Become a Patient Safety Leader with the Indian Health Service
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is currently seeking a highly motivated and experienced Nurse to serve as a Patient Safety Program Manager in Gallup, New Mexico. This pivotal role is designed for professionals who are passionate about building a culture of safety, reducing clinical risk, and improving health outcomes for American Indian and Alaska Native populations.
Job Responsibilities
As the Patient Safety Program Manager, your daily tasks will involve:
- Coordinating comprehensive patient safety protocols.
- Conducting annual facility-wide risk assessments.
- Leading Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Healthcare Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (HFMEA).
- Educating staff on best practices and newly implemented safety procedures.
- Monitoring adverse event data to identify trends and process improvement opportunities.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A nursing degree from an accredited institution.
- Licensure: Active, full, and unrestricted nursing license.
- Experience: At least one year of specialized experience at a level equivalent to GS-11.
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
Comparison Table: Why Join the IHS?
| Feature | Benefit Description |
|---|---|
| Compensation | Competitive Salary ($98,244 - $127,725) |
| Stability | Federal career appointment |
| Growth | Professional development & interdisciplinary collaboration |
| Financial Aid | Potential for student loan repayment (LRP) |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $98,244 to $127,725 per year. Beyond the salary, employees benefit from a robust federal benefits package, including health insurance, annual leave accrual, and potential access to competitive student loan repayment programs through the IHS or HRSA.
Application Tips
- Tailor Your Resume: Explicitly link your experience to the duties listed in the announcement.
- Documentation: Have your license, transcripts, and any Indian Preference (BIA-4432) forms ready.
- Assessments: Be prepared to dedicate roughly two hours to the USA Hire assessments after your initial application submission.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need a specific nursing degree? A: You need a degree from an accredited professional nursing program recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Q: What if I have foreign nursing education? A: You must provide a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency to be considered.
If you are an experienced nurse looking to make a systemic impact on patient care and safety, this position at the Gallup Service Unit offers a unique opportunity to lead and innovate. Apply via USAJOBS to start your federal journey with the IHS.
Why This Nurse (Patient Safety Program Manager) Job Matters
Transform healthcare outcomes and champion a culture of safety for American Indian and Alaska Native communities in Gallup, New Mexico.
Nurse (Patient Safety Program Manager) Job Overview
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is seeking a dedicated Patient Safety Program Manager to lead risk mitigation, regulatory compliance, and clinical quality improvement initiatives. Based in the Gallup Service Unit, this role is critical to ensuring high-quality, safe care across diverse clinical and ambulatory departments.
Requirements for Nurse (Patient Safety Program Manager)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Current, active, full, and unrestricted nursing license
- Passing grade on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)
- Graduate, bachelor's, associate, or diploma degree from an accredited nursing program
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level
- Completion of a federal background investigation
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
- Compliance with IHS Employee Immunization Policy
Preferred Qualifications for Nurse (Patient Safety Program Manager)
- Experience in conducting Root Cause Analysis and Healthcare Failure Mode and Effect Analysis
- Proven track record in managing clinical risk and identifying patient safety trends
- Strong ability to lead organizational change and staff educational programs
- Experience with regulatory compliance and medical record reviews
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive salary range with federal increases
- ✓Annual leave accrual based on federal service years
- ✓Student loan repayment programs (IHS/NHSC/HRSA)
- ✓Comprehensive federal health and insurance plans
- ✓Professional interdisciplinary team environment
💡 How to Apply Nurse (Patient Safety Program Manager) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Nurse (Patient Safety Program Manager) Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement thoroughly
- Prepare your resume detailing relevant experience and hours worked
- Gather transcripts or proof of education
- Click the Apply Online button in USAJOBS
- Complete the required questionnaire and upload all documentation
- Check email for notification regarding USA Hire Assessments
- Complete the USA Hire Assessments within the provided deadline
💡 General Tips
- Clearly list license/certification numbers and expiration dates on your resume
- Include specific examples of Root Cause Analysis experience in your application
- Ensure your resume accurately reflects all duties and hours per week for each role held
- Submit all documents well before the 11:59 PM ET deadline to avoid technical issues
- Double-check that all uploaded files are legible
Frequently Asked Questions
Is relocation assistance available?
Yes, relocation expenses may be authorized for this position.
What is the education requirement?
You must hold a degree from an accredited professional nursing program recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Are student loan repayment options available?
Yes, IHS participates in competitive student loan repayment programs for qualified health disciplines.
Job from Indian Health Service
The Indian Health Service is a federal health program for American Indians and Alaska Natives. Joining the IHS means becoming part of an interdisciplinary team that values creative problem-solving, clinical excellence, and compassion. You will be working in a facility that manages emergency care and ambulatory services, making your contributions to patient safety vital for daily operations.