Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner) Career Opportunity at Fort Belvoir, Virginia

Are you an experienced advanced practice nurse looking to make a profound difference in the lives of those who have served our nation? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently seeking an Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner) to join the world-class medical team at the Alexander T. Augusta Military Medical Center in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. This position represents a rewarding career path for clinical professionals dedicated to providing top-tier patient care within a modern, collaborative military treatment facility.

Operating under a Direct Hire Authority (DHA), this vacancy offers a competitive GS-12 salary range of $126,527 to $158,771 per year, comprehensive federal benefits, and the chance to work alongside an inspired team of healthcare professionals. If you possess a background in advanced practice nursing—particularly within hematology or oncology clinics—and are ready to step into a leadership-oriented clinical role, read on to learn more about this incredible career opportunity.

---

About the Agency: The Defense Health Agency

The Defense Health Agency is a key component of the Military Health System, serving as an integrated healthcare delivery network that spans the globe. The DHA manages medical, dental, and pharmacy programs for more than 9.5 million active-duty service members, retirees, and their families. Its core mission is to support the joint force by ensuring military medical readiness anytime, anywhere.

Located in Fairfax County, Virginia, the Alexander T. Augusta Military Medical Center (formerly the Fort Belvoir Community Hospital) is a state-of-the-art facility designed to deliver patient-centered, evidence-based healing. By joining the clinical staff here, you become part of a vital strategic partnership that integrates military clinical practice with exceptional community healthcare delivery.

---

Job Responsibilities

As an Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner) within the primary care and specialty clinics at Fort Belvoir, you will play an active, collaborative role in coordinating patient healthcare. You will work across both inpatient and outpatient settings, ensuring that patients receive seamless, high-quality interventions.

Key duties and responsibilities include:

• Collaborative Care Management: Conducting thorough physical examinations, establishing accurate diagnoses, and directing the long-term clinical management of complex medical cases.
• Clinical Problem Solving: Assessing acute and non-acute clinical issues to implement rapid, effective diagnostic and therapeutic responses.
• Interdisciplinary Consultation: Consulting closely with staff physicians, specialists, and ancillary healthcare providers to formulate, evaluate, and adjust therapeutic regimens for high-risk or unstable patients.
• Modern Care Delivery Evaluation: Leveraging concepts in community health, socioeconomic status, environmental factors, and occupational health to adapt clinical care delivery strategies to a diverse patient population.
• Patient & Family Education: Educating patients and their support systems on diagnosis details, complex therapeutic regimens, specialized diets, prescription medications, and behavioral adjustments to promote long-term recovery and adaptation.

---

Requirements and Qualifications

To qualify for this GS-12 advanced practice role, applicants must meet precise academic, licensure, and professional experience benchmarks. Understanding these requirements is vital to submitting a successful application package.

Academic Background

Candidates must hold a graduate or higher-level degree in professional nursing with a specialization as a Nurse Practitioner (or a related clinical specialty). The academic program must have been accredited by a recognized national accrediting body at the time of graduation, such as:

• The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs
• The Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education
• An accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education

Note: Graduates of foreign nursing schools must present official certification from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) to validate their educational equivalence.

Professional Licensure

Applicants must possess two distinct, active, full, and unrestricted professional credentials:

1. A current professional license as a Registered Nurse (RN) from a U.S. state, district, territory, or commonwealth, backed by successful completion of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
2. An active, current professional license or registration as an Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner in their respective specialty.

Specialized Experience

In addition to academic credentials, applicants must demonstrate at least one year of professional advanced practice nursing experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) in the federal service. This experience must clearly show competence in:

• Performing comprehensive examinations of oncology or specialty clinic patients.
• Prescribing medications and managing therapeutic regimens.
• Interpreting complex laboratory, diagnostic, and imaging test results.
• Providing robust, culturally competent patient and family education.

