Nursing for IHS in Arizona

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Hi. I am a newly graduated nurse and I am wondering about the IHS facilities in Arizona, specifically the Navajo, Hopi, and Apache. I am one of the whitest people you will ever meet. I am wondering if any of the above mentioned tribes treat the white nurses any different than the native nurses. I currently live in Las Cruces, NM and have had the opportunity to provide care to Mescalero Apache patients throughout my clinical experiences, and the patients have been wonderful. The area I live in has a huge Native American history, and I have really learned a lot from what I have been exposed to thus far. If anybody could give me some insight into my prospective area of practice, I would be very grateful.

Heather

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I am a travel nurse from florida who has had the opportunity to work in a Navajo/Hopi facility as well as a strict Navajo one. I honestly think it was been a great experience as a nurse and as a person. If this is something you are interested in GO FOR IT ! :nuke: Just remember they have different customs than we do, like you dont do eye contact etc... but the facilities usually let you know. Remember you wont be alone, there are plently of non natives working on reservations. Good Luck.

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I have been hired by the facility in Fort Defiance, AZ. My good friend works in Chinle and absolutely loves it. My first day is July 20th. I have been a LPN for 6 years and just recently got my RN. The past 3 years I have worked for the VA.

Good luck to you. I'll keep you updated on Fort Defiance if you're interested.

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Wow congrats! I wish you the very best. Yes let me know how it goes for you and if you like it etc... remember there is always an adjustment period. Make the best out of this experience. Keep in touch!!!

Good Luck,

Iliana:yeah:

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Specializes in ER-Adult and Peds, also ICU.

i worked with these tribes for a little while in tuba city, az. i loved it! they were wonderful to work with. i am trying to go back to arizona to work directly for ihs. it did make me sad that i was limited in the quality of care i could provide. but each of us can make a difference by giving the best care we can.

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i know what you mean about limitations. right now our facility is changing over to a tribal facility. i'm anxious to see how that goes. so far i really like it here. i feel like everyone has welcomed me. the weather is beautiful and a lot dryer than i'm use to but i like it.

i worked with these tribes for a little while in tuba city, az. i loved it! they were wonderful to work with. i am trying to go back to arizona to work directly for ihs. it did make me sad that i was limited in the quality of care i could provide. but each of us can make a difference by giving the best care we can.
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Specializes in Pediatric.

Can you explain a little about the limitations that exist for care? Tks.

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