Registered Nurse Careers with the ICE Health Service Corps
Are you a dedicated nurse looking to combine your clinical expertise with a commitment to public service? The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Health Service Corps (IHSC) is currently seeking compassionate, skilled Registered Nurses to join our team in Tacoma, Washington. This role is a unique opportunity for U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officers to make a meaningful difference in the lives of detainees while serving their country.
Job Responsibilities
As a Registered Nurse with IHSC, your responsibilities will be diverse and challenging. You will serve as a first point of contact for clinical assessment, triage, and urgent care. Key duties include:
- Patient Care: Delivering direct clinical nursing care and maintaining accurate records using the S.O.A.P.E. format.
- Emergency Response: Responding to medical emergencies and providing life-saving interventions when necessary.
- Clinical Leadership: Serving as a Charge Nurse, Clinical Coordinator, or Team Lead to mentor junior staff and improve clinical processes.
- Patient Advocacy: Ensuring all detainees receive equitable care while maintaining professional detachment from security custody duties.
- Compliance: Adhering to strict medication administration guidelines and maintaining environmental health and safety standards.
Requirements
This position requires specific credentials and commitment to the USPHS mission. Candidates must:
| Requirement Type | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Licensing | Current, valid nursing license from any U.S. jurisdiction |
| Education | Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) minimum |
| Certification | Current BLS/CPR required |
| Status | USPHS Officer or CAD candidate |
| Experience | 0 to 4+ years based on O-2, O-3, or O-4 level |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range up to $150,000 per year, commensurate with your billet rank and experience. As a federal employee and commissioned officer, you will gain access to extensive benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, professional development funds, and opportunities for regional and national collaboration within the PHS Commissioned Corps.
If you are a nurse who thrives in high-stakes environments and is motivated by a mission greater than yourself, this role in Tacoma is an excellent fit. With the potential for leadership growth and the unique challenges of forensic and correctional nursing, you will find this position both professionally rewarding and personally impactful. Apply today to begin your journey with the ICE Health Service Corps.
Why This Registered Nurse (O-2/O-3/O-4 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job Matters
Advance your nursing career with the ICE Health Service Corps in Tacoma, Washington—a mission-critical role dedicated to providing essential healthcare in a unique, multidisciplinary environment.
Registered Nurse (O-2/O-3/O-4 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job Overview
The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) is seeking dedicated Registered Nurses (O-2/O-3/O-4 billets) to provide comprehensive nursing care to detainees. This role goes beyond standard clinical practice; you will act as a patient advocate, educator, and team leader within a secure detention environment. This opportunity is exclusively available to U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officers and qualified Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates, offering the chance to practice in a high-stakes, rewarding setting in Tacoma, Washington.
Requirements for Registered Nurse (O-2/O-3/O-4 Billet) Non-Supervisory
- Must be a U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officer or eligible Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidate.
- Valid, unrestricted nursing license from a U.S. State, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or territory.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required; Master’s degree preferred for O-4 billets.
- Current BLS/CPR certification.
- Maintain USPHS Basic Readiness status.
- Minimum of zero to four years of professional nursing experience depending on billet (O-2 to O-4).
- Ability to pass a Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk suitability and security background investigation.
- Physical ability to perform emergency medical care, including lifting patients or equipment weighing over 30 lbs and prolonged standing.
Preferred Qualifications for Registered Nurse (O-2/O-3/O-4 Billet) Non-Supervisory
- Proficiency in Spanish language skills.
- Experience in mental health, medical-surgical, ambulatory, or emergency nursing.
- Previous leadership experience, such as serving as a Charge Nurse or Team Lead.
- Advanced knowledge of forensic nursing principles.
- Graduate-level education in nursing or related fields.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive federal salary structure up to $150,000.
- âś“Comprehensive federal benefits package.
- âś“Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.
- âś“Clinical leadership and management experience.
- âś“Service as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Public Health Service.
đź’ˇ How to Apply Registered Nurse (O-2/O-3/O-4 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Registered Nurse (O-2/O-3/O-4 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Gather and upload all required documents (Cover Letter, USPHS Promotion CV, Licenses, COERs, etc.).
- Submit your application package by the closing date of November 5, 2026.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Submit your application early to ensure all technical requirements are met before the deadline.
- Tailor your CV/Resume to emphasize leadership, emergency nursing experience, and clinical versatility.
- Ensure your email address is correct and regularly monitored for notifications.
- Double-check that all required documents (specifically USPHS-related paperwork) are uploaded to the correct categories.
- Contact the HR representative at least one day before the deadline if you encounter technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for this position?
This position is strictly open to U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) commissioned officers and those undergoing the Call to Active Duty (CAD) process.
Are there opportunities for career advancement?
Yes. This role offers the opportunity to function as a Charge Nurse, Clinical Coordinator, or Team Lead, with clear paths for demonstrating higher-level clinical and leadership responsibilities.
Is travel required?
The role may require occasional temporary duty (TDY) assignments or medical escorts for detainees, necessitating flexibility and travel.
Job from Immigration And Customs Enforcement
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE are dedicated to securing our nation’s borders and upholding the rule of law. Within ICE, the ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) provides high-quality, comprehensive medical care to detainees across the United States. Our mission is built on integrity, clinical excellence, and a deep respect for human dignity. As an IHSC nurse, you will operate within a multidisciplinary team to ensure the health and safety of a vulnerable population.