Licensed Practical Nurse

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or…