Summary At the Indian Health Service, Licensed Practical Nurse 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. Duties The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides direct, evidence-based nursing care to patients experiencing acute, sub-acute, or chronic health conditions in inpatient, outpatient, or home care settings. As a vital member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team, the LPN demonstrates clinical competence, sound judgment, and a commitment to patient-centered care. Assignments may range from routine to complex, requiring independent performance of nursing functions within established policies and under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or physician. Observing, recording, and reporting changes in patients' physical or emotional condition and contributing to the development and revision of the patient-driven, holistic plan of care. Providing safe, comprehensive nursing care to patients across the life span in accordance with established standards, policies, and procedures. Preparing and administering prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous), monitoring for therapeutic and adverse effects, and accurately documenting patient response. Performing basic and intermediate nursing procedures and treatments such as sterile dressing changes, catheter care, bladder scanning, blood glucose monitoring, specimen collection, and wound care. Recognizing and responding to urgent or emergent situations, initiating basic life support and other emergency measures while awaiting further assistance. Assisting with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, including preparing the patient, assembling supplies and instruments, maintaining aseptic/sterile technique, and monitoring the patient before, during, and after procedures. Providing education and reinforcement of teaching to patients and families related to disease processes, treatment regimens, and self-care activities. Utilizing electronic medical record systems to document care accurately and timely in accordance with facility documentation guidelines. Practicing infection control and safety procedures, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to isolation precautions. Participating in interdisciplinary team conferences, performance improvement initiatives, and discharge planning to support optimal patient outcomes. Establishing therapeutic and respectful relationships with patients and families that foster trust, privacy, and dignity in care delivery. Serving as a preceptor to orient and mentor less experienced LPNs, nursing assistants, or health technicians. Actively seeking opportunities for continuing education and professional development to enhance clinical knowledge and competency. 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. Where applicable, IHS Selectees may need to meet 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 must 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. Applicants must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. Direct deposit must be set up for payment. Background Investigation Requirement This position requires the successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment. 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. Qualifications To qualify, your résumé must state sufficient experience and/or education to perform the duties of the specific position. Experience includes paid, unpaid, volunteer work through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations. Credit is received for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part-time work. Duties and responsibilities in each position held, and the total number of hours per week, must be clearly identified. Degree and License Waiting Period for Impending Graduates Applicants currently enrolled and expected to complete the required education and obtain licensure within six months of applying may be deemed tentatively qualified. Submit documentation from the educational institution’s registrar or dean and an unofficial transcript. BASIC REQUIREMENT(S) Click on the following link to view occupational requirements for this position: Practical Nurse Series 0620 Licensure Candidates must be currently licensed to practice as practical or vocational nurses in a State or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia, or must have applied for a license to practice. Applications of licensed candidates must be accompanied by a certified or photostatic copy of the license, a notarized statement attesting to the fact, or a citation of the license number and State issuing it. Non-licensed candidates who have completed training may be appointed subject to obtaining the required license during the probationary period. Those not licensed must furnish the date of application and jurisdiction. No person appointed pending licensure may be retained beyond the probationary period if licensure has not been attained. Applicants who meet the licensure requirement are considered fully qualified for GS‑3. Experience (Additional Requirements for Grades GS‑4 and Above) Qualifying experience includes nursing care work in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other supervised medical, nursing, or patient care facility that provided practical knowledge of human body structure and sterile techniques and procedures, performing such duties such as: Providing pre‑ and post‑operative patient care. Observing, recording, and reporting changes in behavior of mentally ill patients. Providing reassurance and encouragement to mentally ill patients. Assisting surgeons and registered nurses in operating room activities, including passing instruments, maintaining sterile conditions, and draping and positioning patients. Setting up and operating special medical equipment and apparatus. For GS‑4: 6 months of nursing experience is required. For GS‑5 and above: 1 year of nursing experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level is required. Education/Training For GS‑4: Successful completion of a program in practical nursing of at least 9 months’ duration combined with 1 year of nursing assistant experience; or successful completion of a 2‑year degree program in an accredited community college, junior college, or university in practical nursing. To meet the Minimum Qualifications, you must also satisfy the following specialized experience by grade level (GS‑4, GS‑5, GS‑6) as previously listed. Minimum Qualifications Specialized Experience GS‑4: Assist with basic nursing care tasks such as bathing, feeding, dressing, or transporting patients; measure and record vital signs and report changes in condition; assist with simple diagnostic or treatment procedures while maintaining sterile technique, and following infection control and safety policies. Specialized Experience GS‑5: Observe, record, and report changes in patients' behavior or physical condition; carry out nursing procedures per guidelines; take vital signs, collect specimens, and maintain documentation; set up and maintain medical equipment; assist physicians and RNs during examinations and treatments; provide instructions to patients and families. Specialized Experience GS‑6: Observe, record, and report changes in patient condition; initiate and implement components of the nursing plan of care; perform procedures such as inserting catheters, administering immunizations, changing sterile dressings, providing wound care; administer medications safely; recognize urgent/emergent situations and initiate basic life support; provide patient/family education; assist physicians and RNs with complex procedures; serve as preceptor or resource to less experienced staff; participate in quality improvement and training activities. Education Submit unofficial transcripts or a list of courses with titles, credit hours, and grades. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accredited institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education are eligible. For foreign education, send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript. Additional Information Federal employees earn annual leave based on years served. IHS may offer newly-appointed federal employees credit for directly related previous non-federal experience or active duty military service. This credited service can determine the rate of 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, National Health Service Corps, and Health Resources and Services Administration offer student loan repayment programs for qualifying health disciplines. For IHS: For NHSC: For HRSA Nurse Corps: This position has promotion potential to the GS‑06 grade level. Promotion is at management’s discretion. You will be evaluated according to the OPM Merit Hiring Plan. As part of the application process, you will 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 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. Financial Suitability Requirement: Applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility, maintain good standing with creditors, and satisfy all legal financial obligations before applying. #J-18808-Ljbffr