Summary
The U.S. Department of State is developing a rank-ordered list of eligible hires for a limited number of Registered Nurse Limited Non-Career Appointment (RNLNA) positions based on the needs of the Department. Learn more about the Department of State and career opportunities at https://careers.state.gov.
There is more to joining the Foreign Service than just salary. Refer to the Benefits section for more information on total compensation.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
Must be a U.S. citizen. Applicants should read the entire announcement to ensure they meet all requirements and understand a Limited Non-Career Appointment (LNA).
Applicants may not reapply for one year after their previous application for the same position.
If a State Department Suitability Review Panel denied suitability in the last two years, you may not apply (except Diplomatic Security Special Agent (SA) candidates whose denial was based solely on requirements for SAs).
Duties
The Bureau of Medical Services (MED) maintains and promotes the health of employees and their eligible family members (EFM) who represent U.S. government (USG) agencies abroad. The Department assigns Foreign Service Medical Specialists, Medical Providers (MP), Regional Medical Officers (RMO), Regional Medical Officer/Psychiatrists (RMO/P), Regional Medical Laboratory Scientists (RMLS), Limited Non-Career Appointment Social Workers (SWLNA), and Limited Non-Career Appointment Register Nurses (RNLNA) to select posts overseas. Many of these posts have significant health risks and local medical facilities are often inadequate to cope with them. This position is for a Registered Nurse (RN). A Limited Non-Career Appointment (LNA) does not lead to onward employment in the State Department or conversion to another form of employment.
Individuals must be willing to accept assignments based on the needs of the Foreign Service, primarily in high threat locations. Limited Non-Career Registered Nurses (RNLNA) presently serve at unaccompanied posts in Iraq and Pakistan. Family members are not permitted to accompany RNLNAs to post. However, at some locations, adult eligible family members (EFMs) may be approved to accompany the RWLNA to post if they will fill certain mission-critical positions. EFMs must be employed/hired in the mission before traveling to post.
RNLNAs serve as a Registered Nurses for posts in Iraq and Pakistan. If selected as an RNLNA, you would be deployed to a challenging environment where you may encounter extremely dusty conditions, significant air pollution, high elevations, lack of potable water, food and waterborne diseases, and communicable diseases and be required to walk distances of a half-mile or more, run, and step up to two feet while wearing a helmet and body armor that weigh a minimum of 30 pounds.
RNLNAs are responsible for Department of State medical and safety policies, provision of a range of medical services, and the actual performance of all of the following essential functions in addition to routine medical care:
- Provide care in possibly hazardous and/or difficult to access environments.
- Provide patient care that may include heavy lifting, pulling, stooping, and twisting in adverse settings.
- Travel independently to regional constituent posts (if applicable) using air carriers and transportation facilities that may be difficult to access.
The essential RNLNA functions of providing emergency care include the following responsibilities:
- Provide a range of medical services including establishing IV access and providing trauma care for injured patients.
- Triage and manage care of injured persons in any location following an accident, natural disaster, or attack.
- Provide emergency care as required in a hostile or physically challenging environment, such as in buildings without elevators or in areas of irregular spaces that require kneeling, bending, lifting, and running. Transport patients via small aircraft, ambulance, helicopter, or other vehicle with high floors.
- Assist with evacuation via sea or air in the event of political unrest.
RNLNAs are considered 'essential personnel' and are on call to provide services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- Be a U.S. citizen and accept assignments based on the needs of the FS.*
- Be able to obtain a Top Secret Security Clearance.
- Meet the minimum medical qualification standard.
- Be able to obtain a favorable Suitability Review Panel determination**
- Be at least 20 years old and at least 21 years old to be appointed.
- Be appointed prior to age 60 (preference eligible veterans excepted).***
Applicants must have a minimum of five years of experience within the last six years providing direct patient care as a Registered Nurse. Refer to Qualifications and Education sections for specific requirements.
All LNAs are members of the Foreign Service and have the same obligations and standard of conduct expectations as all Foreign Service employees.
Qualifications
Applicants must have a minimum of five years of experience within the last six years providing direct patient care as a Registered Nurse.
Prior emergency and/or critical care experience with Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is preferable.
Prior military experience or experience with other U.S. agencies working abroad is desirable, but not required.
Applicants must be skilled and experienced nurses with excellent interpersonal skills. Applicants must be able to function well within a complex organization and have experience working in a high stress environment.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)
The Department has conducted extensive job analysis research to determine Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) and other attributes conducive to successful performance in this position. An applicant’s education level, work experience, and other qualifications will be considered as part of the hiring decision-making process based on these KSA criteria.
