Advance Your Nursing Career at the Guthrie Army Health Clinic
Are you a dedicated nurse looking for a role that combines clinical excellence with a sense of purpose? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently hiring a Practical Nurse to work within the Family Medicine Department at the Guthrie Army Health Clinic in Fort Drum, New York. This is a unique opportunity to serve those who serve our country.
Job Responsibilities
As a Practical Nurse (Outpatient), your primary goal is to facilitate high-quality patient care in a clinical setting. Your daily duties will include:
- Patient Triage: Assessing patient needs during virtual, telemedicine, and face-to-face visits.
- Documentation: Maintaining accurate medical histories and recording patient observations for clinician review.
- Treatment Support: Preparing patients for procedures, including wound care and catheterizations, while strictly adhering to infection control protocols.
- Medication Management: Administering medications via various routes and monitoring for adverse reactions.
- Patient Education: Counseling families on wellness, preventative health measures, and adherence to medical treatment plans.
Comparison: Traditional vs. Federal Nursing Roles
| Feature | Traditional Nursing | Federal (DHA) Nursing |
|---|---|---|
| Benefits | Varies by employer | Standardized Federal Benefits |
| Patient Population | General Public | Military Members/Families |
| Career Path | Often static | Clear federal grade progression |
| Setting | Hospital/Clinic | Military Treatment Facility |
Requirements
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet specific criteria:
- Licensure: A valid license to practice as a practical or vocational nurse.
- Experience: At least one year of hands-on nursing experience in a supervised clinical environment.
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $40,736 to $52,957 per year, commensurate with your experience. In addition to salary, employees receive industry-leading benefits, including:
- Federal health insurance plans.
- Robust retirement options.
- Generous annual leave and sick time.
- Work-life balance in a supportive military health environment.
Application Tips
- Resume Length: Adhere strictly to the two-page limit. Extra pages will lead to automatic rejection.
- Detailing Experience: Ensure every role includes start/end dates, hours per week, and a thorough description of tasks.
- Documentation: Don't forget to attach your nursing license. It is a mandatory requirement for eligibility.
This is an excellent role for nurses who value stability and the opportunity to support military families. With a focus on patient-centered care and a supportive team environment, you will find this position at the Guthrie Army Health Clinic both challenging and rewarding. Start your application today to join the Defense Health Agency.
Why This Practical Nurse (Outpatient) Job Matters
Make a direct impact on the health and readiness of our military heroes by joining the Guthrie Army Health Clinic team as a Practical Nurse.
Practical Nurse (Outpatient) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Practical Nurse for a rewarding outpatient role at the Guthrie Army Health Clinic in Fort Drum, New York. As a vital member of our clinical team, you will provide direct nursing care in a variety of settings, ranging from traditional face-to-face appointments to virtual telemedicine, ensuring our service members and their families receive top-tier health support.
Requirements for Practical Nurse (Outpatient)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Current, valid license to practice as a practical or vocational nurse in any U.S. State, territory, or the District of Columbia
- One year of specialized nursing experience in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or patient care facility
- Completion of a pre-employment physical and drug screening
- Completion of a one-year probationary period
Preferred Qualifications for Practical Nurse (Outpatient)
- Demonstrated experience in documenting vital signs and identifying symptoms
- Proficiency in administering immunizations and medications via various routes
- Experience in patient education regarding medical plans and chronic illness management
- Capability to manage both in-person and telemedicine patient workflows
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal employee health insurance options
- ✓Comprehensive federal retirement programs
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates
- ✓Opportunities for professional development within the Military Health System
💡 How to Apply Practical Nurse (Outpatient) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Practical Nurse (Outpatient) Job
- Log into your USAJOBS account or create a new profile.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Gather your nursing license documentation and any relevant performance appraisals.
- Complete the required online assessment questionnaire.
- Submit your complete application package via the online portal before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to two pages; anything longer will automatically disqualify your application.
- Clearly outline your hours worked per week for every position listed to verify your experience.
- Use plain language and avoid internal acronyms when describing your previous clinical duties.
- Verify that your uploaded documents have cleared the system virus scan before finalizing.
- Double-check that you have attached your nursing license, as missing this will result in an ineligible rating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is education a substitute for the required nursing experience?
No. For this specific position, you must meet the experience requirement independently; education cannot be used to replace the one-year clinical experience requirement.
Can I apply if I have applied for a nursing license but have not yet received it?
Yes, you may be considered; however, you must provide the application date and jurisdiction. Please note that you must attain your license before the end of your probationary period to remain employed.
Is a security clearance required?
No, a security clearance is not required for this specific role.
Can I negotiate my salary?
Yes, salary negotiation may be available for candidates who are new to the Federal government.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is the backbone of the Military Health System (MHS). DHA manages a vast network of medical facilities globally, ensuring that military personnel and their families receive the highest quality of healthcare. By joining our team, you become part of an integrated system dedicated to medical readiness and the health of our service members.