Nursing on South Dakota indian reservation

[am382406]

Hi, I will be graduating nursing school in August. I am very interested in working for the Indian Health Services on a reservation in South Dakota. I was just wondering if anyone had any personal insight into working on a reservation there. Also, I was wondering how does the housing issue work. Does the government provide housing? Any info. would be appreciated. Thanks!

[pat8585]

I am not much help, but I know the name of the reservation is called

Pine Ridge. There is also another one in SD that is called rosebud.

Why don't you check out www.ihs.gov/Medicalprograms/Nursing

it lists vacancies...

[lucyshuman]

Hello,

I see it has been a month since you posted this, so don't know if you still need this information. I do know about the Pine Ridge Reservation. I applaud your ambition to enter this kind of work, but there are a few things you should know. First of all, if you are a big city person you will find this area of the country desolate. It has its own beauty, but it is hours from any even moderate sized city. There is some housing provided, mostly for the physicians. This housing is on a restricted/fenced part of the reservation due to security concerns. Most of the people who work at the hospital live in the small towns outlying the reservation. The need for health care is great, as you will be serving one of the most destitute areas in the country. Alcoholism and violence are a way of life. The Lakota Sioux live very difficult lives. Having worked with this tribe for much of my early nursing career, I can honestly say that it was also the most rewarding part of my career. I learned something new every day. I was appreciated for the care that I gave. I know that I may be looking back with rose colored glasses, but I really did feel like what I did made a difference in people's lives. Good luck to you.