Lead Nurse

Indian Health Service • Kayenta, AZ

16h • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located in Nursing Services, Emergency Department, at the Kayenta Service Unit in Kayenta, Arizona. The Lead Nurse directs and manages Emergency Department patient care operations, provides clinical leadership to nursing staff, ensures safe, effective, and continuous emergency nursing services, and coordinates clinical, administrative, and logistical functions. The role also supports quality improvement, regulatory compliance, interdisciplinary coordination, staff development, and supervisory coverage.

Requirements

• Graduate or higher-level degree, bachelor's degree, associate degree, or diploma from an accredited professional nursing educational program.
• Graduates of foreign nursing schools must have official certification from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools.
• Pass the National Council Licensure Examination and hold a current, active, full, and unrestricted professional nurse license or registration from a U.S. state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory.
• Meet the GS-11 minimum qualification through either a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree from a professional nursing educational program or related medical science field, or at least one full year of professional nursing experience equivalent to GS-9 and a diploma or degree from a professional nursing educational program.
• At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower federal grade level, demonstrating progressive emergency or acute care nursing experience, independent assessment and management of critically ill or injured patients, emergency care coordination, clinical leadership, application of emergency nursing standards, and support for quality improvement, regulatory compliance, and multidisciplinary healthcare operations.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Successfully pass E-Verify employment verification.
• Successfully complete a federal background investigation and meet the financial suitability requirement.
• Upon instruction, complete required background investigation forms within five calendar days.
• Present two valid forms of identification before appointment; a state-issued ID or driver's license must be REAL ID-compliant.
• Set up direct deposit for payment.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage Emergency Department operations and personnel, including assigning, coordinating, and evaluating nursing and support staff work to ensure safe, effective, and timely patient care.
• Provide advanced emergency nursing care and clinical leadership by assessing critically ill or injured patients, initiating emergency interventions, coordinating care, and supporting staff managing complex patient situations.
• Support accreditation activities, review policies and procedures, evaluate outcomes, and implement quality improvement processes to promote compliance with nursing standards and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate patient transfers and interdisciplinary care, communicate with healthcare providers and support departments, promote continuity of care, and advocate for patients.
• Mentor nursing personnel, conduct meetings, promote education and competency development, address performance concerns, and act as the Supervisory Nurse/Unit Supervisor in their absence.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package for the employee and family.
• Federal annual leave accrual of 4, 6, or 8 hours per pay period, based on federal service.
• Possible credit for directly related prior non-federal experience or active-duty uniformed military service when determining annual leave accrual.
• Housing may be available.
• Potential eligibility to apply for student loan repayment programs through IHS, NHSC, or HRSA Nurse Corps; awards are competitive and depend on agency priorities and funding.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree