Primary Care Nurse

Job Description

Deliver Meaningful Healthcare in First Nations Communities

If you’re a passionate nurse seeking a career that truly makes a difference, Indigenous Services Canada offers a unique opportunity to provide vital healthcare services in First Nations communities across Alberta. This role goes beyond traditional clinical practice—it allows nurses to support community wellness, promote health equity, and deliver culturally safe care where it matters most.

By joining Indigenous Services Canada, healthcare professionals become part of a dedicated network of nurses, physicians, and community health workers committed to improving health outcomes for Indigenous peoples across Canada.

About Indigenous Services Canada

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is a federal department focused on improving the quality, accessibility, and cultural safety of essential services for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. Through collaboration with Indigenous leaders and community partners, ISC works to strengthen healthcare delivery, promote public health, and support sustainable community development.

Within the healthcare system, ISC nurses play a critical role in advancing community health, primary care services, and disease prevention programs in remote and rural communities.

Role Overview: Primary Care Nurse

As a Primary Care Nurse with Indigenous Services Canada, you will provide comprehensive healthcare services within community-based settings. This position requires strong clinical judgment, cultural awareness, and the ability to work independently while collaborating with multidisciplinary healthcare teams.

Community Health Nurses with ISC apply their expertise in clinical nursing practice, patient care management, and public health promotion to support individuals, families, and communities.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Care and Assessment

  • Deliver a wide scope of primary healthcare services in community settings
  • Conduct patient assessments, diagnosis support, and care planning
  • Provide emergency response and urgent care when required

Community Health and Prevention

  • Lead health promotion and disease prevention initiatives
  • Educate patients and families about health management and wellness strategies
  • Support vaccination programs, chronic disease management, and maternal health

Leadership and Collaboration

  • Work closely with multidisciplinary healthcare teams including physicians, public health professionals, and local community leaders
  • Facilitate knowledge sharing and training within healthcare teams
  • Promote culturally respectful and patient-centered care practices

Work Locations in Alberta

Nurses working with Indigenous Services Canada will serve communities in remote and isolated regions of Alberta. Travel to these communities is provided through ISC charter flights for each work rotation.

Communities Include

  • Chateh
  • Fox Lake
  • Garden River
  • John D’Or

These placements provide nurses with the opportunity to experience community-focused healthcare while supporting underserved populations.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers competitive compensation and additional incentives designed to attract experienced healthcare professionals to remote communities.

Annual Base Salary:
CA$95,896 – CA$109,001

Additional allowances may apply depending on work location and scheduled hours.

Recruitment and Retention Incentives

As part of its healthcare workforce strategy, Indigenous Services Canada offers several financial incentives:

  • Up to $6,750 recruitment allowance after one month of employment
  • Up to $9,750 additional incentive after twelve months
  • Up to $16,500 annual retention allowance beginning in the second year

These incentives recognize the vital contributions nurses make in supporting remote community healthcare.

Work Schedule and Rotation

  • Employment Type: Full-time and part-time opportunities available
  • Work Setting: On-site in First Nations communities
  • Rotation Schedule: Travel nursing rotations including days, evenings, nights, and weekends

This flexible rotation structure allows nurses to maintain a healthy work-life balance while contributing to community health services.

Required Qualifications

Education and Certification

Candidates must meet the following criteria to qualify for the role:

  • Registered Nurse with independent clinical practice experience
  • Minimum two years of clinical experience within the last five years
  • Experience in one or more of the following areas:
    • Acute care
    • Intensive care
    • Primary care clinics
    • Emergency or urgent care

Eligibility

Applications are open to:

  • Individuals residing in Canada
  • Canadian citizens and permanent residents living abroad

Veterans receive priority consideration, followed by Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Why Work with Indigenous Services Canada?

A career with Indigenous Services Canada offers more than professional advancement—it provides the chance to make a lasting impact on community health and wellbeing.

Professional Benefits

  • Meaningful work in community-based healthcare environments
  • Opportunities to develop advanced clinical and leadership skills
  • Collaboration with experienced healthcare professionals and community leaders
  • Supportive programs focused on professional growth and knowledge sharing

Community Impact

By serving with Indigenous Services Canada, nurses contribute to:

  • Improving healthcare accessibility in remote communities
  • Strengthening culturally respectful healthcare delivery
  • Promoting long-term health and wellness for Indigenous families

Start a Rewarding Nursing Career with Indigenous Services Canada

If you’re an experienced nurse looking to combine professional growth with meaningful service, Indigenous Services Canada provides a powerful opportunity to make a difference. Through collaborative care, community engagement, and culturally safe healthcare practices, ISC nurses help shape healthier futures for Indigenous communities across Alberta.

Join a healthcare team dedicated to compassion, clinical excellence, and community empowerment, and build a career that truly changes lives.