Licensed Practical Nurse Job

Vacancy No. IHS-26-HQ-12820034-DHA Department Indian Health Service
Salary $50,992.00 to $72,893.00 Grade 5 to 6
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/17/2025 Close Date 1/16/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Chinle, AZCibecue, AZDennehotso, AZKayenta, AZ


Summary

At the Indian Health Service, License Practical Nurse do more than practice medicine-they change lives. Guided by our mission to raise the health of American Indian and Alaska Native people, you'll deliver compassionate care where it's needed most.

Your expertise brings healing and hope across generations. Begin your journey with purpose - AND receive a recruitment/relocation sign-on bonus, if you are eligible.

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This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

The IHS is required by law to give absolute preference to qualified applicants who meet the Secretary of the Interior's definition of Indian for appointment to vacancies within the IHS in accordance with established IHS policy as outlined in the Indian Health Manual Part 7, Chapter 3.

Duties

Total Compensation Package - Check out IHS's outstanding total compensation package for this job: Total Compensation | Pay (ihs.gov)
GS-0620, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)/Supervisory LPN

There MAY NOT be immediate vacancies at all locations. Interested applicants should check with the local Administrative Office concerning immediate employment needs. The purpose of this position is to provide comprehensive care to pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients within the Indian Health Service:

  • Provides direct patient care for acute care patients of all ages with diverse medical and nursing diagnoses.
  • Preforms nursing reassessments independently to update initial patient care plan based on immediate patient needs and updates/revises plan of care based on changes in health status and reassessments with over-site of the Registered Nurse.
  • Provides instruction to patients on disease process, procedures, plan of care, use of equipment, specimen's collection of health maintenance and document per educational plans and policies.
  • Maintains complete nursing documentation, medical record confidentiality and safeguards medical information. Follows CMS, TJC requirements for nursing documentation, utilizes approved forms and participates in the overall monitoring and compliance with these standards.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Selectee may be subject to a probationary period
U.S. Citizenship is required
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959

This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes.

IHS Selectees that will work in an IHS health care facility may be subject to Employee Health Policies related to Measles and Rubella, and seasonal influenza immunizations. Vaccine exemption requests may be available according to the National and/or Service Unit guidance.

On-call hours or standby duty may be required. Possible nights, weekends, and/or rotating shifts

Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/.

Position subject to rotating shifts; days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Shift rotations may vary, from 8, 10 and 12 hour shifts.

You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you.

Background Investigation: If you are selected for this vacancy, you must undergo a pre-employment fingerprint check and background investigation. Fingerprint results and background investigation documentation must be cleared prior to hire. After you begin your employment, your continued employment is contingent upon the outcome of a complete background investigation as determined by the sensitivity level of your position. The investigation must find that you are suitable for Federal employment in your position. If you are found not suitable, you will be terminated after you begin work. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or subject to possible criminal charges. You may be subject to a credit check as a part of the background investigation process.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

BASIC REQUIREMENT(S): Click on the following link to view occupational requirements for this position: Practical Nurse Series 0620

Individual Occupational Requirements

Basic Requirements

Licensure
Candidates must be currently licensed to practice as practical or vocational nurses in a State or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia or must have applied for a license to practice. Applications of candidates possessing a license must be accompanied by a certified or photostatic copy of the license, a notarized statement attesting to the fact, or a citation of the license number and State issuing it. Non-licensed candidates who have completed their training may be appointed subject to obtaining the required license during the probationary period. Those not licensed must furnish the date on which they applied for a license and the jurisdiction involved. No person appointed pending licensure may be retained beyond the probationary period if licensure has not been attained.
Applicants who meet the licensure requirement are considered fully qualified for GS-3.

Additional Requirements for Grades GS-5 and Above

Experience
Qualifying experience includes nursing care work in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other supervised medical, nursing, or patient care facility that provided a practical knowledge of human body structure and sterile techniques and procedures, performing such duties as:
  • Providing pre- and post-operative patient care.
  • Observing, recording, and reporting changes in behavior of mentally ill patients.
  • Providing reassurance and encouragement to mentally ill patients.
  • Assisting surgeons and registered nurses in operating room activities, including passing instruments, maintaining sterile conditions, and draping and positioning patients.
  • Setting up and operating special medical equipment and apparatus.
For GS-4: 6 months of nursing experience is required.

For GS-5 and above: 1 year of nursing experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level is required.

