Advance Your Nursing Career with the Defense Health Agency in Yuma
Are you a dedicated nurse looking for a role that combines professional excellence with a meaningful mission? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently hiring a Clinical Nurse to join our team at the Navy Branch Health Clinic, located at the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) in Yuma, Arizona. This position provides a unique opportunity to serve those who defend our nation while working within a world-class, integrated healthcare system.
Job Responsibilities
As a Clinical Nurse at MCAS Yuma, you will be on the front lines of military healthcare. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Patient Support: Assisting clinicians with physical exams, diagnostic procedures, and essential medical treatments.
- Care Coordination: Managing patient flow during high-volume periods and ensuring seamless care transitions.
- Administrative Oversight: Maintaining accurate medical histories, recording vital signs, and ensuring all administrative documentation is compliant.
- Conflict Resolution: acting as a liaison between patients, staff, and external medical providers.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, applicants must meet several baseline requirements:
- Education: A degree from an accredited professional nursing program.
- Licensing: An active, unrestricted license as a professional nurse in any U.S. jurisdiction.
- Experience: At least one full year of professional nursing experience (GS-7 equivalent or higher).
- Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
Salary Overview & Comparison
The salary range for this position is $89,850 to $114,115 per year. Below is a comparison of federal nurse grade structures:
| Position Level | Typical Grade | Potential Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Staff Nurse | GS-7 | Federal Retirement |
| Clinical Nurse | GS-9 | Locality Pay |
| Nurse Manager | GS-11/12 | Recruitment Incentives |
Benefits of Federal Service
Beyond competitive pay, federal employment offers a robust suite of benefits, including:
- Comprehensive Insurance: Federal health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Leave: Generous annual and sick leave accrual, with potential for prior service credit.
- Incentives: Potential for recruitment or relocation bonuses and salary negotiation for new federal hires.
How to Apply Successfully
Applying for a federal position requires precision. Your resume must be two pages or less and explicitly detail your work history—including hours per week, start/end dates, and job titles. Since the agency will not make assumptions, ensure your resume clearly mirrors the requirements listed in the announcement.
The Clinical Nurse position at MCAS Yuma is an outstanding career step for nurses who want to blend high-quality clinical practice with the honor of serving the military community. With a competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a supportive team environment, this role is a gateway to a rewarding federal career. Prepare your application carefully and submit it by the September 11, 2026 deadline to ensure your consideration.
Why This Nurse (Clinical) Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on military health. Join the Defense Health Agency as a Clinical Nurse in sunny Yuma, Arizona, and provide essential care to those who serve.
Nurse (Clinical) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Clinical Nurse for the Navy Branch Health Clinic at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. This role is a vital component of a sophisticated, integrated healthcare system committed to serving uniformed service members and their families. If you are a licensed professional nurse looking to utilize your skills in a high-paced, mission-critical environment, this position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the readiness and well-being of the military community.
Requirements for Nurse (Clinical)
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Must possess a current, active, full, and unrestricted nursing license in a U.S. state, D.C., Puerto Rico, or U.S. territory.
- Completion of an accredited professional nursing program.
- At least one full year of professional nursing experience (GS-7 equivalent or higher).
- Must have successfully passed the NCLEX.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Completion of a pre-employment certification for Selective Service (if applicable).
- Agreement to a one-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Nurse (Clinical)
- Master's degree in professional nursing.
- Proven experience in patient care coordination and staff education.
- Expertise in managing high-volume clinical workflows.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay.
- ✓Potential recruitment or relocation incentives for qualified candidates.
- ✓Salary negotiation options for new federal employees.
- ✓Potential credit of non-federal work experience for leave accrual.
- ✓Comprehensive federal benefits package (health, dental, vision, retirement).
- ✓Opportunities for career growth within the Defense Health Agency.
💡 How to Apply Nurse (Clinical) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Nurse (Clinical) Job
- Prepare your resume (maximum of two pages) highlighting relevant work experience.
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the mandatory online questionnaire.
- Upload all required documentation, including transcripts, nursing licenses, and certifications.
- Verify that your application package is complete and submit before the 11:59 PM EST deadline on September 11, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less to avoid automatic disqualification.
- Ensure your resume includes the employer name, job title, exact start and end dates (month/year), and hours worked per week for every position.
- Sanitize sensitive personal information from uploaded documents (like marriage certificates) if preferred.
- Use clear, plain language in your resume and avoid industry acronyms that may be unfamiliar to HR reviewers.
- Upload your documents well in advance of the deadline, as the system requires time to scan files for viruses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Secret security clearance required?
Yes, the position is designated as Noncritical-Sensitive/Moderate Risk, and you must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Can I negotiate my salary?
Salary negotiation may be available specifically for candidates who are new to the Federal government service.
Are there specific education requirements for foreign-trained nurses?
Yes, if you graduated from a foreign nursing school, you must provide official certification from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools.
Can I telework in this position?
No, this position is not eligible for telework due to the clinical nature of the duties.
What is the security clearance level?
You must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret-level security clearance.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is the cornerstone of military healthcare, responsible for delivering high-quality medical services to more than 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families worldwide. By joining the DHA, you become part of a global team of inspired medical professionals focused on readiness, health, and patient-centered care. Whether you are providing direct patient support or coordinating care across complex systems, your contributions ensure the health and strength of our Joint Force.