Commissioned Corps nurses enjoy numerous benefits, such as use of commissary and other base facilities and 30 days annual leave beginning with the first year of service. While Commissioned Corps members do receive some choice in their practice site, they are subject to relocation. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, have a baccalaureate or master's degree in nursing, and meet other criteria. Nurses in the civil service receive comparable pay and benefits, including overtime, premium pay for work on Sundays and holidays, and paid moving expenses to and between IHS assignments. Civil service employees are assigned grade and salary based on education, experience, and position level.
Additional benefits are available.
Reimbursable costs include tuition, books, and reasonable living expenses. In exchange, nurses serve for at least two years at an IHS tribal or urban site. Educational loan repayment is available on a competitive basis under all employment systems, including tribal direct hire. Patients frequently ask for me. I know a lot of them well, and I know I help them with the health care I provide.