Advance Your Nursing Career at the Naval Medical Center San Diego
Are you a dedicated nurse passionate about providing critical care to pediatric patients? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is looking for a skilled professional to join the team at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, California. This role offers not just a competitive salary, but the chance to support those who serve our nation.
Job Responsibilities
As an ICU Nurse, you will be on the front lines of pediatric critical care. Your core duties include:
- Providing highly specialized nursing care to acutely ill neonates and infants.
- Operating sophisticated life-support systems and managing complex clinical workflows.
- Administering medications according to strict hospital safety protocols.
- Serving as a preceptor and clinical role model for new staff and students.
- Assuming charge nurse responsibilities to ensure high-quality patient outcomes.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Licensure: Possess a current, active, unrestricted professional nursing license.
- Education: Completion of an accredited professional nursing program.
- Experience: At least one full year of professional nursing experience performing specialized tasks like full patient assessments and equipment monitoring.
Salary and Benefits
This position is highly competitive, reflecting the expertise required. Below is a breakdown of the compensation and professional benefits provided by the federal government.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $140,407 - $176,183 (Annual) |
| Job Grade | GS-12 |
| Recruitment Incentive | May be authorized for new hires |
| Security Clearance | Secret |
How to Apply
Applying for federal jobs requires precision. Follow these steps:
- Create your USAJOBS profile.
- Draft a concise resume (two pages maximum).
- Upload your professional license and academic transcripts.
- Complete the mandatory online questionnaire.
This role at the Naval Medical Center is a unique opportunity to combine your clinical expertise with a mission-driven career. By providing top-tier care to the pediatric community, you play a vital role in the health and wellness of our military families. Prepare your application carefully and take the next step in your nursing journey.
Why This Nurse (Intensive Care Unit) Job Matters
Take your nursing career to the next level by joining an elite pediatric critical care team at the Naval Medical Center in beautiful San Diego, California.
Nurse (Intensive Care Unit) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is currently seeking a highly skilled Intensive Care Unit Nurse to join the team at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego. This position focuses on providing specialized care to critically ill pediatric patients. As a key member of a mission-driven organization, you will work in a fast-paced environment supporting military families and service members. This is a Direct Hire opportunity that may offer salary negotiation, relocation incentives, or Advanced In Hire (AIH) options for exceptionally qualified candidates new to the federal service.
Requirements for Nurse (Intensive Care Unit)
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must hold a degree from an accredited professional nursing program.
- Must possess a current, active, full, and unrestricted professional nursing license.
- Must have passed the National Council Licensure Examination.
- Must have at least one full year of professional nursing experience involving patient assessments, medication administration, and monitoring of complex medical equipment.
- Must be able to successfully complete a pre-employment drug test and security clearance process.
- Must be able to provide documentation of education and licensure.
- Must be willing to undergo a one-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Nurse (Intensive Care Unit)
- Experience providing nursing care specifically for critical pediatric patient populations.
- Proven ability to act as a preceptor or mentor for nursing staff and students.
- Advanced clinical competency in life-support technologies and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary package including locality pay.
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
- ✓Retirement savings plans including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Generous paid federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave.
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for new federal hires.
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities within the Department of Defense.
💡 How to Apply Nurse (Intensive Care Unit) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Nurse (Intensive Care Unit) Job
- Log in or create an account on USAJOBS.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, detailing relevant experience with hours worked per week and dates of employment.
- Gather necessary documentation, including professional nursing license and academic transcripts.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the provided application link.
- Ensure all documents are uploaded and undergo the virus scan process before submission.
- Submit your complete application package by 11:59 PM EST on September 14, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to two pages; anything longer will be disqualified.
- Use plain language and avoid technical acronyms that might be misunderstood by reviewers.
- Ensure your resume explicitly maps to the specialized experience described (full assessments, equipment monitoring, etc.).
- Verify that your license is clearly visible and attached to your application package.
- Apply well before the deadline to allow time for the mandatory file virus scanning process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a recruitment incentive available for this role?
Yes, recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for candidates new to the federal service, subject to approval.
Can I substitute education for the required work experience?
No, this specific position requires one year of specialized professional nursing experience; education cannot be substituted for the experience requirement.
What happens if my resume exceeds two pages?
The application will be considered incomplete and will be removed from further consideration.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is an integrated system that delivers medical services to more than 9.5 million service members, retirees, and their families. As a strategic partner in the Department of Defense, the DHA ensures that military families receive world-class care anywhere in the world. Joining this team means contributing to a mission-critical environment dedicated to health readiness and excellence.