Nurse (Outpatient

At the Indian Health Service (IHS), Nurses do more than practice medicine—it’s about changing 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.

A REAL  be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).

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 work, including volunteer roles through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, Ameri Corps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part‑time work. Identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

The Hiring Manager/Selecting Official may elect to utilize a flexibility wherein applicants who are currently enrolled and expected to complete the required education and obtain the necessary licensure within nine months of applying may be deemed tentatively qualified. Applicants who have not completed their education requirements but are within the established timeframe must submit:

• Documentation from the educational institution’s registrar, dean, or another authorized official affirming the timeframe for completion of the professional program/coursework AND
• A copy of the most recent unofficial transcript.

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 a recognized accrediting body of the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained.

Degree from Foreign Nursing School Official certification from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools is required for individuals who graduated from foreign nursing schools.

Licensure Applicants must have passed the National Council Licensure Examination. Additionally, 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 U.S. territory.

Experience The work experience must equip the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position. At the GS‑9 and above grade level, many positions may require specialty area nursing experience.

Basic Requirements for the GS‑5

• 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.

Basic Requirements for the GS‑7

• Possession of a bachelor’s degree in Nursing and eligibility under the Superior Academic Achievement provision;
• 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);
• 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.

Basic Requirements for the GS‑9

• 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 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 specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in…