Certified Nurse Midwife

Summary

At the Indian Health Service (IHS), Certified Nurse Midwives do 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.

• Conduct comprehensive patient assessments, including medical histories, physical exams, and diagnostic testing.
• Identify and diagnose acute, chronic, and complex health conditions.
• Develop individualized care plans that address patient needs, including treatment goals and expected outcomes.
• Prescribe medications, therapies, and medical devices.
• Provide care for normal antepartum women, including teaching, counseling, and support throughout the maternity cycle.
• Perform normal obstetrical procedures such as starting intravenous infusions, administering analgesia, and managing normal spontaneous deliveries.
• Perform newborn evaluations and manage care of normal newborns.
• Recognize and respond to obstetric complications and emergencies, providing initial urgent management and consulting as necessary.

• A graduate or higher‑level degree from an accredited professional nursing educational program, or a bachelor’s, associate, or diploma degree meeting accreditation standards.
• For foreign‑trained nurses, official certification from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools.
• For Advanced Practice Nurse positions, a graduate or higher‑level degree in the required specialty (e.g., Midwifery) from an accredited program.
• Qualified for the GS‑11 grade level:
  • Successful completion of a doctoral degree OR at least one full year of professional nursing experience and a bachelor’s degree.
  • For GS‑12 grade level, at least one full year of advanced practice nursing experience.
• Current, active, full, and unrestricted license or registration as a professional nurse from a U.S. State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory.
• Passage of the National Council Licensure Examination.
• Proficient in performing history and physical examinations, prescribing medications, and interpreting diagnostic results.
• Ability to manage uncomplicated labor and delivery, including performing episiotomies and managing emergencies within scope of practice.
• Commitment to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, upholding the U.S. Constitution, and contributing to the mission of IHS.

• Successful completion of a federal background investigation is required.
• Applicants must complete all required investigation forms within five (5) calendar days of issuance.
• Regular communication with the Personnel Security Specialist is encouraged.

• U.S. citizenship and Selective Service registration (for males born after 12/31/1959).
• Compliance with public law requirements regarding contact with Indian children.
• Completion of a Financial Suitability Assessment; individuals with significant unresolved financial obligations may be deemed unsuitable.
• Successful passage of the E‑Verify employment verification check.
• Set up direct deposit for payment.

• Competitive total compensation package includes salary, bonuses, and benefits (see IHS Compensation).
• Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized, and a one‑year service agreement will be required.
• Government housing availability depends on location.
• Eligible employees may receive student loan repayment assistance through IHS, NHSC, or HRSA programs (see provided links).
• Promotion potential to GS‑12 or GS‑13 grade levels exists based on performance and needs.