What are the responsibilities and job description for the Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner) position at HHS Careers?
Summary
The incumbent is a primary and specialty care provider to patients and their families (all ages). Assignments include comprehensive medical and nursing care to patients with progressively more difficult or unusual problems.
We are accepting applications year-round with eligible applicants being placed on a standing register and eligible candidates referred for consideration as vacancies occur with referral at multiple grade levels and locations and type of appointments.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
Selectee may be subject to a probationary period
U.S. Citizenship is required
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes.
Adherence to the IHS Employee Immunization Policy, SGM 21-04, and the IHS Circular 2016-04 requiring Measles and Rubella, COVID-19, and seasonal influenza immunizations for staff working in Indian Health Service health care facilities OR an exemption request will need to be submitted.
The selected individual is required to obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges, including any licensure requirements. If privileges are not obtained or maintained during employment, the employee will be subject to adverse actions, up to and including removal from Federal service.
Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/ .
You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you.
Background Investigation: If you are selected for this vacancy, you must undergo a pre-employment fingerprint check and background investigation. Fingerprint results and background investigation documentation must be cleared prior to hire. After you begin your employment, your continued employment is contingent upon the outcome of a complete background investigation as determined by the sensitivity level of your position. The investigation must find that you are suitable for Federal employment in your position. If you are found not suitable, you will be terminated after you begin work. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or subject to possible criminal charges. You may be subject to a credit check as a part of the background investigation process.
Qualifications
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):
Individual Occupational Requirements:
These standards describe the basic qualification requirements (for example, educational, medical, age, experience, etc.) for this type of occupation. Basic education, license, experience, and other qualifications for an Advanced Practice Nurse occupation are listed below. For definition of specialized experience related to this position and for type of clinical specialty license requirements related to the work of this position, please see Minimum Qualifications described below;
Education: A graduate or higher-level degree, bachelor's degree, associate degree, or diploma from an accredited professional nursing educational program is required. This education must have been accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, or an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained.Degree from Foreign Nursing School: Official certification from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (external link) is required for individuals who graduated from foreign nursing schools.Degree for Advanced Practice Nurse Positions:
Education
This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer.
Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: https://www.ed.gov/accreditation .
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/ .
Additional Information
Per IHS policy (SGM 21-04) IHS selectees to positions located in Federally operated hospitals, health centers, and clinics must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before entry on duty or have IHS approve a medical or religious exemption. If an exemption is approved then wearing a face mask and regular testing for COVID-19 will be required. Your Human Resources Specialist will provide a list of documents acceptable as vaccination proof and instructions on how to submit your vaccination documentation or how to request a medical or religious exemption, if needed.
Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. IHS may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their directly related previous non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.
The following positions are covered by a Bargaining Unit; Western Oregon Service Unit and Yakima Service Unit
Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized. At least a one year service agreement will be required.
The Indian Health Service (IHS), National Health Service Corps (NHSC), And The Health Resources And Services Administration (HRSA) Have Student Loan Repayment Programs For Qualifying Health Disciplines. This Is a Competitive Process Separate From The Hiring Process. Opportunities For LRP Are Based On Agency Hiring Priorities And Availability Of Funds. For Additional Information Please Visit:
For IHS - http://www.ihs.gov/loanrepayment/
For NHSC - https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loanrepayment/
For HRSA Nurse Corps - https://bhw.hrsa.gov/loansscholarships/nursecorps
This position has promotion potential to the GS-13 grade level. Promotion to the next grade level is at management's discretion and is based on your demonstrated ability to perform the higher level duties, the continuing need for the higher level duties, and "Regulatory/Administrative" approval. Promotion to the next higher grade level is not guaranteed and no promise of promotion is implied.
Read more
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Additional selections may be made for similar positions across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within the local commuting area(s) of the location identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) at HHS. Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions across HHS.