OR

Education/Training
For GS-4: Successful completion of a program in practical nursing of a least 9 months' duration combined with 1 year of nursing assistant experience; or successful completion of a 2-year degree program in an accredited community college, junior college, or college or university in practical nursing.

In addition, to the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications stated below-

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks:

Specialized Experience GS-5: performing basic nursing care work such as observing, recording and reporting changes in behavior of patients; carrying out nursing procedures according to guidelines and a nursing plan of care; providing instructions to the patient and/or family of the patient; taking vital signs and measurements; setting up medical equipment for procedures; and assisting physicians and registered nurses with procedures. My work experience was in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other supervised medical, nursing, or patient care facility.

Specialized Experience GS-6: performing a moderately difficult range of nursing care work such as observing, recording and reporting changes in behavior of patients and taking action to alleviate problems; initiating a plan of action to carry out a nursing plan of care; providing educational instruction to patients and families of patients; performing a range of treatment procedures such as inserting catheters, sterile dressing changes, administering medications, giving immunizations; and assisting physicians and registered nurses with procedures. My work experience was in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other supervised medical, nursing, or patient care facility.

You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.

Education

This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer.

Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: https://www.ed.gov/accreditation.

If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Additional information

Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. IHS may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their directly related previous non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.

This position may be covered by a Bargaining Unit.

Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized. At least a 6 month service agreement will be required.

The Indian Health Service (IHS), National Health Service Corps (NHSC), and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) have student loan repayment programs for qualifying health disciplines. This is a competitive process separate from the hiring process. Opportunities for LRP are based on agency hiring priorities and availability of funds. For additional information please visit:
For IHS - http://www.ihs.gov/loanrepayment/
For NHSC - https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loanrepayment/
For HRSA Nurse Corps - https://bhw.hrsa.gov/loansscholarships/nursecorps

This position has promotion potential to the GS-6 grade level. Promotion to the next grade level is at management's discretion and is based on your demonstrated ability to perform the higher level duties, the continuing need for the higher level duties, and "Regulatory/Administrative" approval. Promotion to the next higher grade level is not guaranteed and no promise of promotion is implied.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Additional selections may be made for similar positions across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within the local commuting area(s) of the location identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) at HHS. Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions across HHS.

This position will be filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority. Category rating and Veterans' Preference will not be considered in evaluating applicants. For more information on Direct Hire Authority, please see OPM Direct Hire Fact Sheet. Your application (resume and supporting documentation) will be evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications required as listed on the announcement under qualification requirements. To be considered well qualified for the purposes of the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) and the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), you must substantively exceed the basic qualifications and meet all eligibility, physical, medical, suitability, and any other requirements.

Click here to view vacancy questions: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12820034.

All documents above MUST be received by 11:59 (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date of, 01/16/2026, to be considered.

Required Documents

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Required as applicable for the purposes of specific eligibility and appointment claim(s), and position requirements:
  • Indian Preference Applicants: If claiming Indian preference, applicants must provide a completed copy of the Form BIA-4432, "Verification of Indian Preference for Employment in the BIA and IHS Only." Indian preference will not be given unless a properly signed and dated form is submitted with your application, including any verification by an authorized Tribal Representative or BIA Official of tribal enrollment records. For detailed instructions, see form BIA-4432. Refer to BIA-4432 link: https://www.bia.gov/sites/default/files/media_document/1076-0160_indian-pref_expires-04.30.25_508.pdf.
  • Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP, follow the instructions below: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/ctap_guideline.pdf.
  • Transcripts: You are encouraged to submit copies of transcripts (official or unofficial) although not required at the time of application. You must list your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Official transcripts will be required after tentative selection and prior to issuing an official job offer.
  • Licensure, Certifications: Applicants should list their license/certifications on their resume, along with the expiration date, if applicable. Certification of licensure/certification will be required after tentative selection and prior to issuing an official job offer.
Your application will remain active for 90 days from submission of application.

The first cut-off date for receipt/referral of applications to be considered for available vacant positions will be 7 days after the announcement is posted and will continue every Friday thereafter.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below.

