Advanced Practice Nurse; Psychiatric)

At the Indian Health Service, Nurse Practitioners 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 eligible.

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

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

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

• Conducts comprehensive psychiatric evaluations across the lifespan by obtaining and synthesizing biopsychosocial histories, mental status and physical findings, and diagnostic information; applies the current DSM to diagnose acute, chronic, and complex psychiatric and substance use disorders.
• Prescribes and manages psychotropic medications and other psychiatric treatments; orders and interprets clinically indicated laboratory and diagnostic studies; monitors therapeutic response, adverse effects, and medication safety, and modifies treatment based on findings.
• Assesses and manages psychiatric emergencies and high‑risk presentations, including suicidal or self‑harm risk, behavioral instability, and substance‑related crises; determines appropriate level of care and coordinates admission, discharge, transfer, or referral to higher‑acuity psychiatric services.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates individualized, evidence‑based and culturally responsive psychiatric treatment plans for patients with psychiatric disorders and co‑occurring medical or psychosocial conditions, including psychotherapy when within scope of practice and certification.
• Provides psychiatric consultation and subject‑matter expertise to physicians, advanced practice providers, and interdisciplinary teams regarding complex psychiatric cases, psychopharmacology, clinical protocols, and continuity and coordination of behavioral health care.
• Maintains accurate and compliant psychiatric documentation and participates in behavioral health program evaluation, quality and performance improvement, patient and family education, and adherence to applicable accreditation, regulatory, and clinical practice standards.

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.

On‑call hours or standby duty may be required.

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