Serving in support of the employees of the United States Government and their eligible family members, a RNLNA will work in conjunction with other Foreign Service medical personnel. The RNLNA duties include but are not limited to the following:
A. Health Orientation of New Arrivals:
- Assist administrative staff with patient forms and confirm medical clearance status for all eligible beneficiaries.
- Provide orientation to public health risks and preventive health behaviors.
- Assess health and immunization needs.
- Describe services provided by the health unit and various roles of health care personnel.
- Distribute a copy of the Health and Medical Information Booklet to all new employees.
- Complete age-appropriate health promotion reviews.
- Coordinate Medical Clearance Examinations:
- Prepare requests for funding.
- Schedule medical appointments, labs, and special tests as required by Washington (e.g., colon screening, PSA, mammogram).
- Request consultations and additional studies to complete the clearance evaluation.
- Assist medical personnel with clinical examinations performed in the Health Unit and perform basic diagnostic assessment tests as approved by the Regional Medical Officer (RMO) or Medical Provider (MP).
- Review completed clearance exams for thoroughness and email/fax via secure line to the Department’s Office of Medical Services’ Medical Clearances.
- Package and ship lab specimens to the Department’s Office of Medical Service’s (MED’s) lab as necessary.
- Coordinate Medical Evacuations (Med Evac):
- Arrange Med Evacs through RMO/MP and in coordination with MED/Foreign Programs or other Regional Medical Evacuation sites.
- Coordinate requests for specialty appointments with MED/Foreign Programs and/or overseas Med Evac site.
- Request funding from MED or appropriate agency.
- Accompany patient as a medical attendant as needed.
- Maintain an Immunization Clinic for Routine and Travel Immunizations:
- Assess each new patient’s immunization needs and make recommendations.
- Follow Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) guidelines for immunization.
- Maintain logs and/or databases with Federal Requirements for record keeping of administered vaccines.
- Budget, order, and rotate vaccine stock.
- Maintain current knowledge of recommended immunization schedules and management/reporting of adverse events.
- Serve as point of contact for Regional Medical Officers/Medical Providers and Office of Medical Services:
- Coordinate transmission of prescriptions with RMO/MP.
- Regular communication with RMO/MP.
- Maintain an occupational health clinic during assigned work hours:
- Maintain custody and proper internal controls for the Health Unit. This includes ordering and inventory control of medical supplies and medications.
- Utilize the nursing process in providing patient care (assessment, nursing diagnosis, plan, intervention, and evaluation) to employees (US Direct Hire, Locally Employed Staff, any eligible beneficiary).
- Evaluate and assess patients within the scope of training and expertise by means of health history, observation, interview, physical examination, and other selected diagnostic measures. Interpret, review, and record history and clinical findings.
- Select appropriate action and initiates treatment or referral if indicated according to the nurse’s scope of practice. This will include triage.
- Maintain an overseas medical record (paper or electronic) of all employee visits to the Health Unit.
- Dispense medications according to protocols approved by the RMO.
- Render first aid and emergency treatment to the sick and injured anywhere on the embassy compound as appropriate.
- Perform periodic sanitation inspections as directed by the RMO/MP or the Management Office.
- Test and maintain emergency equipment and safe haven materials in coordination with the Regional Security Officer (RSO).
- Conduct workplace health and safety surveys with the Post’s Occupational Safety and Health Officer (POSHO).
- Maintain accident log and/or accident reporting documents per MED/Safety Health Environmental Management (SHEM) guidelines.
- Maintain current working knowledge and U.S. license/credentials:
- Maintain good communication and working relationship with staff in Health Unit.
- Participate in staff meetings.
- Must be available outside of normal embassy working hours:
- Participate in Embassy medical duty call rotation as appropriate.
- Respond to urgent telephone requests for medical information from the duty officer during off-duty hours.
- May be required to travel as a medical attendant during a medical evacuation.
- Attend continuing medical education conferences held outside of country as scheduled.
- May be required to make visits during off-duty hours to monitor an individual’s care.
- Available to respond to the embassy on an emergency basis.
- Reporting requirements:
- Monthly Statistics Report for Washington and in conjunction with RMO/MP provides input to the Post Medical Capability Database, Annual Update of Health and Medical Information Guide with distribution to MED and Maintain or contribute to an Accident Report Log.
- Health Promotion Program
- Write health promotion/education articles for the embassy newsletter.
