Advance Your Nursing Career with the Indian Health Service
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is dedicated to elevating the health status of American Indians and Alaska Natives across the United States. We are currently seeking a compassionate, skilled, and driven Emergency Room Nurse to join our team in Red Mesa, Arizona. If you are a healthcare professional looking to apply your clinical expertise in a community-oriented environment where your work truly changes lives, this is the opportunity for you.
Job Responsibilities
As an ER Nurse, your role is multifaceted. You will:
- Perform skilled assessments and care for pediatric through geriatric patients.
- Collaborate with physicians and other clinicians to implement coordinated care plans.
- Act as a subject matter expert in emergency practice and policies.
- Lead unit-level quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.
- Provide mentorship and feedback to the broader nursing team.
Comparison of Clinical Environments
| Feature | Standard Hospital ER | IHS Emergency Department |
|---|---|---|
| Patient Population | General Public | American Indian/Alaska Native |
| Focus | Transactional Care | Long-term Health Outcomes |
| Team Structure | Siloed | Interdisciplinary |
| Community Impact | Regional | Nationally Significant |
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A diploma, associate, bachelor's, or master's degree from an accredited nursing program.
- Licensure: An active, full, and unrestricted RN license in any U.S. state or territory.
- Experience: At least one year of professional nursing experience at a level equivalent to GS-09.
- Background: Successful completion of a federal background investigation.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $98,244 to $127,725, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Benefits
Working for the federal government provides robust security and lifestyle support, including:
- Leave accrual tied to total federal service years.
- Generous health and life insurance options.
- Potential for recruitment/relocation incentives.
- Participation in federal student loan repayment programs.
Application Tips
- Detail Your Experience: Clearly state your hours per week for every position listed on your resume.
- Assessment Timeliness: Do not miss the window for the USA Hire assessment; it is critical for eligibility.
- Documents: Double-check your transcript uploads to ensure they reflect your nursing degree.
Serving with the Indian Health Service is more than just a job; it is a commitment to service and excellence. We invite you to bring your passion and expertise to Red Mesa and help us provide the care our patients deserve.
Why This Nurse (Er) Job Matters
Join the Indian Health Service in Red Mesa, AZ, as an ER Nurse, where your clinical expertise directly improves the lives of American Indian and Alaska Native communities while building a rewarding career.
Nurse (Er) Job Overview
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is seeking a dedicated Emergency Room Nurse to provide comprehensive, high-quality care to pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients. Based in Red Mesa, Arizona, this role offers the chance to practice in an environment that prioritizes interdisciplinary collaboration, patient safety, and evidence-based medicine. You will function as a clinical leader, mentor to nursing staff, and a catalyst for unit-level quality improvement initiatives.
Requirements for Nurse (Er)
- U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
- Current, active, full, and unrestricted RN license from a U.S. state, territory, or D.C.
- Must have passed the NCLEX.
- Minimum of one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to the GS-09 level.
- Ability to pass a federal background investigation and financial suitability check.
- Must meet immunizations policy requirements for healthcare workers.
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
Preferred Qualifications for Nurse (Er)
- Advanced experience in high-risk or unstable emergency clinical care.
- Proven track record of leading quality improvement or patient safety initiatives.
- Experience in developing nursing policies and clinical practice guidelines.
- Strong subject matter expertise in emergency nursing protocols.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with annual step increases.
- ✓Federal leave accrual based on total federal service.
- ✓Recruitment or relocation incentives available for eligible candidates.
- ✓Access to Student Loan Repayment Programs (subject to agency funding/eligibility).
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- ✓Federal retirement benefits including Thrift Savings Plan.
💡 How to Apply Nurse (Er) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Nurse (Er) Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement on USAJobs.
- Create or update your resume to clearly document specialized experience and hours worked per week.
- Click 'Apply Online' and complete the required questionnaires.
- Upload transcripts and copies of current nursing licenses.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date.
- Follow email instructions to complete the required USA Hire Assessments within the designated window.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes the total number of hours worked per week for each position held.
- Proofread your application to ensure all documents are legible and uploaded correctly.
- Set aside at least two hours to complete the USA Hire assessment as soon as you receive the link.
- Check your application status regularly via your USAJobs dashboard.
- Be prepared to submit official transcripts only if you are tentatively selected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote position?
No, this position requires on-site work in Red Mesa, Arizona.
What is the education requirement for this role?
A degree from an accredited professional nursing program is required. Specific requirements vary based on the grade level, generally requiring a degree plus one year of professional experience.
Will I be required to work nights or weekends?
Yes, this position involves rotating shifts, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Is relocation assistance offered?
*A: Yes, relocation incentives may be authorized for qualified candidates.*
What is the shift rotation like?
*A: The position includes 8, 10, and 12-hour shifts covering nights, weekends, and holidays.*
Job from Indian Health Service
The IHS is a vital component of the Department of Health and Human Services. We provide a comprehensive health service delivery system for over 2 million people. Our employees are known for their creativity, enthusiasm, and commitment to interdisciplinary teamwork. By joining us, you become part of a network of professionals dedicated to solving complex healthcare challenges.