Advance Your Career as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with the Defense Health Agency
Are you a dedicated psychiatric nurse looking to pivot your career toward a mission that truly matters? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently seeking compassionate and highly skilled Advanced Practice Nurses (Nurse Practitioners in Clinical/Psychiatric specialties) to join our team at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the health and readiness of the joint force and their families.
About the Defense Health Agency
The Defense Health Agency is an integrated healthcare system responsible for delivering medical services across the Department of Defense. We act as a strategic partner to the Joint Force, ensuring that more than 9.5 million service members, retirees, and their families receive high-quality, continuous care. Working here means joining a dedicated team of professionals focused on building readiness and improving health outcomes globally.
Job Responsibilities
As an Advanced Practice Nurse, you will serve as a key member of the behavioral health team. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Performing comprehensive psychiatric evaluations for new and existing patients.
- Diagnosing complex behavioral health and psychiatric illnesses.
- Developing and implementing patient-centered behavioral health care plans.
- Educating patients on the risks and benefits of prescribed medications.
- Maintaining rigorous documentation within electronic record systems.
- Ensuring compliance with Joint Commission standards and National Patient Safety goals.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A graduate-level degree from an accredited nursing program specializing in Psychiatric-Mental Health.
- Licensure: A current, active, and unrestricted license as a professional nurse and as an Advanced Practice Nurse.
- Experience: At least one year of professional nursing experience specifically focused on diagnosing psychiatric illnesses and prescribing medication.
| Feature | Requirement Status |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Required (US Citizen) |
| Education | Graduate Degree (Nursing) |
| Experience | 1+ Year (Professional) |
| License | Active/Unrestricted |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $160,037 to $208,053 per year, depending on qualifications and local market supplements. Additionally, federal employees stationed in Alaska currently receive a 1.49% Cost of Living Allowance (COLA). Please note that this position is intermittent and does not include standard federal benefits such as health or life insurance.
How to Apply
Applying for a federal position requires precision. Follow these steps to ensure your application is considered:
- Prepare Your Resume: Keep it to two pages maximum. Clearly define your work history, including hours worked per week and detailed job descriptions.
- Gather Documents: Collect your transcripts, state nursing licenses, and any relevant certifications.
- Use the USAJOBS Portal: Complete the online questionnaire and ensure all uploaded documents pass the system's virus scan.
- Monitor Status: Check your dashboard on USAJOBS regularly for updates.
If you are a psychiatric nurse practitioner ready for a change of pace in the beautiful landscape of Alaska, this role with the Defense Health Agency offers a rewarding way to serve those who protect our nation. Ensure your application is submitted before the deadline and highlight your specialized psychiatric experience to stand out to our recruiters.
Why This Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner-Clinical/Psychiatric) Job Matters
Advance your psychiatric nursing career while supporting those who serve—join the Defense Health Agency at Fort Wainwright, Alaska.
Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner-Clinical/Psychiatric) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking dedicated Advanced Practice Nurses (Nurse Practitioners in Clinical/Psychiatric specialties) to join our team at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. This role is critical to our mission of providing high-quality behavioral health services to uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. As an integral part of an integrated healthcare system, you will diagnose and treat patients, manage psychiatric medications, and ensure the highest standards of care in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
Requirements for Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner-Clinical/Psychiatric)
- Graduate degree from an accredited professional nursing program (Nurse Practitioner-Clinical/Psychiatric).
- Current, active, full, and unrestricted license as a professional nurse and as an Advanced Practice Nurse (specialty area).
- Minimum of one full year of professional nursing experience diagnosing psychiatric illnesses and managing behavioral health medications.
- Completion of the CGFNS Certification Program for graduates of foreign nursing schools.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must pass a drug test.
- Must complete the online application and submit all required documentation, including transcripts and license proof.
Preferred Qualifications for Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner-Clinical/Psychiatric)
- Proven experience in psychiatric/behavioral health assessment.
- Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary military healthcare setting.
- Strong record of compliance with Joint Commission standards.
- Experience in quality improvement initiatives within clinical environments.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay.
- ✓Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) for Alaska assignments.
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth within the Department of Defense.
- ✓Access to a comprehensive federal career network.
💡 How to Apply Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner-Clinical/Psychiatric) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner-Clinical/Psychiatric) Job
- Log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare your resume (maximum of two pages) highlighting psychiatric experience and hours worked per week.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the official application portal.
- Upload required documents, including transcripts and current nursing licenses.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages to avoid immediate disqualification.
- Be specific about your hours worked per week in each role listed on your resume.
- Ensure your psychiatric nursing experience clearly demonstrates diagnostic and medication management duties.
- Upload documents well in advance to account for the mandatory virus scan process.
- Double-check that your transcripts are attached, as education substitution is not permitted for this specific role.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a full-time position?
This position is listed as intermittent. Hours are assigned on an 'as-needed' basis and will not lead to a full-time permanent position.
Can I substitute my education for the required experience?
No. For this specific position, you must meet the professional experience requirement through work experience alone.
Are there benefits for this position?
Because this is an intermittent role, it is generally not eligible for standard federal benefits like health insurance, life insurance, or paid leave.