License Practical Nurse

Indian Health Service; McLaughlin (SD); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Possible recruitment incentives

Job summary

The Indian Health Service seeks a Licensed Practical Nurse to provide compassionate care to American Indian and Alaska Native populations. The LPN will deliver evidence-based nursing care across various settings, including inpatient and outpatient, and will be responsible for administering medications, monitoring patient responses, and participating in interdisciplinary team planning.

A valid nursing license is required, along with relevant experience. The position involves working on rotating shifts, ensuring flexibility and commitment to patient care.

Qualifications

• License to practice as a practical or vocational nurse.
• Experience in providing pre- and post-operative patient care.
• Familiarity with nursing care in medical facilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct evidence-based nursing care to patients.
• Administer prescribed medications and monitor effects.
• Assist with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Skills

Patient care

Clinical competence

Infection control

Emergency response

Education

Completion of a practical nursing program

Job description

Summary

At the Indian Health Service, Licensed Practical Nurses 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. Your expertise brings healing and hope across generations.

Responsibilities

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides direct, evidence-based nursing care to patients experiencing acute, sub-acute, or chronic health conditions in inpatient, outpatient, or home care settings. As a vital member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team, the LPN demonstrates clinical competence, sound judgment, and a commitment to patient-centered care. Assignments may range from routine to complex, requiring independent performance of nursing functions within established policies and under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or physician.

• 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.

Required Qualifications

U.S. citizenship is required.

Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31 1959.

A valid Real ID is required beginning May 7 2025.

Successful completion of an E‑Verify employment verification check is required.

A federal background investigation is required.

Performance of the position will be on rotating shifts: days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Shift rotations may vary from 8-, 10-, and 12‑hour shifts; on‑call or standby duty may be required.

• Licensure: Candidates must be currently licensed to practice as a practical or vocational nurse in a state, territory, or the District of Columbia, or must have applied for a license to practice. Applicants with completed training but no license may be appointed subject to obtaining licensure during the probationary period. Non‑licensed candidates who have completed training must provide the date of application and jurisdiction. No appointment can be retained beyond the probationary period if licensure is not attained. Approved candidates are considered fully qualified for GS‑3.
• Experience for GS‑4 and above: • Providing pre‑ and post‑operative patient care. • Observing, recording, and reporting changes in behavior of mentally ill patients. • Providing reassurance and encouragement to mentally ill patients. • Assisting surgeons and registered nurses in operating room activities. • Setting up and operating special medical equipment and apparatus. • Qualifying experience includes nursing care work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, or other supervised medical facilities, providing practical knowledge of human body structure and sterile techniques. • For GS‑4: 6 months of nursing experience is required. • For GS‑5 and above: 1 year of nursing experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level is required.
• Education/Training for GS‑4: • Successful completion of a program in practical nursing of at least 9 months' duration combined with 1 year of nursing assistant experience; or • Successful completion of a 2‑year degree program in an accredited community college, junior college, or university in practical nursing. • Minimum qualifications: at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, obtained in either the private or public sector, performing specified task categories (listed under Specialized Experience GS‑4, GS‑5, and GS‑6).
• Financial Suitability Requirement: Applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility, maintain good standing with creditors, and satisfy all legal financial obligations prior to application. Substantial delinquent or unresolved financial obligations may render the applicant unsuitable for employment.
• Applicants must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.

Benefits and Incentives

• Total compensation package includes pay, health, retirement, and other benefits (see Practical Nurse Total Compensation).
• Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized. At least a 6‑month service agreement will be required.
• Eligible for student loan repayment programs through IHS, NHSC, and HRSA.

Application Process and Additional Information

• The position has promotion potential to the GS‑6 grade level; promotion is at management discretion and not guaranteed.
• Candidates will be evaluated under the OPM Merit Hiring Plan.
• Short essay responses (200 words or less) to four questions may be requested; responses are optional.
• Candidates should be committed to improving government efficiency and upholding the U.S. Constitution.