Nurse (Outpatient)

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. Compensation and Benefits Reach a comprehensive total compensation package including a recruitment/relocation sign‑on bonus if eligible. All grade levels may not be available at all locations. Responsibilities The Outpatient Staff Registered Nurse (RN) provides comprehensive, evidence‑based, and patient-centered nursing care to individuals and families in an ambulatory care setting. The RN demonstrates professional competence, leadership, and sound clinical judgment while delivering high-quality care to patients with a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. The nurse provides oversight and direction to licensed vocational nurses and nursing assistants, as appropriate to the clinic setting, and actively contributes to care coordination, health promotion, education, and quality improvement initiatives. Requirements U.S. citizenship is required. Selective Service registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Successful completion of the E‑Verify employment verification check is required. The position may require a probationary period and rotating shifts including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Direct deposit must be set up for payment. The role is covered by Public Law 101‑630, requiring the applicant to have no disqualifying criminal history. Applicants must pass a federal background investigation within five (5) calendar days of issuance to avoid delays. The candidate must obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges, including any licensure requirements. The applicant must also meet all financial suitability requirements, demonstrating financial responsibility and good standing with creditors. Background Investigation This position requires the successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment. Applicants must submit all required background investigation forms within five (5) calendar days of issuance to avoid delays. Qualifications To qualify, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education to perform the duties of the position. Experience includes paid, unpaid, volunteer, and part-time work, with credit for all qualifying experience. Basic requirements vary by grade level—GS‑5, GS‑7, GS‑9, GS‑11—and include appropriate education and nursing experience. Below are the grade-specific basic requirements. GS‑5 Possession of a bachelor’s degree in Nursing with no experience; or Possession of a diploma or associate degree in professional nursing and 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 in Nursing and at least one full year of professional nursing experience; or Possession of a diploma or associate degree in professional nursing and two full years of professional nursing experience; or Completion of at least one full year of graduate education in a professional nursing educational program. GS‑9 Possession of a master’s degree in professional nursing; or At least one full year of professional nursing experience and possession of a diploma, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree in Nursing from a professional nursing program. 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 and possession of a diploma, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree from a professional nursing educational program. Minimum Qualifications Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the federal service, obtained in either the private or public sector. The required specialized experience may include: Performing outpatient nursing duties including triage, patient assessment, implementing provider/clinic standing orders, administering medications and treatments, coordinating patient care activities, counseling and teaching patients within established protocols, and using common outpatient clinic equipment. Implementing standardized disease management and prevention guidelines; conducting comprehensive assessments; developing plans of care with the care team; monitoring patients; coordinating referrals and providing patient/family counseling and education; ensuring accurate electronic health record documentation; administering medications and treating adverse symptoms; and participating in the design and improvement of clinical care delivery systems. Managing and coordinating complex patient care across an ambulatory team; leading in a charge nurse/team lead capacity; producing and analyzing clinic data and leading performance improvement activities; and identifying gaps and implementing corrective actions. Short Essay Questions (Optional) How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? How would you help advance the President’s Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic, or personal achievements? Your responses are optional and will not be scored. However, they may be reviewed by hiring managers and agency leadership during the evaluation process. You will be asked to certify that your responses are written in your own words and that you did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) tool (such as ChatGPT or Copilot). Financial Suitability Requirement This position requires a review of the applicant’s financial history as part of the personnel security and suitability determination. Applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility and meet all legal financial obligations before applying. Candidates with substantial delinquent or unresolved financial obligations may be deemed unsuitable for employment with the IHS. Additional Information Federal employees earn annual leave based on years of service. IHS may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for directly related previous non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. The position may be covered by a bargaining unit. Promotion to the next grade level is at management’s discretion and is not guaranteed. Click on the following link to view occupational requirements for this position: Nurse Series 0610. You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement. #J-18808-Ljbffr