Nurse - ICU, Special Care Unit Job

Vacancy No. IHS-24-NJ-12439179-DHA Department Indian Health Service
Salary $82,131.00 to $113,900.00 Grade 9 to 10
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Part-time
Open Date 6/10/2024 Close Date 12/31/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Chinle, AZGallup, NMShiprock, NM


Summary

This position is located at one of the various Indian Health Service Hospitals or Clinics under the Navajo Area Office. The primary purpose is to provide the requirements of the full range of professional nursing proficiency in Intensive Care Units (ICU) at the Hospitals and/or clinics. Consults with physician on medical problems not covered by the protocols of care or within scope of training and capability.

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. The IHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Duties

  • Provides moderately difficult professional nursing care to all critically ill patients.
  • Provides continual assessment and observation through physical assessments and examination.
  • Interviews patients and family members as appropriate, reviews health history, and accurately monitors and records hemodynamic parameters.
  • Independently assesses patient's condition, and recognizes normal/abnormal parameters.
  • Initiates resuscitative and life-saving measures: diagnostics, treatments, and medications based on approved Unit Standing Orders, Unit Standard of Care from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) and any other professional organizations, American Heart Association (AHA).
  • In the absence of a physician, the nurse independently determines and implements proper emergency measures after identifying and interpreting life-threatening conditions and initiating life-saving measures in accordance with practices under the American Heart Association guidelines for the provision of Basic Life Support (BLS) and ACLS.
  • Administers therapeutic interventions, such as medications, treatments, intravenous fluids, blood product transfusions, oral/nasogastric tubes, and other diagnostic interventions, etc., using independent judgment, critical thinking, and decision-making skills (as appropriate) as based on physician orders.
  • Documents and charts in the patient's health records any observations, assessments, nursing interventions, therapeutic measures administered, and referrals to ancillary staff for follow-up care.
  • Serves as Unit Charge Nurse attending to daily operations and communicates concerns to the Supervisory Nurse as appropriate.
  • Orients new staff to the department and the routine functions of the Unit. Provides in-services to other nursing staff within the hospital as appropriate.

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.

Measles and Rubella immunization required for selectees born after 1957 and seasonal influenza immunization is required for all staff working in Indian Health Service health care facilities.

COVID-19 vaccination is required for all selectees prior to entrance on duty.

The selected individual is required to obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges, including any licensure requirements. If privileges are not obtained or maintained during employment, the employee will be subject to adverse actions, up to and including removal from Federal service.

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/.

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):
Note: Employees currently assigned to positions in this occupational series as of September 2017 will be considered to have met the basic requirements for the position occupied.

Education: A graduate or higher level degree, bachelor's degree, associate degree, or diploma from an accredited professional nursing educational program is required. This education must have been accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia educational Programs, Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education, or an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained.

Licensure: For all grade levels and positions, applicants must have passed the National Council Licensure Examination. In addition, they must possess a current, active, full, and unrestricted license or registration as a professional nurse from a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States.

GS 09: In addition to the above requirements, applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
  • 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. Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of Professional Nursing Experience to at least the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Provide professional nursing duties according to established professional nursing principles, practices, and procedures in an ICU setting, provides pre-operative and post-operative nursing care to patients, operating specialized equipment such as resuscitators, mechanical ventilation, thermodilution catheters, swan-ganz and central lines, cardiac monitoring systems, multiples fluid infusion system, etc.; recognize, identify and interprets serious situation and immediately decides proper intervention according to standing orders, initiates appropriate measures, i.e. resuscitation; operates and monitors specialized equipment; document observations, nursing interventions taken and emergency measures administered.
GS 10:
  • In addition to the mandatory license and education described above under Basic Requirements: Applicants must have at least one full year of professional nursing experience (equivalent to the GS-09 grade level or above) and possession of a diploma, associate degree, bachelor's degree or master's degree in Nursing from a professional nursing program. Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of Professional Nursing Experience to at least the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Independently provide professional nursing duties according to established professional nursing principles, practices, and procedures in an ICU setting, utilizing knowledge of electrophysiology of the cardiac system, fluid and electrolytes balance, physiology and interpretation of invasive monitoring systems; develop or participate in development of patient care plan, knowledge of pharmaceuticals, desired effects, side effect and complications of their use and knowledge of a wide variety of medical disorders, the normal course of disease, anticipated complications and indicated therapeutic interventions; provide guidance and leadership to other nursing personnel; document observations, nursing interventions taken and emergency measures administered and communicate and interact with multidisciplinary health care team.
**Note: This is an Open Continuous Announcement; applicants will be referred when vacancies occur.

