Launch Your Nursing Career at Naval Air Station Oceana
Are you a dedicated nurse looking to transition into a mission-focused federal career? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently hiring a Practical Nurse for their outpatient clinic at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia. This role offers the opportunity to provide essential medical care to military personnel and their families in a stable, professional environment.
Job Responsibilities
As a Practical Nurse, you will be an integral part of the clinical team. Your primary duties will include:
- Conducting clinical assessments and gathering detailed patient medical histories.
- Assisting in the development and execution of patient care plans.
- Administering prescribed medications and immunizations with a high degree of independence.
- Performing routine medical procedures such as EKGs, vision screenings, and wound care.
- Facilitating communication between providers and patients to ensure optimal health outcomes.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, candidates must meet specific criteria:
| Requirement Type | Specification |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | United States Citizen |
| Licensure | Current LPN/LVN license in a U.S. state/territory |
| Experience | At least 1 year of specialized nursing experience |
| Clearance | Ability to obtain/maintain Secret clearance |
| Physical | Ability to pass a mandatory drug screening |
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive salary range of $58,292 to $75,780 per year, depending on qualifications and locality. Beyond the paycheck, the DHA provides a robust federal benefits package, which may include recruitment incentives for top-tier candidates, advanced leave accrual, and career growth opportunities.
Application Tips
Submitting a federal application requires precision. Keep your resume concise—it must not exceed two pages—and clearly detail your nursing experience. Use plain language to describe your clinical duties, ensuring that HR reviewers can easily match your background to the required qualifications. Always confirm that your license is current and attached to your application package.
If you are a passionate nurse ready to support the military community, we encourage you to apply. With excellent benefits and a meaningful mission, this role at Naval Air Station Oceana is an ideal next step for your nursing career.
Why This Practical Nurse (Outpatient) Job Matters
Join a dedicated healthcare team at Naval Air Station Oceana and make a direct impact on the readiness and wellness of our military community as a Practical Nurse.
Practical Nurse (Outpatient) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is seeking a skilled Practical Nurse for a vital role at the Tricare Prime Clinic in Virginia Beach, Virginia. This position focuses on providing high-quality outpatient care to military service members, retirees, and their families. This is a Direct Hire Authority role, making it an excellent opportunity for qualified professionals to join a mission-driven organization. The selected candidate will engage in clinical assessments, patient education, medication management, and collaborative care within a professional military medical environment.
Requirements for Practical Nurse (Outpatient)
- Must be a United States Citizen.
- Possess a current, valid license to practice as a practical or vocational nurse in any U.S. State, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Candidates who have applied for licensure may be considered pending attainment of the license during the probationary period.
- Must have at least one year of specialized nursing experience in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or similar supervised medical facility.
- Experience must demonstrate proficiency in vital signs, medication administration, EKG, sterile techniques, and patient record screening.
- Must be able to pass a drug test.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret level security clearance.
- Must be able to serve a one-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Practical Nurse (Outpatient)
- Demonstrated experience in a high-volume outpatient or military treatment facility.
- Strong communication skills for patient advocacy and multidisciplinary team collaboration.
- Ability to work effectively in a diverse, fast-paced clinical setting.
- Proven proficiency in electronic medical record keeping and clinical documentation.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality adjustments.
- ✓Potential recruitment incentives for highly qualified candidates.
- ✓Advanced leave accrual options.
- ✓Advanced in-hire salary placement possibilities.
- ✓Comprehensive federal employee benefits package.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development within the Department of Defense.
💡 How to Apply Practical Nurse (Outpatient) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Practical Nurse (Outpatient) Job
- Create or update your profile on the USAJOBS portal.
- Review your resume to ensure it is two pages or less and includes all required details like hours worked, employer info, and specific clinical duties.
- Gather your professional nursing license and any relevant supporting documentation.
- Complete the online questionnaire through the provided application link.
- Upload your resume and all mandatory supporting documents before the closing date.
- Verify your submission status via the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Strictly adhere to the two-page resume limit; excess pages result in immediate disqualification.
- Clearly define your clinical experience with specific examples of the tasks mentioned in the job description.
- Ensure your license copy is legible and clearly identifies the issuing jurisdiction.
- Avoid using technical jargon or obscure acronyms that HR personnel may not recognize.
- Submit your application well in advance of the deadline to account for potential technical delays or document virus scanning times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Direct Hire Authority (DHA)?
Direct Hire Authority allows agencies to appoint candidates directly to competitive service positions when there is a severe shortage of candidates or a critical hiring need.
Can I substitute my nursing education for the experience requirement?
No. For this specific position, you must meet the qualification requirements using professional nursing experience alone.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, this position requires a Secret security clearance, and applicants must be able to maintain that status throughout employment.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is the primary healthcare system for the Department of Defense. We serve over 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families worldwide. By joining our team, you become a strategic partner in ensuring the readiness and well-being of the Joint Force, delivering medical excellence wherever it is needed.