At the Indian Health Service (IHS), Nurses 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.
At the Indian Health Service (IHS), Nurses 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.
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy. A 1-year service agreement will be required.
Appointment type
Multiple - The majority of positions to be filled under this announcement are permanent. This announcement may also be used to fill time-limited appointments such as Term and Temporary.
Work schedule
Multiple Schedules - The majority of positions to be filled under this announcement are full-time. This announcement may also be used to fill various work schedules, including full-time, part-time (less than 40 hours per week), and intermittent (as needed).
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
11 - Not all locations may have promotion potential to the GS-11 level. Contact the locations you are interested in to verify promotion potential.
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 Inpatient Staff Registered Nurse (RN) (Med-Surg) provides competent, evidence-based, and patient-centered nursing care to individuals admitted to inpatient medical-surgical or specialty units. The RN demonstrates leadership, sound clinical judgment, and professional accountability in managing complex patient care across the continuum of inpatient services. The nurse collaborates with physicians, interdisciplinary team members, and other healthcare professionals to ensure high-quality outcomes and patient satisfaction. The purpose of this position is to provide comprehensive care to pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients within the Indian Health Service.Their responsibilities include:
Performing comprehensive assessments, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care based on clinical findings and the nursing process.
Promoting evidence-based nursing practice through coordinating care focused on patient education, self-management, and overall satisfaction throughout the continuum of inpatient care.
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.
Participating in performance improvement, patient safety, and quality initiatives to enhance clinical effectiveness and efficiency.
Selectee may be subject to a trial or probationary period
U.S. Citizenship is required
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959, www.sss.gov.
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 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. Position may be subject to rotating shifts: days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.
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 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; 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.
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 6 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.
BASIC REQUIREMENT(S):
Note: Employees currently assigned to positions in the 0610 occupational series as of September 2017 will be considered to have met the basic requirements for the position occupied.
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.
In addition, to the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications stated below-
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Note: All grade levels may not be available at all locations.
GS-5:Applicant(s) must meet one of the following minimum requirements to meet the GS-5 level:
Possession of a bachelor's degree in nursing with no experience; or
Possession of a diploma or associate degree in professional nursing and one full year of professional nursing experience which includes: Perform routine patient assessments, including documenting vital signs and observing patient conditions under the supervision of a licensed nurse; Administer medications and treatments per established protocols and report adverse reactions or changes in patient condition; Assist with implementation of nursing care plans and nursing diagnoses using standard guidelines; Provide standardized patient and family education related to medical conditions, medications, and post-operative care; Document nursing care and patient responses accurately in the electronic medical record.
GS-7:Applicant(s) must meet one of the following minimum requirements to meet the GS-7 level:
Possession of a bachelor's degree in nursing and at least one full year of professional nursing experience (equivalent to the GS-5 grade level) which includes: Conduct comprehensive nursing assessments and independently identify changes in patient condition; Administer medications and treatments independently while evaluating patient responses and initiate nursing interventions; Develop and update individualized nursing care plans and nursing diagnoses based on assessment data and evidence-based practice; Provide individualized patient and family education tailored to patient needs, cultural considerations, and health literacy; Collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare team members to coordinate patient care and modify patient care plans, or
Possession of a diploma or associate degree in professional nursing and two full years of professional nursing experience; or
Completion of at least one full year of graduate education in a professional nursing educational program.
GS-9:Applicant(s) must meet one of the following minimum requirements to meet the GS-9 level:
Possession of a master's degree in professional nursing; or
Possession of a diploma, associate degree, or bachelor's degree in nursing from a professional nursing program and at least one full year of professional nursing experience (equivalent to the GS-7 grade level or above) which includes: Perform complex assessments of patients with acute, chronic, and post-operative conditions and independently identify and respond to changes in clinical status; Manage medication administration for patients with complex medical needs, including high-risk medications, and evaluating therapeutic outcomes; 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 for less experienced nursing staff by providing guidance, mentoring, and clinical support; Participate in interdisciplinary care planning, quality improvement initiatives, and evidence-based practice activities to improve patient outcomes.
GS-11:Applicant(s) must meet one of the following minimum requirements to meet the GS-11 level:
Successful completion of a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree from a professional nursing educational program or related medical science field; or
Possession of a diploma, associate degree, bachelor's degree, or master's degree from a professional nursing educational program and at least one full year of professional nursing experience (equivalent to the GS-9 grade level) which includes: 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 in medical-surgical nursing; 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; Support onboarding, training, and competency validation of nursing staff and serve as a lead preceptor or informal team lead; Collaborate with nursing leadership and interdisciplinary partners to address system-level issues affecting patient care delivery, staffing, and resource utilization.
Click on the following link to view occupational requirements for this position: Nurse Series 0610
You must meet all qualification requirements by the respective cut-off day of rating to be eligible for consideration.
