General Information

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is the U.S. Public Health Service Agency responsible for providing health services to approximately 1.5 million American Indians and Alaska Natives who belong to more than 557 federally recognized tribes in 35 states. Presently, IHS and tribally managed programs operate in over 230 hospitals and ambulatory clinics. This task is complicated by the broad cultural, economic and geographic diversity of the groups served. As a result, health programs must be individually designed to address the needs of each community.

JOBS AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

The IHS has a number of exciting and fulfilling positions for licensed practical nurses, new graduate registered nurses and experienced registered nurses.

REGISTERED NURSES

Experienced registered nurses can choose among three distinct practice areas within the Indian Health Service. Hospital-based Nursing Practice: Nurse generalists and nurses with sub-specialties in operating room, obstetrics, pediatrics, ICU, and emergency room are needed in IHS hospitals.

Ambulatory Care Nurse Practice: Openings exist for nurses specializing in ambulatory care in health centers associated with IHS hospitals, as well as in freestanding IHS health centers.

Public Health Nursing Practice: IHS public health nursing emphasizes patient care and the assessment of community needs. Because American Indians and Alaska Natives have a relatively high birth rate, IHS public health nurses focus on maternal and child care. IHS public health nursing requires a BSN and at least one year's experience.

ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSES

Autonomy in the IHS is a special attraction for certified nurse-midwives (CNMs), certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), and nurse practitioners (NPs).

In IHS hospitals and health centers, advanced practice nurses enjoy a great deal of independence. A federal employment option enables them to practice, subject only to the limitations of their original state license, no matter where their IHS facility is located.

NURSE PRACTITIONERS

Family NPs are in great demand to satisfy the IHS need for generalists. NPs provide basic ambulatory care in collaboration with the full nursing and medical staff at their locations. They may also work closely with laboratory, pharmacy, dental, and other health staff.

CERTIFIED NURSE-MIDWIVES

CNMs perform deliveries in IHS hospitals and engage in all aspects of full-scope perinatal care, including care for newborns. CNMs frequently serve as primary care providers and take 8-hour or 12-hour call in intrapartum units.

The IHS has a "no forceps" policy. Most births in IHS hospitals occur in birthing rooms, often with family members and close friends in attendance.

CERTIFIED REGISTERED NURSE ANESTHETISTS

Because most IHS hospitals do not have anesthesiologists, CRNAs work independently under the supervision of a surgeon and, in some cases, a physician. Taking advantage of up-to-date equipment, CRNAs handle the full range of anesthesia, from general anesthetics to acute pain management and, in some cases, epidurals. Call responsibilities vary among IHS hospitals, but are evenly distributed.

For additional information and a listing of current jobs openings and contacts, please go to the IHS Job Vacancies web site.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

The IHS offers three excellent opportunities for students throughout the academic year through the Junior Commissioned Officer Student Training and Extern Program (JRCOSTEP), Senior Commissioned Officer Student Training and Extern Program (SRCOSTEP) and Senior Year Externship Rotations and the IHS Extern Program. All of these programs are highly competitive. Applications are accepted between September 1 and December 23 only.

JUNIOR COMMISSIONED OFFICER STUDENT TRAINING AND EXTERN PROGRAM (JRCOSTEP)

JRCOSTEP allows nursing students to gain valuable professional experience with the IHS early in their education. JRCOSTEPS are pre-assigned to serve for periods from 31 to 120 days during official school breaks throughout Indian Country. Most, however, are hired for the summer months (June, July, and August). Upon completing his/her professional education, the student may serve an extended active-duty assignment with any of the agencies/programs that hire commissioned officers. Those who go on to a career in the Commissioned Corps are credited for their JRCOSTEP time for pay and retirement purposes. JRCOSTEPS do not have an obligation to serve in the Commissioned Corps after graduation. Go to the Division of Commissioned Personnel's web site at http://www.usphs.gov/html/jrcostep.html for additional information about JRCOSTEP.

This Program is available to 437 scholarship recipients in baccalaureate programs. Please contact Area scholarship coordinator for more information.

SENIOR COMMISSIONED OFFICER STUDENT TRAINING AND EXTERN PROGRAM (SRCOSTEP)

The SRCOSTEP program is designed to assist students financially during their final academic year in return for an agreement to work for the PHS Commissioned Corps after graduation for twice the time sponsored (i.e., an 18-month employment commitment for 9 months of financial support). Upon graduation, assignments are made to the sponsoring agency/program that provided the financial support. Go to the Division of Commissioned Personnel's web site at http://www.usphs.gov/html/srcostep.html for additional information about SRCOSTEP.

IHS EXTERN PROGRAM

The IHS Extern Program is designed to allow 437 Scholarship recipients to gain valuable work experience during school breaks. Students interested in externship assignments should contact the Area Nurse Recruiter for assistance.