This position will be filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority. Category rating and Veterans' Preference will not be considered in evaluating applicants. For more information on Direct Hire Authority, please see OPM Direct Hire Fact Sheet . Your application (resume and supporting documentation) will be evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications required as listed on the announcement under qualification requirements. To be considered well qualified for the purposes of the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) and the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), you must substantively exceed the basic qualifications and meet all eligibility, physical, medical, suitability, and any other requirements.
Click here to view vacancy questions: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12665531 . All documents above MUST be received by 11:59 (Eastern Standard Time) of the establihsed cut-off date or the closing date of, 12/31/2025, to be considered.
The incumbent is a primary and specialty care provider to patients and their families (all ages). Assignments include comprehensive medical and nursing care to patients with progressively more difficult or unusual problems.
We are accepting applications year-round with eligible applicants being placed on a standing register and eligible candidates referred for consideration as vacancies occur with referral at multiple grade levels and locations and type of appointments.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
- Provide direct and comprehensive primary, preventive and therapeutic medical and nursing care to patients with progressively more difficult or unusual problems.
- Analyze and interpret patient histories, symptoms, physical findings, or diagnostic information to develop appropriate diagnoses.
- Order developmental and laboratory tests as necessary to assure an accurate diagnosis.
- Interpret test results discriminating between normal and abnormal findings.
- Prescribe drugs to treat specific illnesses.
- Instruct patient and families regarding the treatment plan and any follow-up required.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
Selectee may be subject to a probationary period
U.S. Citizenship is required
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes.
Adherence to the IHS Employee Immunization Policy, SGM 21-04, and the IHS Circular 2016-04 requiring Measles and Rubella, COVID-19, and seasonal influenza immunizations for staff working in Indian Health Service health care facilities OR an exemption request will need to be submitted.
The selected individual is required to obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges, including any licensure requirements. If privileges are not obtained or maintained during employment, the employee will be subject to adverse actions, up to and including removal from Federal service.
Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/ .
You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you.
Background Investigation: If you are selected for this vacancy, you must undergo a pre-employment fingerprint check and background investigation. Fingerprint results and background investigation documentation must be cleared prior to hire. After you begin your employment, your continued employment is contingent upon the outcome of a complete background investigation as determined by the sensitivity level of your position. The investigation must find that you are suitable for Federal employment in your position. If you are found not suitable, you will be terminated after you begin work. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or subject to possible criminal charges. You may be subject to a credit check as a part of the background investigation process.
Qualifications
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):
Individual Occupational Requirements:
These standards describe the basic qualification requirements (for example, educational, medical, age, experience, etc.) for this type of occupation. Basic education, license, experience, and other qualifications for an Advanced Practice Nurse occupation are listed below. For definition of specialized experience related to this position and for type of clinical specialty license requirements related to the work of this position, please see Minimum Qualifications described below;
Education: A graduate or higher-level degree, bachelor's degree, associate degree, or diploma from an accredited professional nursing educational program is required. This education must have been accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, or an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained.Degree from Foreign Nursing School: Official certification from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (external link) is required for individuals who graduated from foreign nursing schools.Degree for Advanced Practice Nurse Positions:
- For Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) positions, applicants must possess a graduate or higher-level degree in nursing from an accredited educational program in the area of expertise or specialty indicated by the position.
- Areas of specialties for positions include, but are not limited to, Acute Care, Anesthesia, Community Health, Family, Geriatric, Home Health, Midwifery, Neonatal, Oncology, Pediatric, Psychiatric, Allergy and Immunology, Women's Health, Cardiovascular, Dermatology, Occupational Health, Orthopedic, Respiratory, or other specialties identified for the position.
- For all grade levels and positions, applicants must have passed the National Council Licensure Examination (external link) . In addition, they must possess a current, active, full, and unrestricted license or registration as a professional nurse from a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States.
- Additional License Requirements for Advanced Practice Nurse Positions: Applicants for Advanced Practice Nurse positions must be licensed or registered by a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States in the clinical specialty required by the position.
- Successful completion of a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree from a professional nursing educational program or related medical science field; or
- At least one full year of professional nursing experience (equivalent to the GS-9 grade level) and possession of a diploma, associate degree, bachelor's degree, or master's degree from a professional nursing educational program.
