicants will be evaluated under the Office of Personnel Management Merit Hiring Plan and may be asked to respond to short essay questions regarding commitment to the Constitution, government efficiency, President’s policy priorities, and personal work ethic. Financial suitability is required; applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility and the absence of substantial delinquent or unresolved financial obligations. Benefits Additional benefits information is available through the IHS Career Portal and includes opportunity for student loan repayment programs through IHS, NHSC, and HRSA Nurse Corps, though these are separate from the hiring process. #J-18808-Ljbffr