Practical Nurse

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 refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience.

You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. BASIC REQUIREMENT(S) 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 candidates possessing a license 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 their training may be appointed subject to obtaining the required license during the probationary period. Those not licensed must furnish the date on which they applied for a license and the jurisdiction involved.

No person appointed pending licensure may be retained beyond the probationary period if licensure has not been attained. Additional Requirements for Grades GS-4 and Above GS-04: Your resume must demonstrate at least six (6) months of nursing experience. This experience includes nursing care work in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, home health, or other supervised medical, nursing, or patient care facility that provided a practical knowledge of human body structure and sterile techniques and procedures.

Examples include preparing patients for examinations or treatments; measuring and recording vital signs and other patient measurements; observing and reporting changes in patients' conditions; documenting patient information and care in medical records; assisting with routine diagnostic or treatment procedures while maintaining sterile technique when required; and following infection control and safety procedures.

OR Successfully completed a program in practical nursing of a least 9 months' duration combined with 1 year of nursing assistant experience. OR Successfully completed a 2-year degree program in an accredited community college, junior college, or college or university in practical nursing.

GS-05: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of nursing experience equivalent to at least the GS-04 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing basic nursing care under supervision in a hospital, clinic, or long-term care setting.

Examples include providing routine nursing care; obtaining and documenting vital signs; administering authorized medications and performing simple wound care; monitoring patients and reporting changes in condition; preparing patients and assisting with EKGs, specimen collection, immunizations, or minor treatments; following established infection control procedures; and reinforcing instructions on medications, preventive care, and follow-up appointments.

GS-06: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of nursing experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing a moderately difficult range of nursing care duties in a hospital, clinic, or similar setting.

Examples include independently carrying out a wide range of practical nursing duties under the general supervision of a registered nurse or physician; administering medications, performing wound care, and carrying out physician or nurse orders; recognizing changes in patient condition and taking appropriate action within the scope of practice; prioritizing care for patients with varied needs; assisting with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures while maintaining aseptic technique; documenting patient responses in the electronic health record; and instructing patients and families on medications, post-treatment care, preventive health measures, and follow-up requirements.

You must meet all qualification requirements by the respective cut-off day of rating to be eligible for consideration.

Performs a wide range of diagnostic support duties, which includes taking vital signs, documenting patient's pain perception, obtaining specimens, administering medications, receiving and recording lab results, positioning patients and assisting physicians with procedures. Supports patient and/or family in the integration of the patient plan of care toward changes to improve health. Observes and documents pertinent information regarding patient status in the electronic health record.

Participates in planning patient care that is consistent with accepted nursing standards and in compliance with prescribed medical treatment plan. Total Compensation Package - Check out IHS's outstanding total compensation package for this job: Practical Nurse Total Compensation | Pay (ihs.gov)