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. A 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
Not all locations may have a promotion potential to the GS-11 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.
You will be evaluated for this position in accordance with the OPM Merit Hiring Plan.
As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide short essay responses (200 words or less each) to the following four questions.
How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government?
In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness?
How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role?
How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements?
Your responses are optional and will not be scored.
However, they may be reviewed by hiring managers and agency leadership (or designees) during the evaluation process.
You will be asked to certify that your responses are written in your own words and that you did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) tool (such as ChatGPT or Copilot).
Financial Suitability Requirement:
This position requires a review of the applicant's financial history as part of the personnel security and suitability determination. Applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility, maintain good standing with creditors, and satisfy all legal financial obligations prior to applying.
Individuals with substantial delinquent or unresolved financial obligations-including, but not limited to, delinquent federal or state tax liabilities, defaulted federal student loans, court-ordered fines or fees, or child support arrears-may be deemed unsuitable for employment with the Indian Health Service (IHS).
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.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
This is an Open Continuous Announcement. There MAY NOT be immediate vacancies at all locations. You will be limited to selecting no more than 5 locations during the application process and will only be considered for the locations you select. Eligible applicants will be referred out as vacancies occur.
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.
The first cutoff date will be February 7, 2026, at 11:59 pm EST. Future cutoff dates will be each Thursday thereafter at 11:59 pm EST until the closing date.
Your application will remain active for 90 days from the submission of application.
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.
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 6 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.
Superior Academic Achievement: If claiming eligibility for Superior Academic Achievement, candidates must provide copies of transcripts (official or unofficial) must be included at the time of initial application. If unable to obtain transcripts, candidates must provide sufficient evidence to validate courses completed and credit hours earned. Eligibility is based on one of the following:
Class standing - Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision and based on completed courses.
Grade-point average (G.P.A.) - Applicants must have a G.P.A. of: a.) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 (''B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or b.) 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.
Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society - Applicants can be considered eligible based on membership in one of the national scholastic honor societies listed here Association of College Honor Societies. Official transcripts may be required after tentative selection and prior to issuing an official job offer.
The first cutoff date will be February 7, 2026, at 11:59 pm EST. Future cutoff dates will be each Thursday thereafter at 11:59 pm EST until the closing date.
Your application will remain active for 90 days from the submission of application.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below.
To begin, Click 'Apply' online button on the vacancy announcement.
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.
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.
Follow the prompts to upload your resume and/or supporting documents.
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.
Read and complete all Eligibility questions.
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.)
Resumes must be legible so they can be reviewed for eligibility, minimum qualifications and other position requirements listed in the job announcement.
Beginning September 27, 2025, Federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages in length to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan. Resumes longer than two pages will result in ineligibility for further consideration for the position. USAJOBS will not allow you to upload or build resumes longer than two pages, and you will need to update the resumes in your profile before applying for a job. Resumes should include information relevant to the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies of the position to which you are applying. IHS is unable to make assumptions about qualifications if not clearly listed. Helpful Hints for Creating a Two-Page Resume:
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 Satin Deer Satin.Deer@ihs.gov The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.
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.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
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.
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 6 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.
Superior Academic Achievement: If claiming eligibility for Superior Academic Achievement, candidates must provide copies of transcripts (official or unofficial) must be included at the time of initial application. If unable to obtain transcripts, candidates must provide sufficient evidence to validate courses completed and credit hours earned. Eligibility is based on one of the following:
Class standing - Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision and based on completed courses.
Grade-point average (G.P.A.) - Applicants must have a G.P.A. of: a.) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 (''B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or b.) 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.
Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society - Applicants can be considered eligible based on membership in one of the national scholastic honor societies listed here Association of College Honor Societies. Official transcripts may be required after tentative selection and prior to issuing an official job offer.
The first cutoff date will be February 7, 2026, at 11:59 pm EST. Future cutoff dates will be each Thursday thereafter at 11:59 pm EST until the closing date.
Your application will remain active for 90 days from the submission of application.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below.
To begin, Click 'Apply' online button on the vacancy announcement.
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.
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.
Follow the prompts to upload your resume and/or supporting documents.
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.
Read and complete all Eligibility questions.
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.)
Resumes must be legible so they can be reviewed for eligibility, minimum qualifications and other position requirements listed in the job announcement.
Beginning September 27, 2025, Federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages in length to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan. Resumes longer than two pages will result in ineligibility for further consideration for the position. USAJOBS will not allow you to upload or build resumes longer than two pages, and you will need to update the resumes in your profile before applying for a job. Resumes should include information relevant to the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies of the position to which you are applying. IHS is unable to make assumptions about qualifications if not clearly listed. Helpful Hints for Creating a Two-Page Resume:
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 Satin Deer Satin.Deer@ihs.gov The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.
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.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