- In addition to the mandatory license and education described above under Basic Requirements applicants must have at least one or more full years of professional nursing experience that is equivalent to the next lower grade level.
- Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of professional experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, The work experience must have equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.
- Examples: Advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) experience in providing professional nursing experience as an independent practitioner providing direct and comprehensive primary, preventive and therapeutic medical and nursing care to patients.
- Additional license requirements for this position (Clinical Specialty): family nurse practitioner (FNP) APRN. In addition to the traditional responsibilities of an APRN, FNPs focus on primary, preventive healthcare for patients of all ages.
- Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of professional experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, The work experience must have equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.
- Examples include work as an independent practitioner providing comprehensive primary and/or specialty care for patients; work with a variety of populations where the scope of practice includes monitor health and wellness, as well as treat acute or chronic illnesses, for people of all ages on knowledge of the population of the community they serve as well as the challenges faced by their patients that live there; work in ambulatory clinics, whether that means a community clinic or a private practice. Work with responsibilities for compiling and tracking the health histories of one or more members of a family for a long period of time.
- Additional license requirements for this position (Clinical Specialty): family nurse practitioner (FNP) APRN. In addition to the traditional responsibilities of an APRN, FNPs focus on primary, preventive healthcare for patients of all ages.
- Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of professional experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, The work experience must have equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.
- Examples Include: Provides direct patient care, treatment plans, preventative health to individuals, including guidance in nutrition, common illnesses, accidents, child growth and development and child rearing (as appropriate within the context of outpatient clinic setting). Provides full range of emergency services or crisis intervention including life-saving emergency procedures.
Education
This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer.
Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: https://www.ed.gov/accreditation .
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/ .
Additional Information
Per IHS policy (SGM 21-04) IHS selectees to positions located in Federally operated hospitals, health centers, and clinics must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before entry on duty or have IHS approve a medical or religious exemption. If an exemption is approved then wearing a face mask and regular testing for COVID-19 will be required. Your Human Resources Specialist will provide a list of documents acceptable as vaccination proof and instructions on how to submit your vaccination documentation or how to request a medical or religious exemption, if needed.
Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. IHS may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their directly related previous non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.
The following positions are covered by a Bargaining Unit; Western Oregon Service Unit and Yakima Service Unit
Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized. At least a one year service agreement will be required.
The Indian Health Service (IHS), National Health Service Corps (NHSC), And The Health Resources And Services Administration (HRSA) Have Student Loan Repayment Programs For Qualifying Health Disciplines. This Is a Competitive Process Separate From The Hiring Process. Opportunities For LRP Are Based On Agency Hiring Priorities And Availability Of Funds. For Additional Information Please Visit:
For IHS - http://www.ihs.gov/loanrepayment/
For NHSC - https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loanrepayment/
For HRSA Nurse Corps - https://bhw.hrsa.gov/loansscholarships/nursecorps
This position has promotion potential to the GS-13 grade level. Promotion to the next grade level is at management's discretion and is based on your demonstrated ability to perform the higher level duties, the continuing need for the higher level duties, and "Regulatory/Administrative" approval. Promotion to the next higher grade level is not guaranteed and no promise of promotion is implied.
Read more
- Help
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Additional selections may be made for similar positions across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within the local commuting area(s) of the location identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) at HHS. Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions across HHS.
This position will be filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority. Category rating and Veterans' Preference will not be considered in evaluating applicants. For more information on Direct Hire Authority, please see OPM Direct Hire Fact Sheet . Your application (resume and supporting documentation) will be evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications required as listed on the announcement under qualification requirements. To be considered well qualified for the purposes of the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) and the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), you must substantively exceed the basic qualifications and meet all eligibility, physical, medical, suitability, and any other requirements.
Click here to view vacancy questions: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12665531 . All documents above MUST be received by 11:59 (Eastern Standard Time) of the establihsed cut-off date or the closing date of, 12/31/2025, to be considered.
