Working for the Indian Health Service

Nurses General Nursing

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Hello!

I've been interested in working on a Native American reservation. To boot, I've discovered that in certain situations, some of my nursing school loans can be paid off in the process. I'm curious to hear about other peoples' experiences. I'm also not sure if I need to be part Native American to work in the Native American service. I'd really appreciate it if somebody could shed some light. Thanks!!

Thank you both for your response. I appreciate it very much!

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You should check out the IHS website.

I just read the Director's, Dr. Yvette Robideaux, professionalism message, customer service messsage, and Employee Ethics message.

Sounds like they have some major problems with corruption, bullying, and general bad behavior by some (a lot of?) staff. For her to come out and write three letters to the staff about these problems it must be huge.

I have thought about working there because I generally love the out doors, am a helper by nature and would love to be a part of helping Native Americans, and have an insane amount of student loans.

Does any one know where the places of greatest need are? Any places that are known to be more civil to outsiders?

Thanks!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Geriatrics.

The Santa Ynez tribe has clinics near Pismo Ca.

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Specializes in ER, ICU, PICU, ONC, FLIGHT.

I worked contract with the Navajo/Hopi area. It can be pretty remote, but usually the staff was pretty cohesive. We joked that a beer run was 2 hours one way. Most of the people there were pretty nice. Sometimes you'd find some racism. Most of the patients were pretty tough and stoic. Rarely was anyone whiny. It's weird to be by far a minority. Gives you a new perspective on things. I felt pretty safe there. Because of the laws there, there wasn't much crime against Non-Natives. Lots of alcohol related violence even though it's a dry reservation. Lots of drinking of hairspray. Glad I did it. Still working with Reservation Hospitals as a flight nurse.

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Thanks for sharing your expereince. Sounds like you had a reasonably good time. May I ask what area of the country you were in? Just curious to know where the better places to work are.

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Specializes in med-surg, MCH home visiting.

i just submitted my application for IHS last week!! does anyone have an idea about how soon it takes for them to accept someone?

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I looked atan IHS hospital in Talequah, OK. It was a beautiful town and they are planning to build a new hospital soon. I liked what I saw but my children didn't want to leave Texas so I stayed here. I am regretting it now, wish I would have done it as I was laid off at my job here due to budget cutbacks.

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Specializes in Operating Room and Psych.

I am in the process of getting my application ready to send. A friend at Chinle told me it could take a couple of months. Right now I would love to be where you are in having the application completed. Great Job !! What specialty did you apply for? My hold up is finishing the KSA section - after some research showed the points this gives per the OPM guideline for nursing. My hsuband found the guidelines online. Anyway my specialty is the operating room.

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Specializes in med-surg, MCH home visiting.

i applied for the loan repayment program, it didn't give me an option to put down a specialty.... but seeing is how i will be a new nurse i don't even have a specialty! :) thanks for replying to my question. good luck

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Hello!

I've been interested in working on a Native American reservation. To boot, I've discovered that in certain situations, some of my nursing school loans can be paid off in the process. I'm curious to hear about other peoples' experiences. I'm also not sure if I need to be part Native American to work in the Native American service. I'd really appreciate it if somebody could shed some light. Thanks!!

i have worked for a hospital for a little while in Bethel, Alaska. it services native amaricans, although the hospital is not an IHS per say. But, Bethel is so very isolated, good hospital. If you sign on for two years i thik the time is, they have a program to repay your loans. it's a pretty good place to be for 2 years to get things done like that.

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I looked atan IHS hospital in Talequah, OK. It was a beautiful town and they are planning to build a new hospital soon. I liked what I saw but my children didn't want to leave Texas so I stayed here. I am regretting it now, wish I would have done it as I was laid off at my job here due to budget cutbacks.

I live in Tahlequah, Ok and the hospital here is one of the nicest IHS hospitals I have seen. (there are probably 4-5 in a 100 mile radius). Another advantage for an RN working here in Tahlequah is the university is only 5 min. From the hospital. Northeastern State has a BSN program available. The city hospital is also directly in front of the IHS (WW Hastings). I don't mean to sound like such a homer but Tahlequah and IHS hospitals need good nurses. The town really is a beautiful one....did I mention the river is 2 miles away.

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Tahlequah, Ok sounds like a good spot. Any psych units there?

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