Indian Reservation Nursing

[am382406]

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!

[jstr]

Ex Navy girl, have you made it to Chinle, AZ yet? YOu mentioned a while back to trying to get an assignment there. Started to pursue travel again. Have been submitted for Chinle and Gallup. Is there any housing in Chinle besides the hotels?

Tks!

[Rohan8]

How receptive is the staff towards male nurses?

[rrockstar88, BSN, RN]

I just went to the IHS website and it states that applicants must have at least one year experience. As a new grad, I am disappointed. Can anyone verify this? (I realize this thread was started 2.5 years ago and things can change...) Thanks!

[79Tango]

I can verify that almost NOBODY gets hired off the streets for Federal Jobs anymore. Most people have to start off as a contractor or traveler first. The last time I checked it was min 12 of the last 36months experience working in whatever dept you are applying.

There is a very common misconception that because these places are out in the middle of nowhere & on the Rez, they are desperate for people.. Yes, the do use a lot of travelers and have a TON of ER and OB jobs however are also very selective. The nice thing for experienced travelers is they are FAST when it comes to getting hired/started.

[rrockstar88, BSN, RN]

Thanks for the reply, 79.

[Rohan8]

Rockstar . . IHS may have this policy, but there are hospitals that are being taken over by the tribes and privitized by the tribes. They call these 638 hospitals. they will hire new grads. Call (MODERATOR EDIT OF NAME - PLEASE DO NOT POST NAMES OF INDIVIDUALS PER TOS) at Ft Defiance or the HR person Ganado (sage memorial) on the Navajo reservation. they need people and can be a great place to get that first year.

[rrockstar88, BSN, RN]

Thanks very much for the information!

[noodlehead5050]

Hey, rrockstar88

I am a new grad and just got hired on at an IHS facility. I graduated in June and started to aggressively apply in October. It took a while but I finally got a phone interview and was hired, well conditionally. I have to pass all the required federal background and finger print checks. Just keep applying on usajobs.gov, I hear the OK IHS really needs nurses, they called after I had already started the process with Navajo facility. It takes a while to hear back once an application is submitted.

[rrockstar88, BSN, RN]

Thanks, Noodle! I really appreciate the information and you taking the time to reply to me. Best of luck in your new position!!!

Cheers! :cheers:

[dreamworx07]

I don't work for Indian health services but I do work in a community hospital that services alot of American Indians. There is alot of cultural considerations with the patiens and families but as a whole I love it.

[Rohan8]

Federal or not the best way to get your foot in the door is to call the nurse recruiter. They can help your applicatin along in the federal system. PM me if you want a list of Navajo area recruiters. I am not allowed to post names or contact info on this site. Ridersofrohan8 is my gmail.

[cullmcc]

Hi Rohan8,

I was just perusing the site and came upon your post! I still have about a year of nursing school left, but I have recently contacted a nursing recruiter for IHS and also for the commissioned corps. I'd have to do more research but I am really, really interested in working at one of the reservations. The recruiter (Naomi) mentioned that Tuba City was a good place to start applying as a new grad. I currently live in Chicago. Do you have any advice?

Thanks so much,

Megan