Table: Qualification Comparison Guide

Feature	Minimum Required (GS-12 Baseline)	Highly Recommended / Preferred Specialization
Education	Graduate degree in Nurse Practitioner program	Graduate degree with dedicated focus in Oncology / Hematology
Licensure	Unrestricted state RN and NP licenses	State RN and NP licenses with active clinical credentialing
Oncology Experience	Clinical examination and assessment experience	At least 1 year in an active hematology/oncology clinic
Chemotherapy	Basic knowledge of oncology prescribing	1+ years independently ordering and managing chemotherapy
Schedule Availability	Standard professional clinical hours	Willingness to work rotating days, nights, weekends, and holidays

---

Salary Overview

The position is classified under the General Schedule (GS) system at the GS-12 grade level. The salary ranges from $126,527 to $158,771 per year.

This annual compensation incorporates base federal pay along with the localized market supplement adjusted for the Fort Belvoir/Washington-Baltimore-Arlington locality area. While relocation costs (Permanent Change of Station) are not covered by the agency, recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized to attract highly qualified, competitive clinical specialists.

---

Benefits

Careers in federal healthcare come with an outstanding array of benefits designed to support long-term physical, mental, and financial well-being. By accepting a position with the Defense Health Agency, you gain access to:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Multiple options for premium medical, dental, and vision care plans.
• Retirement Security: Coverage under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension plan and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which features automatic agency matching contributions up to 5%.
• Paid Time Off: Accrual of annual leave for vacations, a separate sick leave accrual program, and 12 fully paid federal holidays each year.
• Workplace Stability: Stable, predictable structures with transparent career-progression pathways within the federal civil service.
• Incentives: Potential eligibility for specialized retention or relocation bonuses depending on clinical needs and applicant qualifications.

---

Application Tips

Navigating the federal application process requires meticulous attention to detail. Ensure your application stands out by following these strategic tips:

1. Obey the Two-Page Limit: Your federal resume must be two pages or less. Resumes that exceed two pages will be immediately discarded from consideration without a review of qualifications. Be concise, clear, and impactful.
2. Include Precise Work Histories: For every job listed, document the employer name, job title, start and end dates (including both month and year), and the exact number of hours worked per week. This ensures your specialized clinical hours are credited correctly.
3. Do Not Rely on Acronyms: Federal HR personnel may not be familiar with niche medical jargon or local hospital acronyms. Use clear, plain-language descriptions to show how your skills match the qualification requirements.
4. Verify Your Attachments: Ensure you successfully upload your current transcripts and active RN/NP licenses. Failure to attach these mandatory documents will lead to an immediate "ineligible" rating.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Who can apply for this position?

This announcement is open to the public. Any qualified U.S. citizen with the necessary advanced practice nursing education and clinical credentials may apply.

Q2: What is the exact work schedule for this Nurse Practitioner role?

The work hours vary and operate on a rotating schedule. The clinic requires flexible coverage, meaning your shifts can include days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays depending on the operational needs of the Alexander T. Augusta Military Medical Center.

Q3: Is a probationary period required?

Yes. Selected candidates must complete a one-year probationary period. During this time, your clinical performance, professional conduct, and alignment with government standards will be evaluated to ensure continued employment is in the public interest.

Q4: Are there physical requirements or safety checks?

Yes. Due to the sensitive nature of military healthcare facilities, candidates must pass a credentialing process, suitability/fitness determination, and a pre-employment drug screening. Regular, random drug testing may also be required throughout employment.

---

If you are an ambitious, highly skilled Advanced Practice Nurse looking to merge your clinical expertise with service to our nation's military community, the Nurse Practitioner role at Fort Belvoir is an unmatched opportunity. Combining a robust GS-12 salary, comprehensive federal retirement benefits, and a state-of-the-art practice environment, this position will allow you to flourish as an essential provider in oncology and collaborative care.

Ensure your application package is polished, tailor your resume to the strict two-page limit, and submit your materials before the announcement closes on September 10, 2026.