- Provide health promotion and safety activities at the embassy.
- Conduct health education programs to include first aid, CPR, HIV/STD, smoking cessation and weight control.
- Document health promotion activities on State Department health promotions flow sheet.
- Additional Administrative Duties:
- Regular use and update as appropriate of State Department medical regulations as delineated in 16 Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM).
- Serve on other committees as appointed.
- Maintain written or electronic record of policies and procedures for the Health Unit.
- Assist Department and MED in obtaining medical information and completing documentation for local Office of Workers Compensation Programs (OWCP) claims when necessary.
- Other duties and training as assigned by RMO/MP.
Other requirements include worldwide availability, tolerance of intensive world travel, living away from family, and working and living in difficult and/or isolated conditions.
Level IV English ability (fluent) is required. Successful applicants must also consistently meet a high standard for English, both written (overall structure as well as grammar, spelling, and punctuation) and spoken (overall structure as well as delivery, clarity, and succinctness).
Education
Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited Nursing program with a minimum of an Associate's degree.
Applicant must have:
- Current and active license as a Registered Nurse in a state, the District of Columbia, or a territory of the United States, and
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
You must submit a copy of your university transcript(s) with your application. If you do not submit this documentation to demonstrate your educational achievements, your candidacy will not continue.
Official or unofficial transcripts may be submitted with your application. Your transcript must include your name, the school’s name, the degree and date awarded. A transcript missing any of these elements or any pages will not meet the minimum qualifications and your candidacy will not continue. Copies of diplomas may not be submitted in lieu of transcripts for education above high school level. PDF documents are strongly recommended; illegible documents or documents sent via link will not be accepted.
Education from a program or institution within the United States must be accredited at the time of completion by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation.
Education completed in foreign high schools, colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Only accredited organizations recognized as specializing in the interpretation of foreign education credentials that are members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE) are accepted. If documentation from an accredited organization is not provided, your candidacy will not continue.
NACES: https://www.naces.org/index
AICE: https://aice-eval.org/
For further information on the evaluation of foreign education, please refer to the Office of Personnel Management and the U.S. Department of Education. The U.S. Department of State neither endorses nor recommends any individual evaluation service.
OPM: www.opm.gov
U.S. Department of Education: http://www.ed.gov
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Benefits include health and medical coverage, federal retirement benefits, paid leave. Overseas benefits include tax-free housing and tax-free education allowance for dependent children between K-12 overseas, and an unrivaled opportunity to see the world and experience different cultures.
Not all benefits are available to LNA positions. The Student Loan Repayment and Language Incentive Pay (if language is a hiring prerequisite) programs are not included under the LNA program.
The salary listed is from the Foreign Service Overseas and Washington pay schedule. For information on salary, please visit https://careers.state.gov/benefits/fs-entry-salaries/.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Candidates will be evaluated on their total background including experience, education, awards, training, and self-development as it relates to the position. Selection for this position will be made only from among candidates possessing the best qualifications. Part-time work experience will be prorated.
Selected applicants will be interviewed via telephone.
Medical Credentialing & Indemnification
Applicants are subject to a credential verification process conducted by the Quality Management Staff Unit of the Bureau of Medical Services. This process includes query of the National Practitioner Data Bank and independent verification of state licenses and national certifications. Once hired, medical personnel are indemnified for official duties only through the U.S. Federal Tort Claims Act, so long as they are acting within their scope of work. You may preview questions for this vacancy.
Required Documents
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all required documents are uploaded and the application is complete before the closing deadline of this announcement. Any missing required documents or incomplete applications will disqualify the application from further consideration.
- Résumé from USAJobs Résumé Builder, the only résumé format accepted for this Vacancy Announcement.
- Complete online application, including the required Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest narratives.
- All required supporting documentation, including university transcripts, certifications, professional licenses, or completed forms as required in this Vacancy Announcement. PDF documents are strongly recommended; illegible documents will not be accepted. Documents sent via a link will not be accepted.
- Veteran’s Preference documentation for applicants aged 60 to 64. If claiming a 5-point Veteran’s Preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or Certification of service at the time of your application. If claiming a 10-point Veteran’s Preference, you must submit your VA letter and SF-15, in addition to your DD-214 or Certification of service at the time of your application. A Certification must be from the armed forces certifying the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions within 120 days after the Certification is submitted by the applicant and should include military service dates, date of expected discharge or release, and character of service and disability rating, if applicable.
Required Attachments include
- Transcripts as stated in the Education Requirements section or a copy of your DD-214 or Joint Services Transcript.
