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.

Total Compensation Package - Check out IHS's outstanding total compensation package for this job: Registered Nurse Total Compensation | Pay (ihs.gov)

All Grade levels MAY NOT be available at all locations. Not all locations may have immediate vacancies.

The purpose of this position is to provide comprehensive care to pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients within the Indian Health Service within the Emergency Department, Obstetrics/Labor and Delivery, Operating Room, and Med/Surg-Inpatient.

ER Duties:

• Assessing, planning, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating the delivery of skilled patient care in accordance with nursing standards and evidence-based practice.
• Supervising the delivery of nursing care by other professional and non-professional staff, providing guidance, evaluation, and feedback as needed.
• Collaborating with physicians, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare providers to develop and implement coordinated care plans.
• Utilizing critical thinking skills to make complex clinical decisions and respond effectively to rapidly changing patient conditions.

• When a physician or midwife is not immediately available, initiates pre-planned emergency nursing interventions to ensure maternal and neonatal safety, including preparation of the operating room, serving as circulating or scrub nurse, and performing newborn resuscitation and assessment. Maintains a professional, compassionate, and therapeutic environment.
• Administers prescribed therapeutic interventions including medications, intravenous fluids, blood products, and other treatments in accordance with established policies and standards of. Collaborates with physicians, certified nurse midwives, and interdisciplinary team members to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates individualized patient care plans across the continuum of care including antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, obstetrical triage, and newborn nursery services.
• Obtain and maintain certifications as required by hospital policy, such as Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Life Support (ACLS), and Neo-Natal Resuscitation Program (NRP), Fetal Monitoring.

OR Duties:

• Formulating, implementing, and documenting individualized plans of care based on assessment findings and patient condition.
• Responding to life-threatening situations and initiating emergency resuscitation measures in accordance with adult and pediatric resuscitation protocols.
• Maintaining required certifications (e.g., ACLS, BLS, PALS) and demonstrating competency in advanced perioperative and procedural nursing skills.
• Supervising the delivery of nursing care by other professional and non-professional staff, providing guidance, evaluation, and feedback as needed.
• Collaborating with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and the interdisciplinary team to plan, coordinate, and evaluate patient care to achieve optimal outcomes.
• Performing on-call duties as required to provide patient care during off-tour hours for emergency surgical and procedural cases.
• Work other staff to ensure sponge and instrument counts are correct.
• Functions as the second circulator for complex surgical procedures.

Med-Surg/Inpatient Duties:

• Promoting evidence-based nursing practice through coordinating care focused on patient education, self-management, and overall satisfaction throughout the continuum of inpatient care.
• Performing comprehensive assessments, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care based on clinical findings and the nursing process.
• Administering medications and performing procedures in accordance with established policies and clinical standards.
• Recognizing changes in patient condition, identifying urgent or emergent situations, and initiating appropriate interventions to ensure patient safety.
• Ensuring compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards and maintaining knowledge of current clinical and operational guidelines.

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 competitive vacancy announcement advertised under Direct Hire Authority. Selections made under this vacancy announcement will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Current civil service employees would therefore be given new appointments to the civil service; however, benefits, time served, and all other Federal entitlements would remain the same.

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.

The selected individual is required to obtain and maintain any licensure requirements.

On-call hours or standby duty may be required.

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 Requirement:
This position requires the successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment.

A background investigation is a standard process used by the Federal Government to verify an individual's identity, employment history, education, and other relevant information to determine suitability for Federal service.

Upon receipt of instructions, applicants must complete all required background investigation forms within five (5) calendar days of issuance. Timely completion is critical to avoid delays in processing or a determination of unsuitability.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to prioritize this requirement and to maintain regular communication with their assigned Personnel Security Specialist throughout the 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; community). 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.

Degree and License Waiting Period for Impending Graduates: The Hiring Manager/Selecting Official may elect to utilize an available flexibility wherein applicants who are currently enrolled and expected to complete the required education and obtain the required licensure/certification/registration with 9 month(s) of applying, may be deemed tentatively qualified. Applicants who have not completed their education requirements (but who are within the established timeframe for qualifying) must submit:

• Documentation from the educational institution's registrar, dean or other appropriate official that attests to the applicable timeframe for completion of the professional program/coursework AND
• A copy of the most recent unofficial transcript.

• Possession of a master's degree in professional nursing; or
• At least one full year of professional nursing experience (equivalent to the GS-7 grade level or above) and possession of a diploma, associate degree, or bachelor's degree in nursing from a professional nursing program.

• Successful completion of a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree from a professional nursing educational program or related medical science field; or
• At least one full year of professional nursing experience (equivalent to the GS-09 grade level) and possession of a diploma, associate degree, bachelor's degree, or master's degree from a professional nursing educational program.

