Launch Your Nursing Career at Walter Reed
Are you a dedicated nurse looking to advance your career while serving those who protect our nation? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently hiring a Practical Nurse to support the Neurosensory Center of Excellence (NICoE) at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. This role is a vital component of the military healthcare system, ensuring high-quality support for service members and their families.
Job Responsibilities
As a Practical Nurse, you will serve as a key member of the clinical team. Your primary responsibilities include:
- Patient Intake: Engaging with patients to understand their complaints and symptoms.
- Clinical Support: Taking vital signs, including blood pressure, temperature, and respiration.
- Treatment Assistance: Providing individualized care based on physician orders and maintaining sterile fields during procedures.
- Data Management: Accurately inputting clinical data into electronic medical records.
- Administrative Support: Handling clerical tasks, such as checking patients in and maintaining records.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, candidates must meet specific professional and legal standards:
- Licensure: Must hold a current, active license as a practical or vocational nurse.
- Experience: At least one year of hands-on nursing experience in a supervised clinical or hospital setting.
- Documentation: Ability to provide detailed resumes and verify previous work history.
- Clearance: Must pass a drug test and meet federal employment suitability requirements.
Qualifications Comparison Table
| Feature | Requirement Status |
|---|---|
| Nursing License | Mandatory |
| Experience Level | 1+ Year Nursing Experience |
| Education Substitution | Not Permitted |
| Citizenship | U.S. Citizen Only |
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive salary range of $54,519 to $64,959 per year. Beyond the base pay, federal employees enjoy an industry-leading benefits package, including comprehensive health insurance, a robust retirement savings plan (TSP), and generous paid leave programs.
Application Tips
- Resume Length: Keep your resume to exactly two pages. Longer resumes will be discarded.
- Detail is Key: Clearly define your hours worked per week and specific clinical tasks in your experience section.
- Upload Documents: Always attach your license copy, as the HR team cannot verify your eligibility without it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is telework an option? A: No, this position requires on-site clinical presence at the medical facility.
Q: What is the closing date? A: All applications must be submitted by July 29, 2026.
Joining the Defense Health Agency as a Practical Nurse is more than just a job; it is a commitment to excellence. With a stable, mission-focused environment in Bethesda, this role offers the perfect balance of professional challenge and career security. Apply today to start your journey with the Department of Defense.
Why This Practical Nurse Job Matters
Launch a rewarding career in nursing at the prestigious Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where your skills directly support those who serve.
Practical Nurse Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Practical Nurse to join the team at the Neurosensory Center of Excellence (NICoE) in Bethesda, Maryland. This role offers the opportunity to provide high-quality, patient-centered care in a collaborative outpatient setting. You will work within a specialized clinical environment, supporting military members and their families by delivering essential medical assistance, performing diagnostic procedures, and contributing to the multidisciplinary healthcare team. This is a unique chance to transition into federal service while making a tangible impact on the health and readiness of the armed forces community.
Requirements for Practical Nurse
- U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
- Possess a current, valid license to practice as a practical or vocational nurse in any U.S. State, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Minimum of one year of specialized nursing experience in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or supervised medical facility.
- Demonstrated ability to perform vital sign collection, medication administration, and electronic medical record management.
- Ability to maintain a sterile field and assist providers with complex diagnostic procedures.
- Must complete a one-year probationary period.
- Satisfactory completion of a drug screening test.
Preferred Qualifications for Practical Nurse
- Strong communication skills for patient and family interaction.
- Experience working in a multidisciplinary clinical team environment.
- Proven proficiency in medical clerical duties and patient scheduling.
- Capacity to adapt to fast-paced, high-standard military medical environments.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent) with government matching
- ✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave accrual
- ✓Paid federal holidays
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training
💡 How to Apply Practical Nurse Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Practical Nurse Job
- Prepare a resume that is two pages or less and specifically details hours worked per week and relevant clinical dates.
- Create or log into your account at the USAJOBS portal.
- Complete the required online assessment questionnaire.
- Upload a copy of your current nursing license and any relevant credentials.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date of July 29, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; exceeding this will result in automatic disqualification.
- Be specific about your nursing tasks; explicitly mention your experience with sterile fields and vital sign monitoring.
- Use clear, plain language and avoid excessive acronyms to ensure the HR team can easily evaluate your expertise.
- Verify that your application status shows as 'Received' by checking your USAJOBS dashboard after submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if my nursing license is currently pending?
Yes, you may apply if you have applied for licensure; however, you must provide proof of your application, and you must obtain your full license within the probationary period to remain employed.
What are the working hours for this position?
This role follows standard outpatient clinic hours, typically Monday through Friday, 0700 to 1700.
Can I use education to substitute for the required one year of experience?
No, this specific position requires one full year of specialized nursing experience. Education cannot be substituted for the experience requirement for this vacancy.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is an integrated healthcare system responsible for delivering medical services across the Department of Defense. By joining the DHA, you become part of a global team of professionals dedicated to the health and readiness of over 9.5 million uniformed service members and their families. Working at the NICoE, you will be at the forefront of specialized, high-standard patient care.