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Certified Nurse Midwife

Indian Health Service logo

Indian Health Service

Multiple Locations

Provides independent, preventative, therapeutic and comprehensive obstetric and gynecologic care.

Posted Oct 1 · Applications close Dec 31 · New grads welcomed

Shift and hours
Rotating shifts: days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays · 8, 10 and 12-⁠hour shifts
Unit and setting
Hospital Performs accurate history and physical examination on obstetric, gynecologic and neonatal patients.
License
CNM license Licensure: For all grade levels and positions, applicants must have passed the National Council Licensure Examination.Passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)
Term
Permanent

Do you qualify?

New grads
Welcomed Applicants who meet the above APN education and licensure requirements qualify for the GS-9.
License
Passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) Licensure: For all grade levels and positions, applicants must have passed the National Council Licensure Examination.
License
Current, active, full, unrestricted professional nurse license
License
APN license in the required clinical specialty (midwifery)
Education
Graduate, bachelor's, associate or diploma from accredited professional nursing program A graduate or higher-level degree, bachelor's degree, associate degree, or diploma from an accredited professional nursing educational program is required.
Education
Accredited at the time the degree was obtained
Education
Graduate degree in nursing in the midwifery specialty
Experience
1 full year of advanced practice nursing experience (GS-11 path, alternative to PhD) At least one full year of professional advanced practice nursing experience (equivalent to the GS-9 grade level)
Experience
1+ full years of advanced practice nursing experience for GS-12 level applicants must have at least one or more full years of professional advanced practice nursing experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level
Experience
1 year specialized experience in midwifery/women's health tasks
Also asks
Obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges The selected individual is required to obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges, including any licensure requirements.
Also asks
All qualification requirements met within 30 days of announcement closing date You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.
Also asks
U.S. citizenship
Also asks
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959 Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
Also asks
Federal background investigation as a condition of employment This position requires the successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment.
Also asks
Background forms completed within 5 calendar days of issuance Upon receipt of instructions, applicants must complete all required background investigation forms within 5 calendar days of issuance.
Also asks
Financial suitability review; substantial delinquent obligations may bar employment
Also asks
Cannot have certain criminal findings (PL 101-630, contact with Indian children) the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes.
Also asks
Pass E-Verify employment verification check Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
Also asks
REAL ID required A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).
Also asks
Employee Health immunization policies (measles, rubella, seasonal flu) may apply IHS Selectees that will work in an IHS health care facility may be subject to Employee Health Policies related to Measles and Rubella, and seasonal influenza immunizations.

What it pays

Bonus
Recruitment/relocation sign-on bonus Begin your journey with purpose AND receive a recruitment/relocation sign-on bonus, if eligible.if eligible
Bonus
Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized.
Pay reviews
Not all grade levels available at all locations All Grade levels MAY NOT be available at all locations.

Benefits

  • BenefitsAnnual leave at 4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period based on years of Federal serviceFederal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee.
  • BenefitsDirectly related prior non-federal experience or military service may be credited toward annual leave rateIHS may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their directly related previous non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service.
  • BenefitsStudent loan repayment programs (IHS, NHSC, HRSA)
  • Total compensation package (see IHS Nurse Practitioner Total Compensation)
  • Recruitment/relocation sign-on bonus, if eligible
  • Federal annual leave accrual of 4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period based on years of federal service
More benefits (1)
  • Student loan repayment programs through IHS, NHSC and HRSA, subject to a separate competitive process