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:
ER GS-09
Provides professional nursing care principles, practices and procedures required to assess needs of patients; knowledge of pharmaceuticals, their desired effects, side effects, and complications of their use; recognizing adverse signs and symptoms and to react promptly in emergency situations initiating the implementation of life saving measures; providing counseling, guidance and health instruction to patients; Provide triage using the Emergency Severity Index system.
ER GS-11
Functioning as a senior clinical expert in Emergency nursing by managing care for patients with highly complex, high-risk, or unstable conditions. Providing clinical leadership and guidance to nursing staff by serving as a subject matter expert in emergency practice, policies, and procedures. Leading or coordinating unit-level quality improvement, patient safety, or evidence-based practice initiatives to improve patient outcomes and clinical workflows. Participating in the development, review, and implementation of nursing policies, procedures, and clinical practice guidelines. Ensuring high-quality compliance with regulatory, accreditation, and professional nursing standards.
OB GS-09
Provides professional obstetrical nursing care utilizing established principles, practices, and procedures to assess patient needs. Develops individualized nursing care plans for patients during labor and delivery through postpartum care and discharge. Interprets the progress of labor, monitors fetal status, recognizes deviations from normal, and promptly initiates appropriate nursing interventions. Identifies adverse signs and symptoms and responds effectively in emergency situations, including implementation of life-saving measures.
OB GS-11
Independently provides comprehensive nursing care in the obstetrical department, including triage and intervention in acute and life-threatening situations. Exercising advanced clinical judgment to independently assess, prioritize, and manage patient care in unpredictable and life-threatening situations. Coordinating and overseeing patient care to ensure continuity and quality of care and serving as a clinical resource within the OB department. Leading or significantly contributing to department-level initiatives such as policy development, quality improvement, staff education, or implementation of evidence-based practices.
OR GS-09
Provide care for patients before, during and after surgery or surgical procedures without close supervision; Certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS); Perform the role of patient educator, or circulating nurse and/or scrub nurse; Assess patients prior to surgery and alleviate their concerns; Gather all supplies as needed for the operation; Assess patient prior to surgery; Keep operating room sterilized; Position and prepare patient on operation table; Pass medical instruments to surgeon during operation; Monitor patients vital signs to detect anomalies.
OR GS-11
Developing policies and procedures for infection control to ensure compliance with accreditation requirements; knowledge of professional nursing principles, practices, and procedure to apply infection control practice to hospital programs; ability to analyze data, conduct rounds, and initiate the appropriate action with the findings; experience with conducting educational training on infection prevention in a large group setting; skill with providing oversight, direction, and coordination of projects and investigations related to infection control services. Able to coordinate patient care needs and strategize patient disposition while providing unit support.
Med/Surg GS-09
Perform complex assessments of patients with acute, chronic, and post-operative conditions and independently identify and respond to changes in clinical status; Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of nursing care plans and nursing diagnoses for patients with multifaceted care requirements; Serve as a clinical resource or preceptor by providing guidance, mentoring, and clinical support.
Med/Surg GS-11
Function as a senior clinical expert managing care for patients with highly complex, high-risk, or unstable conditions; Provide clinical leadership and guidance to nursing staff as a subject matter expert; Lead or coordinate unit-level quality improvement, patient safety, or evidence-based practice initiatives to improve patient outcomes and clinical workflows; Participate in development and implementation of nursing policies, procedures, and clinical practice guidelines; Collaborate with nursing leadership and interdisciplinary partners to address system-level issues affecting patient care delivery, staffing, and resource utilization.

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

How you will be evaluated

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

This job announcement uses the USA Hire Assessment to evaluate applicants. There is no "pass/fail" outcome; results are used as part of the overall evaluation process to determine applicant qualifications. However, if you do not take the assessment within the assessment window timeframe you will be found ineligible for this position. For more information, visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center.

This is an Open Continuous Announcement and applications will be referred when vacancies occur. There MAY NOT be immediate vacancies at all locations. You will only be considered for the locations you select. This Announcement is intended as a mechanism of providing consideration for the greatest number of potential candidates. Candidates with a complete application will be considered for all vacancies that occur for a 3-month period or the closing date of this announcement, whichever comes first. You will be considered for those vacancies that match your desired geographic locations, skills and or job preferences. Positions may be filled at ANY of the grade levels indicated in this announcement, with or without promotion potential as vacancies occur. Applicants should specify the lowest grade (GS-level) that they will accept.

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position.

You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

• Attention to Detail
• Flexibility
• Integrity/Honesty
• Interpersonal Skills
• Reasoning
• Self-Management
• Stress Tolerance
• Teamwork

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12951234

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.

Resume: You are highly encouraged to visit the USAJOBS Help Center before submitting a resume. USAJOBS Help Center - Update your resume now so it meets new resume requirements
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. Applicants who have not yet completed their educational requirements within 9 months of applying, must submit:
  • Documentation from the educational institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official that attests to the applicable timeframe for completion of the professional program/coursework AND
  • A copy of the most recent unofficial transcript.
• 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.

Next steps

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