Launch Your Nursing Career with the Defense Health Agency in Charleston
Are you a compassionate nurse looking to transition into the federal healthcare sector? The Naval Health Clinic Charleston is currently hiring a Practical Nurse (Outpatient) to join their team. This is a unique opportunity to provide critical care and support to those who serve our nation, including service members, retirees, and their families.
Job Responsibilities
As an Outpatient Practical Nurse, you will play a pivotal role in the day-to-day operations of the clinic. Key responsibilities include:
- Patient Care: Recording vital signs and identifying symptoms for clinician review.
- Administration: Maintaining accurate medical histories within electronic health record (EHR) systems.
- Medication Management: Safely administering oral, topical, and injectable medications.
- Education: Providing tailored recovery and treatment plans to patients and their families.
- Coordination: Managing laboratory and radiology orders, as well as tracking referral results.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:
Comparison of Qualification Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Licensure | Current Practical or Vocational Nurse license |
| Experience | 1 year of specialized clinical/nursing experience |
| Clearance | Ability to pass Secret security clearance |
| Compliance | Mandatory drug test and probationary period |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $40,736 to $52,957, depending on experience and locality pay. Employees also gain access to the federal benefits package, which includes:
- Health and Life Insurance options.
- Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style retirement).
- Generous paid time off.
- Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for the right candidate.
Application Tips
Applying for federal jobs requires precision. Your resume must be two pages or less—resumes exceeding this length will not be reviewed. Be sure to clearly list your start and end dates for all previous experience, along with the number of hours worked per week.
If you are a licensed Practical Nurse ready to contribute to the military mission while enjoying the stability of federal employment, we encourage you to apply. The application window is open until August 11, 2026. Ensure your documents are prepared and your application is complete to maximize your chances of selection.
Why This Practical Nurse (Outpatient) Job Matters
Launch your nursing career with the Defense Health Agency at the Naval Health Clinic Charleston, where you will provide vital outpatient care to those who serve our nation.
Practical Nurse (Outpatient) Job Overview
The Naval Health Clinic Charleston is seeking a dedicated Practical Nurse (Outpatient) to join their healthcare team. This position offers the opportunity to support uniformed service members, retirees, and their families by providing essential medical care, patient education, and administrative health support in a collaborative military clinic environment.
Requirements for Practical Nurse (Outpatient)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Current, unrestricted license to practice as a practical or vocational nurse in any state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- One year of specialized nursing experience in a clinical, hospital, or nursing home setting.
- Ability to pass a drug test and meet security clearance requirements (Secret).
- Must be able to successfully complete a one-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Practical Nurse (Outpatient)
- Experience in electronic health record management systems.
- Proven track record in outpatient patient assessment and vital sign monitoring.
- Demonstrated ability to assist in routine clinical procedures and medication administration.
- Strong communication skills for patient and family education.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Comprehensive Health and Life Insurance
- ✓Retirement Savings Plan (TSP)
- ✓Paid Federal Holidays and Leave
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development within the Defense Health Agency.
💡 How to Apply Practical Nurse (Outpatient) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Practical Nurse (Outpatient) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, including hours worked per week.
- Gather your professional nursing license documentation.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the provided application link.
- Upload all required documentation, ensuring all documents are clear for scanning.
- Submit your application package by the closing date of August 11, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to exactly two pages or less; longer resumes will be automatically rejected.
- Ensure your resume explicitly details your clinical experience, including start/end dates and hours worked per week.
- Avoid using unexplained acronyms; use clear, plain language to describe your skills.
- Verify that your license information is uploaded and clearly readable.
- Submit early to allow for document virus scanning time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote position?
No, this position is located at the Naval Health Clinic in Charleston, South Carolina, and requires on-site attendance.
Can I substitute my education for the experience requirement?
No, this specific position requires one year of qualifying specialized nursing experience, and education cannot be substituted for this requirement.
What happens if I have applied for my license but do not have it yet?
Non-licensed candidates who have completed training may be appointed pending licensure, provided they obtain the license during the probationary period.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is an integrated healthcare system responsible for delivering medical services across the Department of Defense. As a strategic partner, the DHA ensures that over 9.5 million uniformed service members and their families receive top-tier medical, dental, and pharmacy care. Working here means joining a team of dedicated professionals committed to improving health and military readiness.