Advance Your Career: Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Opportunities at the Defense Health Agency
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently inviting applications for an Advanced Practice Nurse specializing in psychiatry at Fort Polk, Louisiana. This mission-critical role is designed for professionals committed to delivering top-tier mental health care to those who protect our nation. If you are looking for a career that combines clinical excellence with service, this opportunity provides a stable federal career path with significant professional impact.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will provide comprehensive mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults. Key responsibilities include:
- Conducting full-scale psychiatric evaluations and gathering patient histories.
- Developing mutually agreed-upon treatment goals.
- Prescribing and monitoring medications while educating patients on potential side effects.
- Collaborating with primary care providers and other medical specialists.
- Maintaining accurate electronic health records.
- Serving as a preceptor for graduate students in psychiatric nursing.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, you must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
- Education: A graduate or higher-level degree from an accredited psychiatric nursing program.
- Licensure: You must hold a current, active, full, and unrestricted license as a professional nurse and a specialty license in Advanced Practice.
- Experience: One full year of professional nursing experience, including physical exams and medication prescribing, is required.
Requirements Comparison Table
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Education | Graduate degree in Advanced Practice Nursing |
| Licensure | Active, Unrestricted RN & Specialty License |
| Experience | Min. 1 year (Clinical/Psychiatric) |
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
Salary Overview
The salary range for this position is $89,508 to $116,362 per year, including applicable locality pay. Salary negotiation may be available for candidates new to the federal government.
Benefits
Employees of the DHA enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including:
- Potential for student loan repayment.
- Recruitment or relocation incentives for qualified candidates.
- Recognition of non-federal experience for leave purposes.
- Comprehensive health and retirement plans.
Application Tips
- Respect the Limit: Your resume must be two pages or less.
- Be Specific: Include employer names, titles, and exact dates (month/year) for all positions.
- Sanitize Personal Info: Ensure all uploaded documents are relevant and consider removing sensitive personal information from supplemental files.
Serving as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at the DHA is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to serve the military community. With a competitive salary, potential incentives, and a mission-driven environment, this role offers a rewarding path for dedicated nursing professionals. Apply via the USAJOBS portal today.
Why This Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner-Clinical/Psychiatric) Job Matters
Advance your psychiatric nursing career while supporting those who serve our nation at the Defense Health Agency.
Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner-Clinical/Psychiatric) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Advanced Practice Nurse (Psychiatric) to join our clinical team at Fort Polk, Louisiana. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide comprehensive mental health care to military service members and their families. As a clinical leader, you will play a vital role in evaluating patients, managing treatment plans, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary medical team in a high-impact environment.
Requirements for Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner-Clinical/Psychiatric)
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Possess a graduate or higher-level degree from an accredited Advanced Practice nursing program.
- Maintain a current, active, full, and unrestricted professional nursing license.
- Must hold an active, unrestricted license in the specialty of Advanced Practice or a related psychiatric specialty.
- Complete the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools Certification Program (if applicable).
- Must have at least one full year of professional nursing experience involving physical exams, medication prescription, and patient education.
Preferred Qualifications for Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner-Clinical/Psychiatric)
- Experience in mental health clinical settings.
- Strong ability to function in a multidisciplinary team environment.
- Experience with computerized record-keeping and medical coding systems.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Student loan repayment program eligibility
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay
- ✓Comprehensive federal benefits package
- ✓Leave accrual recognition for non-federal work experience
💡 How to Apply Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner-Clinical/Psychiatric) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner-Clinical/Psychiatric) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Complete the mandatory online questionnaire.
- Submit all required documents, including transcripts and current licensure.
- Monitor your application status through the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to exactly two pages or less to avoid automatic disqualification.
- Explicitly detail your work hours per week and specific dates for all experience entries.
- Use clear, plain language and avoid internal jargon or acronyms.
- Ensure your license and transcripts are clearly legible when uploading.
- Check your application status regularly via the USAJOBS portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute my education for the required experience?
No, this specific position requires applicants to demonstrate at least one year of professional nursing experience as described.
Is this a remote position?
No, this position is located at Fort Polk, Louisiana and is designated as mission-essential, requiring on-site presence.
What happens if my resume exceeds two pages?
Resumes exceeding the two-page limit will be automatically removed from consideration.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is an integrated healthcare system serving more than 9.5 million service members, retirees, and their families. As a strategic partner to the Department of Defense, the DHA ensures worldwide medical readiness. Working here means joining a team dedicated to innovation, patient-centered care, and excellence in military health.