Advance Your Career: Registered Nurse (O-4) with the ICE Health Service Corps
The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) provides a unique and challenging clinical environment for dedicated healthcare professionals. We are currently recruiting a Registered Nurse (O-4 Billet) to join our team in Elizabeth, New Jersey. This role is designed for experienced USPHS officers who are ready to take on leadership responsibilities while providing critical care to a diverse population.
Job Responsibilities
In this non-supervisory capacity, you will act as a senior clinician. Your duties include:
- Performing patient triage, assessments, and medical history taking.
- Coordinating care plans with physicians and Advanced Practice Providers.
- Administering medications and performing laboratory procedures.
- Providing patient education and responding to medical emergencies.
- Serving as a Charge Nurse or Team Lead during shifts.
Requirements
To qualify for this O-4 billet, you must meet the following criteria:
- Active USPHS Commissioned Corps officer status or CAD eligibility.
- Current, unrestricted nursing license.
- 4+ years of nursing experience, including recent experience at the O-3/RN-II equivalent level.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a high-security environment.
Comparison of Qualifications
| Qualification | Required | Preferred |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing License | Yes | Yes |
| USPHS Status | Yes | Yes |
| Master's Degree | No | Yes |
| Spanish Fluency | No | Yes |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary structure commensurate with USPHS O-4 grade levels, reaching up to $150,000 annually. Employees receive the full suite of federal benefits, including comprehensive health insurance, retirement planning, and professional growth opportunities.
Application Tips
- Tailor your USPHS CV to highlight leadership, such as mentorship or clinical committee service.
- Ensure all documentation is uploaded in the correct sections on the application portal.
- Be ready for a security background investigation as this is a high-risk sensitivity position.
Serving as a Registered Nurse with the IHSC is more than a job—it is a commitment to service, health equity, and professional excellence. If you are a USPHS officer ready to step into a challenging role in Elizabeth, NJ, we encourage you to review the full vacancy announcement and submit your application.
Why This Registered Nurse (O-4 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job Matters
Step into a vital leadership role with the ICE Health Service Corps, providing expert clinical care and oversight in a mission-critical federal environment.
Registered Nurse (O-4 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job Overview
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Health Service Corps is seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse (O-4 Billet) to serve in Elizabeth, New Jersey. This non-supervisory position is specifically reserved for U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officers and Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates. In this role, you will provide advanced nursing care, conduct triage, manage emergency responses, and contribute to patient health education. Beyond direct patient care, you will have the opportunity to mentor staff, improve clinical processes, and represent the agency in multidisciplinary settings.
Requirements for Registered Nurse (O-4 Billet) Non-Supervisory
- Must be a U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Officer or eligible for Call to Active Duty (CAD).
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Nursing (Master's preferred).
- Active, unrestricted professional nursing license in a U.S. State, District of Columbia, or territory.
- Minimum of 4 years of professional nursing experience.
- Current CPR/BLS certification.
- Must maintain USPHS Basic Readiness status.
- Ability to perform physical demands including lifting over 30 lbs and responding to medical emergencies.
Preferred Qualifications for Registered Nurse (O-4 Billet) Non-Supervisory
- Master's degree in Nursing.
- Previous experience as a Charge Nurse or Team Lead.
- Spanish language proficiency.
- Clinical expertise in mental health, medical-surgical, or emergency nursing.
- Familiarity with forensic nursing principles.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure
- ✓Comprehensive federal health benefits
- ✓Professional development and continuing education opportunities
- ✓Access to USPHS retirement and benefit programs
- ✓Opportunities for regional and national clinical leadership
💡 How to Apply Registered Nurse (O-4 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Registered Nurse (O-4 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full vacancy announcement for O-4 Billet requirements.
- Prepare your documentation, including a USPHS Promotion CV, cover letter, and professional license.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your full application package before the deadline.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your USPHS Promotion CV highlights specific clinical leadership achievements.
- Double-check that all professional references are current and reachable.
- Verify that your license information is accurate and matches your supporting documentation.
- Submit your application at least 24 hours before the closing date to avoid technical issues.
- Clearly label your documents according to the instructions (e.g., placing CV under the designated section).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for this O-4 Billet position?
This position is exclusive to U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) commissioned officers and those undergoing the Call to Active Duty (CAD) process.
What is the primary work setting?
The role is based at an ICE detention facility in Elizabeth, New Jersey, providing care within the ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) framework.
Is travel required for this position?
Yes, the role may require temporary duty (TDY) assignments or medical escort duties for detainees.
Job from Immigration And Customs Enforcement
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), specifically through U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), manages health operations across hundreds of facilities. The IHSC ensures that detainees receive professional medical care consistent with community standards. As a member of this team, you contribute to a mission that balances public safety with the humane treatment and health of individuals under agency supervision.