The role and schedule

Patients
Performs accurate history and physical examination on obstetric, gynecologic and neonatal patients. Performs accurate history and physical examination on obstetric, gynecologic and neonatal patients.
Day to day
Independent, preventative, therapeutic and comprehensive obstetric and gynecologic care Provides independent, preventative, therapeutic and comprehensive obstetric and gynecologic care.
Day to day
Collaborates with obstetricians and gynecologists Collaborates with Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Day to day
History and physical exams on obstetric, gynecologic and neonatal patients
Day to day
Manages labor from admission through intervention decisions and family support
Day to day
Postpartum care using a family centered approach Provides postpartum care using a family centered approach.
Day to day
Normal postpartum management: hospital disposition, discharge counseling, clinic follow-up Evaluates and manages the normal postpartum period to include determining hospital disposition, providing discharge counseling and conducting clinic follow-up.
Union
May be covered by a Bargaining Unit This position may be covered by a Bargaining Unit.
Hours stated
Position subject to rotating shifts; days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Shift rotations may vary from 8,10 and 12-hour shifts.
Weekends
Rotating weekends Position subject to rotating shifts; days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
On call
On-call hours or standby duty may be required On-call hours or standby duty may be required.
Holidays
Rotating holidays
Details
Competitive vacancy under Direct Hire Authority This is a competitive vacancy announcement advertised under Direct Hire Authority.
Details
Selectee may be subject to a probationary period Selectee may be subject to a probationary period
Details
At least a 6-month service agreement required for incentives At least a 6 month service agreement will be required.
Details
Promotion potential to GS-12, not guaranteed This position has promotion potential to the GS-GS-12 grade level.
Details
Not all locations may have immediate vacancies Not all locations may have immediate vacancies.

The workplace

Indian Health Service logo
Indian Health Service
Health system employer

Worth asking

  • How does the productivity or RVU formula work?
  • Are there differentials or other recurring incentives?
More questions to ask
  • Does the employer cover malpractice and tail coverage, plus CME, licensing, and DEA support?
  • What should I expect for weekly hours, holiday, and rotation?
Build questions for this role

Your fit

On your path

Advanced practice has its own path. Scope and independence depend on the role and state.

Original listing

Posted on Indian Health Service’s careers page.

Read full text

At the Indian Health Service, Certified Nurse Midwives do more than practice medicine-they change lives. Guided by our mission to raise the health of American Indian and Alaska Native people, you'll deliver compassionate care where it's needed most. Your expertise brings healing and hope across generations. Begin your journey with purpose AND receive a recruitment/relocation sign-on bonus, if eligible. A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C. F. R. 37.5 (2021).

Total Compensation Package - Check out IHS's outstanding total compensation package for this job: Nurse Practitioner Total Compensation | Pay (ihs.gov) All Grade levels MAY NOT be available at all locations. Not all locations may have immediate vacancies. Provides independent, preventative, therapeutic and comprehensive obstetric and gynecologic care.

Collaborates with Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Performs accurate history and physical examination on obstetric, gynecologic and neonatal patients. Manages labor to include initial evaluation/hospital admission, ongoing assessment of maternal and fetal status, labor progress, need for intervention process and patient/family education and support.

Provides postpartum care using a family centered approach. Evaluates and manages the normal postpartum period to include determining hospital disposition, providing discharge counseling and conducting clinic follow-up.

To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience.

You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. Degree and License Waiting Period for Impending Graduates: The Hiring Manager/Selecting Official may elect to utilize an available flexibility wherein applicants who are currently enrolled and expected to complete the required education and obtain the required licensure/certification/registration with 9 month(s) of applying, may be deemed tentatively qualified. Applicants who have not completed their education requirements (but who are within the established timeframe for qualifying) must submit: Documentation from the educational institution's registrar, dean or other appropriate official that attests to the applicable timeframe for completion of the professional program/coursework AND A copy of the most recent unofficial transcript.

BASIC REQUIREMENT(S):

Education

A graduate or higher-level degree, bachelor's degree, associate degree, or diploma from an accredited professional nursing educational program is required. This education must have been accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education, or an accrediting body recognized by the U. S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained. Degree from Foreign Nursing School: Official certification from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools is required for individuals who graduated from foreign nursing schools.

Advanced Practice Nurse Positions: For Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) positions, applicants must possess a graduate or higher-level degree in nursing from an accredited educational program in the area of expertise or specialty indicated by the position. Areas of specialties for positions include Midwifery.