  1. To begin, Click 'Apply' online button on the vacancy announcement.
  2. You will be directed the Login.Gov screen, here you will sign in if you have an existing USAJOBS account or create a Login.Gov account.
  3. If you have an account you will be directed to select a resume or create a resume. If you create an account you can create a resume. Click save and continue.
  4. Follow the prompts to upload your resume and/or supporting documents.
  5. Click the Apply to this Vacancy and complete all steps in the application process until the confirmation indicates your application is complete. If you click return to USAJOBS or get timed out prior to receiving confirmation, your application will not be submitted and cannot be considered for this job.
  6. Read and complete all Eligibility questions.
  7. Review the Required Documents section of this announcement to determine which apply to you and must be submitted online. You may choose one or more of the following options to submit your document(s): Upload (from your computer) or USAJOBS (Click the USAJOBS link to complete the transfer process.)
For additional questions please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) found here: http://www.ihs.gov/jobs/index.cfm?module=search&option=faq.

The IHS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Human Resources Office. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.

Agency contact information

Lindsay Moore
Address
IHS Headquarter
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857
US

Next steps

Stay Updated with Text Alerts
You can choose to receive text message notifications about your application status. To enable this feature:

  • Log in to your USAJOBS account.
  • Go to your Account Settings and select Notification Preferences.
  • Check the option to receive SMS/Text Messages.
Text message updates are optional and provided in addition to email notifications. Standard messaging rates may apply.

You can track the progress of your application package via your USAJOBS account. You will receive an acknowledgement from USAJOBS that your submission was successful once we have received your on-line eligibility questionnaire, resume, and any supporting documentation. You will be notified of the status of your application via your USAJOBS Account after we conduct a qualification review of your complete application package. You will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses, through reference and/or background check, and/or verification of your education. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the human resources office posting this announcement.

If all required documentation is not submitted with your application you will lose consideration. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information and documents entered, uploaded, or faxed are received, legible and accurate.

Additional Locations

  • McNary, AZ
  • Parker, AZ
  • Peach Springs, AZ
  • Phoenix, AZ
  • Pinon, AZ
  • Polacca, AZ
  • Red Mesa, AZ
  • Rock Point, AZ
  • Supai, AZ
  • Tonalea, AZ
  • Tsaile, AZ
  • Whiteriver, AZ
  • Havasu Lake, CA
  • Riverside, CA
  • Winterhaven, CA
  • Towaoc, CO
  • Fort Hall, ID
  • Lawrence, KS
  • Mashpee, MA
  • Cass Lake, MN
  • Cass Lake, MN
  • Naytahwaush, MN
  • Ogema, MN
  • Ponemah, MN
  • Ponsford, MN
  • Redlake, MN
  • Babb, MT
  • Browning, MT
  • Crow Agency, MT
  • Harlem, MT
  • Hays, MT
  • Heart Butte, MT
  • Lame Deer, MT
  • Lodge Grass, MT
  • Poplar, MT
  • Pryor, MT
  • Wolf Point, MT
  • Cherokee, NC
  • Belcourt, ND
  • Fort Yates, ND
  • Albuquerque, NM
  • Bernalillo, NM
  • Bloomfield, NM
  • Cochiti Pueblo, NM
  • Crownpoint, NM
  • Cuba, NM
  • Dulce, NM
  • Espanola, NM
  • Gallup, NM
  • Mescalero, NM
  • Picuris, NM
  • San Felipe Pueblo, NM
  • Sanostee, NM
  • Santa Fe, NM
  • Santa Fe, NM
  • Shiprock, NM
  • Taos, NM
  • Thoreau, NM
  • Toadlena, NM
  • Tohatchi, NM
  • Zia Indian Reservation, NM
  • Zuni, NM
  • Elko, NV
  • Moapa, NV
  • Lockport, NY
  • Manlius, NY
  • Anadarko, OK
  • Carnegie, OK
  • Clinton, OK
  • El Reno, OK
  • Lawton, OK
  • Pawnee, OK
  • Watonga, OK
  • Wewoka, OK
  • Salem, OR
  • Warm Springs, OR
  • Rock Hill, SC
  • Eagle Butte, SD
  • Fort Thompson, SD
  • Kyle, SD
  • Lower Brule, SD
  • Martin, SD
  • McLaughlin, SD
  • Pine Ridge, SD
  • Rosebud, SD
  • Sisseton, SD
  • Wagner, SD
  • Wakpala, SD
  • Wanblee, SD
  • Fort Duchesne, UT
  • Aylett, VA
  • Charles City, VA
  • Indian Neck, VA
  • Providence Forge, VA
  • Richmond, VA
  • Suffolk, VA
  • Forks, WA
  • Toppenish, WA
  • Wapato, WA
  • Fort Washakie, WY


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