Advance Your Nursing Career: Practical Nurse Roles at the Defense Health Agency
Are you a dedicated nurse looking to make a difference in the lives of those who protect our nation? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) at Blanchfield Army Community Hospital is currently hiring for Practical Nurse (Outpatient) positions. This is a unique opportunity to serve in a clinical environment that prioritizes patient readiness and high-quality care.
Job Responsibilities
Practical Nurses in this role perform a variety of duties to ensure efficient and effective clinic operations:
- Patient Care: Provide direct nursing care through both face-to-face interactions and telemedicine platforms.
- Clinical Support: Conduct focused nursing assessments, monitor vital signs, and assist in routine medical procedures.
- Medication Management: Administer prescribed medications following safety protocols.
- Administrative Coordination: Track laboratory and radiology results and coordinate future patient appointments.
- Patient Advocacy: Provide tailored education on diet, preventative health, immunization schedules, and the use of medical devices.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, candidates must meet specific federal eligibility standards:
- Licensure: You must hold a current, active, and unrestricted nursing license (LPN/LVN).
- Experience: Applicants must demonstrate at least one year of specialized nursing experience in a supervised clinical or hospital setting.
- Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is mandatory.
- Documentation: Your resume must be two pages or less and explicitly detail your hours worked and relevant duties.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $53,740 - $69,863 |
| Schedule | Full-time |
| Location | Fort Campbell, KY/TN |
| Benefits | Comprehensive Health/Retirement |
Application Tips
Navigating the federal application process can be challenging. Here are three expert tips to improve your odds:
- Respect the Page Limit: The DHA is strict about the two-page resume limit. Any resume exceeding this will be automatically removed from consideration.
- Quantify Your Experience: Be specific about your clinical duties. Mention how many patients you assisted or the types of sterile procedures you performed to clearly show you meet the one-year experience requirement.
- Use Plain Language: Avoid military or clinical jargon that isn't commonly known. Clear communication allows HR specialists to quickly verify your qualifications.
Working as a Practical Nurse with the Defense Health Agency offers a rewarding blend of clinical practice and public service. With competitive pay and a supportive environment, it is an excellent step for any nurse looking for professional growth. Apply today to start your journey with the Department of Defense.
Why This Practical Nurse (Outpatient) Job Matters
Advance your nursing career with the Defense Health Agency, providing world-class care to those who serve our nation.
Practical Nurse (Outpatient) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking dedicated Practical Nurses to join the team at Blanchfield Army Community Hospital. This open-continuous role allows for flexible recruitment, supporting outpatient care for service members, retirees, and their families. If you are passionate about patient advocacy, triage, and clinical excellence in a military healthcare setting, this opportunity offers a stable career path with the Department of Defense in the Fort Campbell area.
Requirements for Practical Nurse (Outpatient)
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Possess a current, active, valid, and unrestricted license to practice as a practical or vocational nurse in a U.S. State, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Minimum of one year of specialized nursing experience in a hospital, clinic, or supervised care facility.
- Proficiency in clinical tasks such as measuring vital signs, sterile techniques, and patient record management.
- Must pass a drug test as a condition of employment.
- Must complete a one-year probationary period.
- Males born after December 31, 1959, must register for the Selective Service.
Preferred Qualifications for Practical Nurse (Outpatient)
- Experience in outpatient clinic settings.
- Demonstrated ability to perform telemedicine and triage duties.
- Experience in patient education regarding chronic illness and preventative health.
- Strong administrative skills regarding lab result tracking and referral management.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
- ✓Potential for salary negotiation for new federal hires.
- ✓Locality pay adjustments.
💡 How to Apply Practical Nurse (Outpatient) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Practical Nurse (Outpatient) Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account.
- Review your resume to ensure it is two pages or less.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the provided link.
- Upload a copy of your active nursing license.
- Submit your application package before the deadline.
- Monitor your status through your USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less to avoid automatic disqualification.
- Clearly outline your work history, including hours worked per week and specific dates of employment.
- Avoid using technical jargon or acronyms that HR reviewers might not recognize.
- Ensure your license is clearly visible and documented in your upload.
- Submit early to allow for potential delays in document processing or system virus scans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote or telework position?
No, this position is not eligible for telework and requires on-site presence at the medical facility.
What is the salary range?
The salary range for this position is between $53,740 and $69,863 per year, inclusive of applicable locality pay.
Can I substitute education for the required experience?
No, this position requires specific clinical nursing experience. Education cannot be used as a substitute for the one-year experience requirement.
What is the hiring process like?
Once you apply, your package will be reviewed for eligibility and qualifications. If you pass the initial screening, you may be considered as vacancies arise.
Is relocation assistance provided?
Currently, permanent change of station (PCS) costs are not authorized for this position.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is an integrated healthcare system delivering medical services across the Department of Defense. As a vital strategic partner, the DHA ensures that more than 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families receive excellent medical, dental, and pharmacy care. Working at a facility like the Blanchfield Army Community Hospital means joining a team of professionals dedicated to improving health and supporting military readiness.