Summary At the Indian Health Service, a Licensed Practical Nurse does more than practice medicine—they change lives. Guided by our mission to raise the health of American Indian and Alaska Native people, you will deliver compassionate care where it is 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. Total Compensation Package Check out IHS's outstanding total compensation package for this job: Practical Nurse Total Compensation | Pay (ihs.gov). All grade levels may not be available at all locations. Responsibilities 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 U.S. Citizenship is required. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Positions may be subject to a probationary period. 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. Background investigation is required and must be completed within five (5) calendar days of issuance. Compliance with IHS Employee Health Policies related to Measles, Rubella, and seasonal influenza immunizations. Obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges, including any licensure requirements. Compliance with financial suitability requirements as part of the personnel security and suitability determination. Licensure Candidates must be currently licensed to practice as practical or vocational nurses in a State, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia, or must have applied for a license to practice. Applications of candidates possessing a license must be accompanied by a certified or photostatic copy of the license, a notarized statement, 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. Experience and Education 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 includes paid, unpaid, volunteer, and part‑time work. You must clearly identify the duties, responsibilities, and total number of hours per week for each position held. 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. A copy of the most recent unofficial transcript. Applicants who meet the licensure requirement are considered fully qualified for GS‑3. For GS‑4 and above, nursing experience equivalent to the next lower grade is required (6 months for GS‑4, 1 year for GS‑5 and above). Education requirements for GS‑4 include a minimum 9‑month practical nursing program plus 1 year of nursing assistant experience, or a 2‑year accredited community college program in practical nursing. Specialized Experience GS‑4: Assist with basic nursing care tasks such as bathing, feeding, dressing, transporting patients; measure and record vital signs; assist with simple diagnostic or treatment procedures while maintaining sterile technique; follow infection control and safety policies. GS‑5: Observe, record, and report changes in patient behavior or physical condition; carry out nursing procedures; take vital signs; collect specimens; maintain accurate documentation; set up and maintain medical equipment; assist physicians and RNs during examinations and treatments; provide patient and family instructions. GS‑6: Observe and report changes in patient condition; initiate and implement components of the nursing plan of care; perform a range of treatment procedures; administer medications safely; recognize urgent and emergent situations; provide patient and family education; assist with complex procedures; serve as a preceptor or resource; participate in quality improvement and training. Additional Information Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate based on the number of years served. IHS may offer new federal employees credit for directly related previous experience or active duty service. The position may be covered by a bargaining unit. Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized under a service agreement. The Indian Health Service, National Health Service Corps, and Health Resources and Services Administration offer student loan repayment programs for qualifying health disciplines. Promotion potential exists to the GS‑06 grade level. Promotion to the next higher grade is at management’s discretion and not guaranteed. Essay Questions (Optional) 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). Benefits Review our benefits package for detailed information. #J-18808-Ljbffr