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.

Additional information

  • This is an Open Continuous announcement; applicants will be referred when vacancies occur. The first Cut-off date for receipt/referral of applications to be considered for available vacant positions will be 15 days after the JOA open date. Your resume and any documents submitted will be retained for eight months and may be used at any time during this period. After 8 months, you must reapply to this announcement in order to be considered.
  • Per IHS policy (SGM 21-04) IHS selectees to positions located in Federally operated hospitals, health centers, and clinics must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before entry on duty or have IHS approve a medical or religious exemption. If an exemption is approved then wearing a face mask and regular testing for COVID-19 will be required. Your Human Resources Specialist will provide a list of documents acceptable as vaccination proof and instructions on how to submit your vaccination documentation or how to request a medical or religious exemption, if needed.
  • 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 is covered by a Bargaining Unit.
  • Government housing may be available, depending on location and availability.
  • Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized. At least a 1 year 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:
  • This position has promotion potential to the GS-10 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.

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.

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.

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.

To determine if you are qualified for this position, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against the qualifications as defined in the qualifications section of this vacancy announcement and your responses to the assessment questions. You will be further evaluated/rated based on the information provided in your resume (your resume must state specific duties that relate to this position) and your responses to the assessment questions to determine your competency in the following.

  • Healthcare
  • Medications
  • Medicine
  • Nurse Consulting
  • Planning and Evaluating
  • Primary Care
  • Problem Solving

Click here to view vacancy questions: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12439179. All documents above MUST be received by 11:59 (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date of, 12/31/2024, to be considered.

Required Documents

  • Resume: You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included in your Resume. If you use your own resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written form you choose then you must describe your job-related qualifications that includes beginning and ending dates for paid and non-paid work experience, hours worked per week, month and year of employment for each job title listed, annual salary, and description of job duties. Include name and address of employer; supervisor name and telephone number.
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/dup/assets/public/raca/online_forms/pdf/1076-0160_INDIAN-PREF_Expires-10.31.24_508.pdf. When an Indian Preference candidate possesses Veterans preference the rules regarding Veterans preference apply under ESEP and the applicant must provide documentation in order to receive preference.
  • 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.

You must meet the requirements of the job by 11:59 pm (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date: 12/31/2024
**Note: This is an Open Continuous announcement; applicants will be referred when vacancies occur.
The first Cut-off date for receipt/referral of applications to be considered for available vacant positions will be 15 days after the JOA open date.
Your resume and any documents submitted will be retained for eight months and may be used at any time during this period. After 8 months, you must reapply to this announcement in order to be considered.

How to Apply

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

  1. Click 'Apply' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
  2. Follow the prompts to upload your resume and/or supporting documents.
  3. Read all Eligibility questions and respond accordingly. .
  4. Complete the assessment questions.
  5. Verify all required documentation is included in your application package.
For additional questions please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) found here: http://www.ihs.gov/jobs/index.cfm?module=search&option=faq.

Agency contact information

Navajo Area IHS Human Resources
Address
Navajo Area Indian Health Service
PO Box 9020
Window Rock, AZ 86515
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

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 occupational 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. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.

HHS has a critical preparedness and response mission: HHS protects the American people from health threats, researches emerging diseases, and mobilizes public health programs with domestic and international partners. In support of this mission, HHS offers its employees the opportunity to volunteer to become Federal Civilian Detailees and contribute their unique skills through voluntary temporary assignments to humanitarian emergencies or Departmental priorities countering new and emerging health, safety, and security threats.

~ ~ ~ Indian Health Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer ~ ~ ~


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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