Advance Your Nursing Career at Madigan Army Medical Center
If you are a dedicated psychiatric nurse looking to impact the lives of service members and their families, the Defense Health Agency (DHA) has an exceptional opportunity for you in Tacoma, Washington.
Job Responsibilities
As a Clinical/Psychiatric Nurse, your primary duties will include:
- Mental Health Assessment: Conducting comprehensive evaluations to plan and implement effective nursing care.
- Patient Advocacy: Formulating nursing care plans and identifying patient referral needs.
- Medication Management: Safely administering complex psychotropic medications via various routes.
- Therapeutic Engagement: Participating in individual, group, and milieu therapy sessions.
- Education: Designing teaching programs for patients and providing clinical training for staff members.
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-11 position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Licensure: A current, active, full, and unrestricted registered nurse license.
- Education: Completion of an accredited professional nursing program.
- Experience: At least one full year of professional experience equivalent to the GS-9 level.
- Compliance: Ability to pass a drug test and undergo suitability screening.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $107,067 to $139,196 per year. Benefits include access to robust federal retirement programs, health insurance, and potential financial incentives for relocation or recruitment.
Comparison of Benefits
| Benefit Feature | Federal Employment | Private Sector |
|---|---|---|
| Retirement Plan | Federal Pension + TSP | Typically 401k only |
| Health Coverage | Extensive Options | Varies significantly |
| Job Security | High | Depends on Market |
| Incentives | Relocation/Recruitment | Limited |
Application Tips
Remember that your resume must be limited to two pages or less. Please ensure that all dates of employment (including months and years) and hours worked per week are clearly documented. Failure to provide transcripts or your active nursing license will result in an ineligible status.
Serving as a Psychiatric Nurse at the Madigan Army Medical Center is more than a job; it is a commitment to the readiness and health of our nation's heroes. We encourage all qualified applicants to review the requirements carefully and submit their materials before the closing date.
Why This Nurse (Clinical/Psychiatric) Job Matters
Advance your nursing career within a mission-driven psychiatric environment at the renowned Madigan Army Medical Center.
Nurse (Clinical/Psychiatric) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking two dedicated Psychiatric Nurses to join the team at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington. This role is central to our mission of providing high-quality, comprehensive mental health services to our uniformed service members and their families. As a Clinical/Psychiatric Nurse, you will integrate into a multidisciplinary team, managing patient care through assessments, therapeutic intervention, and complex medication administration.
Requirements for Nurse (Clinical/Psychiatric)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Possess a graduate, bachelor's, associate degree, or diploma from an accredited professional nursing program.
- Hold a current, active, full, and unrestricted nursing license in a U.S. state, D.C., Puerto Rico, or territory.
- At least one full year of professional nursing experience (equivalent to GS-9 level) including psychiatric or behavioral health patient assessment.
- Successful completion of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
- Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screening.
- Ability to complete a one-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Nurse (Clinical/Psychiatric)
- PhD or equivalent doctoral degree from a professional nursing or related medical science program.
- Three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education in nursing.
- Experience in specialized patient education and interdisciplinary team coordination.
- Background in milieu therapy and complex medication management.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Locality pay included in the salary range
- ✓Comprehensive federal health and life insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement benefits
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates
- ✓Paid time off and federal holidays
💡 How to Apply Nurse (Clinical/Psychiatric) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Nurse (Clinical/Psychiatric) Job
- Log into or create your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the mandatory online questionnaire.
- Prepare a resume that is two pages or less, clearly detailing your work history, hours per week, and dates of employment.
- Attach required transcripts, current nursing license, and other supporting documents.
- Verify your complete application package is submitted before the deadline.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Your resume must strictly adhere to the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this will not be considered.
- Be specific about your nursing experience; the hiring office does not make assumptions about your duties.
- Ensure your nursing license is current and uploaded clearly.
- Use plain language and avoid excessive acronyms.
- Check your application status regularly on your USAJOBS dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I negotiate my salary?
Yes, salary negotiation may be available for candidates who are new to the Federal service.
Is a security clearance required for this position?
No, this is a non-sensitive/low-risk position, but it does require credentialing and suitability/fitness adjudication.
Are there recruitment incentives?
Yes, recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates based on agency determination.
Is telework allowed?
*A: This position is not eligible for telework due to the clinical nature of the role.*
How many positions are available?
*A: There are currently two vacancies being filled through this announcement.*
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is a vital component of the U.S. Department of Defense. We provide high-quality medical, dental, and pharmacy services to over 9.5 million service members, retirees, and their families worldwide. At Madigan Army Medical Center, you will work alongside a team of inspired professionals committed to clinical excellence.