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Foreign Service Registered Nurse - Limited Non Career Appointment (RNLNA)

Department of State
Department of State - Agency Wide
This job announcement has closed

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.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
06/10/2024 to 07/03/2024
Salary
$79,974 to - $117,444 per year
Pay scale & grade
FP 04
Locations
Haiti
MANY vacancies
Iraq
MANY vacancies
Pakistan
MANY vacancies
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Occasional travel - RNLNAs serve in the country specified and may be assigned to or perform Temporary Duty Travel overseas and at times, live away from family and/or in difficult or isolated conditions.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—This is a Limited Non-Career Appointment (LNA), which is restricted by statute to a maximum of five years. The Department may terminate the appointment at any time with 30 days’ notice. A MEDLNA is assigned with the expectation that the appointment and potential extensions will permit completion of a standard one or two-year tour of duty. Upon completion of the first tour of duty, a MEDLNA may be assigned to a different post or to remain at the present post for the remainder of the 60-month.
Appointment type
Temporary - Limited Non-Career Appointment (LNA), which is restricted by statute to a maximum of five years.
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
04
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Top Secret
Drug test
Yes
Announcement number
RNLNA-2024-0001
Control number
794919800

This job is open to

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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

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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, Pakistan, and Haiti. 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 RNLNA 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, Pakistan, and Haiti. 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

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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.


  1. 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.
  1. 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.


  1. 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.


  1. 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.


  1. 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.
  1. Maintain current working knowledge and U.S. license/credentials:
  • Maintain good communication and working relationship with staff in Health Unit.
  • Participate in staff meetings.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.


  1. 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

Additional information

*EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION PROGRAM (E-Verify) – Verification of employment eligibility in the United States is required.

U.S. law requires organizations to employ only individuals who may legally work in the United States – either U.S. citizens, or foreign citizens who have the necessary authorization. This agency utilizes E-Verify to compare information from the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration (SSA) records to confirm employment eligibility. If the employee’s information does not match DHS and/or SSA records, the employee is given an opportunity to resolve the problem. If eligibility cannot be verified, employment will be terminated.

**The Department of State Suitability Review Panel and standards are defined in Chapter 3 of the Foreign Affairs Manual. For more information please visit: https://fam.state.gov/.

***For more information about Veteran’s Preference and how it is applied in the selection process, please visit: https://careers.state.gov/faq-items/are-veterans-given-hiring-preference/.

No applicant will be considered who has previously been separated from the Foreign Service under sections §607, §608, §610 or §611 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, or who resigned or retired in lieu of separation under these provisions. In addition, no applicant will be considered who has previously been separated for failure to receive a career appointment under section §306 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, or who resigned or retired in lieu thereof.

Executive Branch agencies are barred by 5 US Code 3303 as amended from accepting or considering prohibited political recommendations and are required to return any prohibited political recommendations to sender. In addition, as mandated by 5 US Code 3110, relatives of federal employees cannot be granted preference in competing for these employment opportunities.

It is the policy of the Federal Government to treat all employees with dignity and respect and to provide a workplace that is free from discrimination whether discrimination is based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity or pregnancy), national origin, disability, political affiliation, marital status, membership in an employee organization, age, sexual orientation, or other non-merit factors.

The Department of State provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities.

Procedures vary by test type, and all candidates must request reasonable accommodations in advance.  For more information visit https://careers.state.gov/faq-items/what-is-the-assessment-centers-policy-on-reasonable-accommodations-for-persons-with-disabilities-or-those-who-have-medical-conditions-or-other-needs-such-as-the-use-of-medical-devices-or-acc/.

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.


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