Licensure

For all grade levels and positions, applicants must have passed the National Council Licensure Examination. In addition, they must possess a current, active, full, and unrestricted license or registration as a professional nurse from a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States. Additional License Requirements for Advanced Practice Nurse Positions: Applicants for Advanced Practice Nurse positions must be licensed or registered by a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States in the clinical specialty required by the position.

The selected individual is required to obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges, including any licensure requirements. If privileges are not obtained or maintained during employment, the employee will be subject to adverse actions, up to and including removal from Federal service. Basic Requirements for the GS-9 (or equivalent) Grade Level Applicants who meet the above APN education and licensure requirements qualify for the GS-9. Applicants currently enrolled in a professional nursing program and expect to obtain APN licensure within 9 months.

Basic Requirements for the GS-11 (or equivalent) Grade Level In addition to the above APN requirements, applicants must meet one of the following

requirements

Successful completion of a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree from a professional nursing educational program or related medical science field. At least one full year of professional advanced practice nursing experience (equivalent to the GS-9 grade level) Basic Requirements for the GS-12 (or equivalent) Grade Level In addition to the mandatory license and education described above under Basic Requirements applicants must have at least one or more full years of professional advanced practice nursing experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level. In addition, to the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications stated below- MINIMUM

Qualifications

Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Specialize Experience GS-11: Perform well women exams, assess patients and deliveries of newborns. Provide primary health care to the community with emphasis on reproductive health, primary management of antepartum, postpartum, gynecology, family planning and STD/HIV care. Recognize and promptly respond to obstetric complications and emergencies; provide initial urgent management.

Manage routine low risk pregnant patients and work with consulting Obstetrician in the management of high risk pregnant patients. Specialize Experience GS-12: Provide full spectrum midwifery services. Triage patients, assess and provide a treatment plan.

Perform complete well women, maternity (OB/GYN), and new born assessments. Manage the care of women during the prenatal, intra-partum and post-partum period, provide family planning, gynecological care, counseling, health education and preventive services. Perform follow-up examinations.

You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.

Selectee may be subject to a probationary period U. S. Citizenship is required Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 This is a competitive vacancy announcement advertised under Direct Hire Authority. Selections made under this vacancy announcement will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Current civil service employees would therefore be given new appointments to the civil service; however, benefits, time served, and all other Federal entitlements would remain the same.

This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes. IHS Selectees that will work in an IHS health care facility may be subject to Employee Health Policies related to Measles and Rubella, and seasonal influenza immunizations.

Vaccine exemption requests may be available according to the National and/or Service Unit guidance. On-call hours or standby duty may be required. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.

To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/. Position subject to rotating shifts; days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Shift rotations may vary from 8,10 and 12-hour shifts.

You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you. Background Investigation Requirement: This position requires the successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment. A background investigation is a standard process used by the Federal Government to verify an individual's identity, employment history, education, and other relevant information to determine suitability for Federal service.

Upon receipt of instructions, applicants must complete all required background investigation forms within 5 calendar days of issuance. Timely completion is critical to avoid delays in processing or a determination of unsuitability. Applicants are strongly encouraged to prioritize this requirement and to maintain regular communication with their assigned Personnel Security Specialist throughout the process.

This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package.

Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U. S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: https://www.ed.gov/accreditation.

If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Financial Suitability Requirement: This position requires a review of the applicant's financial history as part of the personnel security and suitability determination. Applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility, maintain good standing with creditors, and satisfy all legal financial obligations prior to applying. Individuals with substantial delinquent or unresolved financial obligations-including, but not limited to, delinquent federal or state tax liabilities, defaulted federal student loans, court-ordered fines or fees, or child support arrears-may be deemed unsuitable for employment with the Indian Health Service (IHS).

Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. IHS may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their directly related previous non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.

This position may be covered by a Bargaining Unit. Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized. At least a 6 month service agreement will be required.

The Indian Health Service (IHS), National Health Service Corps (NHSC), and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) have student loan repayment programs for qualifying health disciplines. This is a competitive process separate from the hiring process. Opportunities for LRP are based on agency hiring priorities and availability of funds.

For additional information please visit: For IHS - http://www.ihs.gov/loanrepayment/ For NHSC -…

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