Advance Your Nursing Career with the Indian Health Service

Nursing is a calling that requires heart, skill, and resilience. At the Indian Health Service (IHS), nurses are the backbone of our healthcare delivery system. We are currently seeking compassionate and skilled nurses to join our team in various specialty departments across our nationwide facilities. This is a unique opportunity to provide essential care to underserved populations while building a secure and rewarding career within the federal government.

Job Responsibilities

This announcement covers multiple specialties. Your daily duties will vary based on your assigned unit:

Emergency Department: Triage patients, stabilize critical conditions, and perform life-saving interventions.
Obstetrics: Provide prenatal through postpartum care, monitor fetal health, and assist in deliveries.
Operating Room: Assist surgical teams, manage instrumentation, and ensure patient safety throughout procedures.
Med/Surg: Conduct assessments, administer treatments, and develop individualized care plans.

Requirements

To be eligible, you must hold a valid nursing license and possess a degree from an accredited nursing program. Candidates must be U.S. citizens and able to pass a federal background check. Experience requirements vary by grade level (GS-5 through GS-7).

Comparison Table: Key Nursing Specializations

Specialty	Key Focus	Required Certifications (Typical)
Emergency	Triage & Stabilization	BLS, ACLS
Obstetrics	Labor & Delivery	BLS, NRP, Fetal Monitoring
Operating Room	Perioperative Care	BLS, ACLS, PALS
Med/Surg	Inpatient Management	BLS

Salary and Benefits

IHS positions offer a competitive federal salary range of $73,426 to $103,672 per year. Beyond the salary, our nurses enjoy:

Federal Health Insurance
Retirement Savings Plan (TSP)
Generous leave accrual
Loan repayment opportunities

Application Tips

Detail your resume: Ensure your experience reflects specific clinical skills.
Documentation: Have your transcripts and licenses ready.
Assessments: Complete the USA Hire test promptly.

Join a team where your work truly makes a difference. If you are ready to use your nursing expertise to support American Indian and Alaska Native health, apply to the Indian Health Service today.

Why This Nurse (Specialty Departments) Job Matters

Join the Indian Health Service and transform lives as a Specialty Nurse. Bring your expertise to communities where your care makes a lasting impact, all while enjoying a competitive federal compensation package and potential recruitment incentives.

Nurse (Specialty Departments) Job Overview

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is seeking dedicated Registered Nurses to fill critical roles across various specialty departments, including Emergency, Obstetrics, Operating Room, and Med/Surg-Inpatient. As an IHS nurse, you are more than a healthcare provider; you are a vital member of an interdisciplinary team committed to improving the health outcomes of American Indian and Alaska Native populations nationwide. These positions offer the chance to work in diverse, community-focused environments while building a rewarding career within the federal civil service.

Requirements for Nurse (Specialty Departments)

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Must hold a current, active, full, and unrestricted nursing license from a U.S. State or territory.
Must have passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
Must possess a nursing degree (diploma, associate, bachelor's, or graduate level) from an accredited program.
Must be able to pass a federal background investigation.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Ability to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Preferred Qualifications for Nurse (Specialty Departments)

Experience in specialized nursing areas such as Emergency Room triage, Obstetrics/Labor & Delivery, or perioperative care.
Current certifications in BLS, ACLS, PALS, or NRP depending on the specialty department.
Superior Academic Achievement for entry-level positions.
Demonstrated ability to work within an interdisciplinary healthcare team.
Experience providing evidence-based patient education and care planning.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with potential for annual increases.
✓Federal employee leave accrual based on total service years.
✓Potential recruitment or relocation bonuses for eligible candidates.
✓Access to Student Loan Repayment Programs (subject to agency funding and eligibility).
✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement benefits.
✓Stable work environment with a career ladder to GS-9.

💡 How to Apply Nurse (Specialty Departments) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Nurse (Specialty Departments) Job

Log in to your USAJOBS account and navigate to the job announcement.
Review all requirements and ensure your resume clearly lists hours per week for all nursing positions held.
Click 'Apply Online' to complete the online questionnaire and attach required documentation.
Complete the required USA Hire Assessments if prompted via the link provided after submission.
Monitor your status through your USAJOBS account portal.
Submit all application materials by the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume details your specialized nursing experience, including the specific unit type and weekly hours.
Include copies of your nursing license and any relevant certifications in your initial application.
If claiming Indian Preference, ensure Form BIA-4432 is signed and attached.
Do not wait until the last minute to start the application, as USA Hire assessments may require up to two hours.
Check your email and USAJOBS notifications frequently for updates on your application status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote or telework position?

No, these are clinical nursing positions located at various IHS facilities and require on-site patient care.

Can I apply if I am a recent nursing graduate?

Yes, individuals who are expected to complete their degree and licensure within 9 months of applying may be considered tentatively qualified.

How often are applications referred to hiring managers?

This is an open continuous announcement. Applications are referred as vacancies occur, with the first referral occurring 5 business days after the initial opening date.

Job from Indian Health Service

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Our mission is to raise the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of American Indian and Alaska Native people to the highest level. We operate in diverse communities, providing high-quality care that honors cultural traditions and clinical excellence.