- Copy of all current professional licenses as a Registered Nurse in a state, a territory of the United States or the District of Columbia.
- Copy of Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
- Standard ECFMG certificate (if applicable).
Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest
These required questions provide an opportunity to describe examples and accomplishments from your education, life, and/or work experience that demonstrate your qualifications for becoming an RNLNA. Examples can be drawn from any part of your professional or personal experience. Responses are limited to 300 words or fewer (maximum length 2,000 characters). You should compose your replies carefully, as one of the skills necessary to succeed as an RNLNA is the ability to write clearly and concisely. Answers to all items in the Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest are required and must be completed in the online application.
Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest
These required questions provide an opportunity to describe examples and accomplishments from your education, life, and/or work experience that demonstrate your qualifications for becoming an RNLNA. Examples can be drawn from any part of your professional or personal experience. Responses are limited to 300 words or fewer (maximum length 2,000 characters). You should compose your replies carefully, as one of the skills necessary to succeed as an RNLNA is the ability to write clearly and concisely. Answers to all items in the Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest are required and must be completed in the online application.
Clinical skills: Describe a specific complex clinical case which demonstrates your skills in diagnosing and treating patient chronic health problems.
Crisis management skills: Describe an example in which your skills significantly contributed to the positive outcome of a complex or difficult clinical crisis situation.
Organizational skills: Describe a specific achievement demonstrating your planning and organizational skills in the setting of a multidisciplinary health team or practice.
Leadership and teamwork skills: Discuss your abilities to participate as a team member working toward a common goal, as well as examples of your ability to lead a team in the accomplishment of a goal.
Public speaking and teaching skills: Describe specific examples demonstrating your public speaking and teaching abilities as part of an assignment or work-related task.
Statement of Interest
Required narrative Statement of Interest which discusses your:
- Motivation for joining the Foreign Service;
- Relevant work experience, including any unique strengths not previously mentioned, such as special skills (e.g., child psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, or addictions medicine), current licenses, certifications, honors, awards, special accomplishments, and/or training (with date completed) relating to this position;
- Experience living or working in a multicultural environment, overseas or in the United States.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Submit your application early, not waiting for the deadline, as application packages must be complete, submitted, and received by the closing date to be considered. There are no exceptions.
- From this Vacancy Announcement, click on “Apply.” Go to the USAJobs Log In screen and log in to your USAJobs account or follow the link and instructions to create an account.
- Follow the USAJobs Application Process and provide your required USAJobs federal online resume.
- USAJobs will transfer you to the State Department agency online application site, Monster Government Service (MGS). Follow the instructions to answer the online questions. Your Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest responses must be completed in the online application. You can save your work and return to the application from USAJobs at any time prior to the deadline.
- Submit required documentation using one of the three methods the application system allows: Transfer documents from a USAJOBS portfolio; upload documents from your computer; or, resubmit documents from a previous application. PDF documents are strongly recommended; illegible documents or documents sent by link will not be accepted.
- After attaching all required supporting documentation, answering all required application questions, and completing the application steps, review the entire application packet, including the links for submitted documents.
- Confirm and submit your application package, which will be used to evaluate your qualifications for this position.
The application submission deadline is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all required documents are submitted and the application is complete before the closing deadline. Any missing required documents or incomplete applications will result in your application not being considered further. There are no exceptions. PDF documents are strongly recommended. Illegible documents will not be accepted and are grounds for application termination.
Submit your application early and verify that your documents are attached. You may make changes as often as needed, up until the closing date of the announcement.
If you are having technical difficulty with the application process, please contact the Monster Help Desk by calling 1-866-656-6830 or by emailing mgshelp@monster.com. The Monster Help Desk is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time.
For more information on the Foreign Service Specialist hiring processes, please visit our FAQs at http://careers.state.gov/faqs.
Next steps
After the close of the announcement, the application status in USAJobs will say "Reviewing Applications." This status on USAJobs will not be updated further. You can click on "Track this application" for more information. Applicants will be notified by e-mail from the U.S. Department of State about the outcome of the initial application review and if they will be further considered for this Foreign Service position. We recommend adding the Department of State domain (@state.gov) as an approved sender.
Due to the high volume of applications, we ask all applicants to remain patient and await communication. It is not uncommon for several months to pass before you are informed of the results of your applications.
The Department will invite candidates who pass the qualifications review process to participate in the Virtual Foreign Service Specialist Assessment (VFSSA). For more information, please visit our FAQs at http://careers.state.gov/faqs.
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