Embark on a Rewarding Nursing Career at Fort Wainwright
Are you a dedicated nurse looking for an opportunity that combines professional growth with a unique life experience? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently hiring for a Clinical Nurse (Med-Surg) at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. This position offers a rare chance to provide world-class care to military service members and their families in one of the most stunning landscapes in the United States.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will act as a primary caregiver for patients with complex medical and surgical needs. Your daily duties will include:
- Administering medications, IV fluids, and blood transfusions.
- Monitoring patient vitals, including interpreting telemetry and cardiac rhythms.
- Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to draft comprehensive, high-risk care plans.
- Ensuring meticulous medical documentation that adheres to federal and regulatory standards.
- Acting as a first responder during medical emergencies within the facility.
Comparison: Standard vs. Federal Med-Surg Nursing
| Feature | Private Sector Med-Surg | Federal DHA Med-Surg |
|---|---|---|
| Benefits Package | Varies | Comprehensive Federal Benefits |
| Patient Population | General Public | Military/Service Members |
| Mission Scope | Local Community | Global Military Readiness |
| Salary Structure | Market-Based | GS-Scale with Locality Pay/COLA |
Requirements
To qualify, applicants must hold an active, unrestricted nursing license and possess a degree from an accredited nursing program. Candidates are expected to have at least one year of professional experience equivalent to the GS-9 level. A commitment to mission readiness is essential, as this is a designated 'Mission Essential' position.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $113,819 to $144,569 per year, supplemented by a 1.49% Cost of Living Allowance (COLA). Beyond the base pay, federal employees enjoy stable career paths, generous leave accrual, and robust health and retirement benefits.
Application Tips
- Resume Length: Keep your resume to two pages or less.
- Clarity: Use plain language and avoid obscure medical acronyms.
- Documentation: Double-check that your nursing license and transcripts are clearly legible when uploading.
If you are ready to take your nursing career to the next level while supporting those who defend our country, we encourage you to apply. This role at Fort Wainwright is more than just a job—it is a chance to serve your country in a meaningful, professional capacity.
Why This Nurse (Clinical/Med-Surg) Job Matters
Advance your nursing career in the heart of Alaska while providing critical care to those who serve our nation.
Nurse (Clinical/Med-Surg) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Clinical Nurse for a Med-Surg unit located at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. In this role, you will provide comprehensive care to patients with complex medical and surgical needs within a collaborative, mission-critical environment. This is an exceptional opportunity for a skilled professional to join a premier integrated healthcare system, offering competitive compensation, potential recruitment incentives, and the unique experience of working in a vital military treatment facility.
Requirements for Nurse (Clinical/Med-Surg)
- U.S. Citizenship.
- A nursing degree (diploma, associate, bachelor's, or higher) from an accredited professional nursing program.
- Current, active, full, and unrestricted nursing license from a U.S. state, D.C., Puerto Rico, or territory.
- Minimum of one year of specialized professional nursing experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level.
- Successful completion of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
- Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
- Must be able to maintain mission-essential status during emergencies or extreme weather.
Preferred Qualifications for Nurse (Clinical/Med-Surg)
- Experience in managing patients with complex, multifaceted medical and surgical needs.
- Proficiency in telemetry and emergency life-saving protocols.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate within interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
- Strong background in creating and implementing detailed patient care plans.
- Experience with electronic health documentation systems.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) currently at 1.49%
- ✓Federal health and life insurance options
- ✓Retirement savings plans (Thrift Savings Plan)
- ✓Paid vacation and sick leave
- ✓Potential recruitment or relocation incentives
- ✓Opportunities for professional development
💡 How to Apply Nurse (Clinical/Med-Surg) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Nurse (Clinical/Med-Surg) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the USA Staffing portal.
- Upload required documents: transcripts, nursing license, and certifications.
- Submit your complete application package before the deadline.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume specifically details your nursing duties, hours worked per week, and dates of employment.
- Do not use acronyms or overly complex technical jargon that a recruiter might not immediately understand.
- Verify that your uploaded documents have cleared the virus scan before the closing date.
- Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical delays.
- If claiming education substitution, ensure your transcripts are legible and clearly indicate degree conferral.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a relocation incentive available for this position?
Yes, a recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized for qualified candidates.
What is the work schedule expectation regarding Alaska weather?
This role is designated as 'Inclement Weather Essential,' meaning you are expected to report for duty or remain on-site during severe weather events.
How long is the probationary period?
This position requires a one-year probationary period to evaluate performance and mission alignment.
Do I need a security clearance?
No security clearance is required for this specific role.
Is housing provided?
Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized; however, relocation incentives may be available for qualified candidates.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is the backbone of healthcare for the Department of Defense. As an integrated health system, the DHA serves over 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families worldwide. Working here means joining a team dedicated to medical readiness and the highest standards of patient care.