Launch Your Nursing Career with the Defense Health Agency
Are you a dedicated nurse seeking a stable and impactful career? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is offering exciting opportunities for Practical and Vocational Nurses across the state of Texas. This is your chance to transition into federal service and support the men and women who serve our country.
Job Responsibilities
As a Practical or Vocational Nurse, your daily contributions will be vital to the clinic environment. Responsibilities include:
- Conducting patient intakes and identifying health complaints.
- Performing clinical duties such as taking vital signs, phlebotomy, and performing EKGs.
- Assisting physicians with diagnostic procedures and examinations.
- Administering medications and IV fluids under clinical supervision.
- Managing patient records and ensuring accurate order reconciliation.
Comparison of Clinical Settings
| Feature | Military Treatment Facility | Civilian Clinic |
|---|---|---|
| Patient Base | Service members/Families | General Public |
| Mission Focus | Readiness/Support | Profit/Service |
| Benefits | Federal Standard | Variable |
| Stability | High (Federal) | Market Dependent |
Requirements
To qualify for this role, you must hold a current nursing license or be in the process of obtaining one. Additionally, you must demonstrate at least one year of hands-on nursing experience in a supervised medical facility. Please note that for this specific grade level, experience must be the primary qualification, as education substitution is not permitted.
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $40,736 to $80,611 per year, depending on qualifications and specific locality. Federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, which may include health insurance, retirement planning, and paid leave. For highly qualified candidates, recruitment incentives or student loan repayment options may also be available.
Application Tips
Success in the federal application process requires attention to detail. Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or less and clearly articulates your specialized experience. Avoid using jargon, and double-check that your license documentation is attached to the submission.
If you are ready to elevate your career, the Defense Health Agency offers the environment and the mission to support your professional growth. Apply through USAJOBS today to be considered for current and future openings across Texas.
Why This Practical Nurse/Vocational Nurse Job Matters
Launch a rewarding career in federal healthcare with the Defense Health Agency, supporting those who serve our nation across multiple locations in Texas.
Practical Nurse/Vocational Nurse Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is currently seeking dedicated Practical and Vocational Nurses to join our integrated healthcare system. As part of the Department of Defense, you will play a critical role in providing comprehensive medical, dental, and pharmacy services to over 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. This is an open continuous, direct-hire announcement, meaning we are actively building a roster of qualified talent to fill vacancies across various Texas facilities as they emerge.
Requirements for Practical Nurse/Vocational Nurse
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Possess a current, active license as a Practical or Vocational Nurse in a U.S. State, territory, or the District of Columbia, or have applied for such licensure.
- Minimum of one year of specialized nursing experience in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or similar medical facility.
- Proficiency in performing vitals, immunizations, medical screenings, and routine diagnostic procedures such as EKGs and wound care.
- Must submit a resume that is two pages or less.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test.
Preferred Qualifications for Practical Nurse/Vocational Nurse
- Experience in specialized fields including Psychiatric, Obstetric/Gynecologic, Pediatric, or Occupational Health nursing.
- Demonstrated ability to perform independently in fast-paced military treatment facilities.
- Experience with administrative patient care duties, including referral management and medical record reconciliation.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and life insurance plans (for eligible positions).
- ✓Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
- ✓Recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates.
- ✓Student loan repayment programs may be authorized.
- ✓Opportunity to work within a prestigious, mission-driven Department of Defense healthcare system.
💡 How to Apply Practical Nurse/Vocational Nurse Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Practical Nurse/Vocational Nurse Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, ensuring all specialized experience is clearly documented with hours worked per week.
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire.
- Upload required documentation, including your nursing license and performance appraisals.
- Review your application package for accuracy before submission.
- Submit your application through the USAJOBS portal by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Strictly adhere to the two-page resume limit; excess pages will result in immediate disqualification.
- Clearly define your nursing experience by including specific start and end dates and hours worked per week.
- Do not rely on acronyms; use plain language to describe your clinical duties.
- Ensure your license documentation is scanned clearly and attached to your application.
- Regularly monitor your USAJOBS dashboard for application status updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if my nursing license is currently pending?
Yes, candidates who have completed training but are awaiting licensure may be considered for a probationary appointment, provided they supply documentation regarding their application status.
Is this a remote position?
No, these positions are located at various military healthcare facilities in Texas and require on-site performance of clinical duties.
Job from Defense Health Agency
The Defense Health Agency is a joint, integrated combat support agency that enables the Department of Defense to provide a medically ready force. Our mission is to deliver world-class healthcare to nearly 10 million beneficiaries worldwide. By joining our team, you become a strategic partner in ensuring that our military service members, retirees, and their families receive the highest quality of care.