Indian Reservation Nursing

Specialties Travel

Published

Hi, I just recently heard of a new grad nurse who is practicing nursing on an indian reservation. I thought that sounded interesting and wondered if anyone could offer any insight to what this is really like. Do you know anyone who has actually done this? Any info. is appreciated. Thanks!

I'm starting a position at Fort Defiance, AZ in a couple of weeks. It is about an hour from Gallup. I'll let you know how it goes if you like. When you've made 15 post you can send me a PM (private message). I'll answer any questions you have the best I can. This is all new to me, also. I've been working for the V.A. the last 3 years.

I'm thinking of moving out to Gallup to work at the IHS hospital as a new grad and it sounds like you're a great person to ask this burning question...

What am I getting myself into?? I'm excited about the possibility of moving and doing something brand new, but it's so hard to get an idea of what it's really like. I'm moving from NC and I've never been to that area of the country. I'm up for a challenge and I've lived abroad more than once, but it feels like I'm diving into this blindly. Any suggestions or insight would be greatly appreciated!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

Well as my 2nd travel assignment I took a job at the IHS Hospital in Tuba City, AZ. Only planned on doing the 13 weeks and moving on! Wellll I ended up extending for a second 13 weeks and they asked me to extend for another 13! ONLY reason I didn't accept the 2nd extension was the distance home, 600 miles and I'd seen the family 3 times in 6 months!

Would I go back? In a heart beat! Great people to work with and the culture was fasinating. Tuba City is a bit on the remote side, 70 miles North of Flagstaff and 70 mile South of Page, AZ. You have to seriously plan your shopping as the one grocery store there leaves a "LOT" to be desired! Housing can also be a bit touchy but once that issue is resolved no sweat.

GREAT place to work!!

Sarge

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OB.
I'm thinking of moving out to Gallup to work at the IHS hospital as a new grad and it sounds like you're a great person to ask this burning question...

What am I getting myself into?? I'm excited about the possibility of moving and doing something brand new, but it's so hard to get an idea of what it's really like. I'm moving from NC and I've never been to that area of the country. I'm up for a challenge and I've lived abroad more than once, but it feels like I'm diving into this blindly. Any suggestions or insight would be greatly appreciated!

I originally moved to the reservation back in 1988 from the Balto./Wash. area sight unseen - had never been west of the Mississippi in my life. (I moved even further out - Chinle, AZ). It is very different than what most of us are used to. One of the things that was hard at first was the distance between places and being able to drive for 25-50 miles without seeing towns, houses or any sign of what I then thought of as "civilization". Now I think nothing of driving 2-3 hours to go do anything. Living in Gallup wouldn't present so much of that as it is the "town" where most from the eastern side of the reservation come to do shopping, etc., so everything you really need is here. (They actually now have a Starbucks!). For most "big city" stuff though Albuquerque is only 2 hours away.

The housing here may not be what you are used to - much of it is older, but if you ask your coworkers it is possible to find housing that is in safe areas and in decent shape - just not many amenities (No apt. complexes with pools, exercise rooms and spas, etc.)

If you enjoy outdoors there is much to do and see in the area, lots of new experiences. If it is the same as when I started with the IHS, you are only obligating yourself for a year, why not go for it? At the very least you will gain great work experience, at best you may find that like me, you fall under the spell of the southwest and keep returning long after you've gone on to other places.

Let me know if there is any specific information I can help you with. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I'm thinking of moving out to Gallup to work at the IHS hospital as a new grad and it sounds like you're a great person to ask this burning question...

What am I getting myself into?? I'm excited about the possibility of moving and doing something brand new, but it's so hard to get an idea of what it's really like. I'm moving from NC and I've never been to that area of the country. I'm up for a challenge and I've lived abroad more than once, but it feels like I'm diving into this blindly. Any suggestions or insight would be greatly appreciated!

is this laurn from cchs, charlotte nc? this is azra I. how are you?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Just a little follow up from my last post. I have been at Fort Defiance for about 5 weeks now. So far I really like it!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Wow that's great! I actually called a recruiter from the Crownpoint facility in New Mexico. Right now I am trying to set up a time that I can visit Crownpoint and some of the other facilities around here. Have the pts./staff been pretty receptive to you?

Thanks

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I feel as if they have been very receptive. My co-workers are very nice! I highly rececommend visiting various sites if you are able to. I didn't visit prior to coming to the Fort but I do no regret coming here at all. If you have been a nurse awhile you will really appreciate it here.

So, if anyone doesn't mind relocating and expieriencing a different culture I highly recommend IHS. IHS has government and non-government (tribal) facilities. The Public Health Commission Corps is an option, too. We have several employees who are commission corps.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OB.
I feel as if they have been very receptive. My co-workers are very nice! I highly rececommend visiting various sites if you are able to. I didn't visit prior to coming to the Fort but I do no regret coming here at all. If you have been a nurse awhile you will really appreciate it here.

So, if anyone doesn't mind relocating and expieriencing a different culture I highly recommend IHS. IHS has government and non-government (tribal) facilities. The Public Health Commission Corps is an option, too. We have several employees who are commission corps.

Glad to hear you are enjoying the Rez! Be careful though of all the grandmas and the great jewelry,etc. they sell - can really decimate a paycheck!:D

Up Vote Up Vote ×

agree the culture is fasinating. and most of the people at the hospital are just wonderful. but things are getting very bad in the admin part of the hospital. ceo, at this time, contract not renewed. head of housing and security let go for some "un-ethical" things. vist this website for information on what they have done to others, and are doing to us. they should really stress this fact to people planning or thinking about coming to work here. if you are non native, you practicly have no rights on the rezervation.

http://tubacitynursing.viviti.com/ . it is not trashing the hospital, nor any one person. just some facts on what you might run into here.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

After reading the thread, I may consider a short contract at an ambulatory clinic in the Navejo area. Has anybody heard what that's about?

Thanks for the info

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric.

Was offered a travel position to Tuba City Regional. For all those that have worked there, what would you consider a drawback to this location? I would be on my first travel assignment. Would you recommend starting a travel career in a remote location? What did you do on your spare time? Thanks for the info.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I work at Fort Defiance as staff. Most of the travelers I work with like the assignments here and other Navajo facilities. The only thing they do not like is that the areas are so isolated. Many of our travelers and staff nurses work 7 on and 7 off. They use the 7 off to go sight seeing. There are some beautiful sights to see, too. :-)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment