Advance Your Nursing Career at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Are you a dedicated practical nurse looking for a career that combines clinical excellence with a higher purpose? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently inviting applications for Practical Nurse (ICU) positions at the prestigious Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. This role is ideal for medical professionals seeking to provide exceptional care to the brave men and women of our armed forces.
Job Responsibilities
As a Practical Nurse in the Intensive Care Unit, you will be the backbone of daily patient operations. Key duties include:
- Obtaining and monitoring vital signs.
- Managing medical equipment to track patient stability.
- Providing bedside care, including wound dressing and catheter insertion.
- Administering IV fluids and medications.
- Collaborating with medical teams to advocate for patient needs.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet specific federal standards:
- Licensure: You must hold a valid, current practical nursing license.
- Experience: A minimum of one year of specialized nursing experience is required.
- Documentation: Your resume must be two pages or less and demonstrate relevant clinical experience.
Requirements Comparison
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Licensure | Current state, territory, or DC license |
| Experience | 1 Year of clinical/hospital experience |
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Background | Must pass security and suitability screening |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $56,893 to $68,530 annually, reflecting locality pay adjustments for the Bethesda area.
Benefits
The federal government offers a robust benefits package, including health insurance, retirement planning, and generous leave policies. Highly qualified candidates may be eligible for recruitment incentives.
Application Tips
- Watch the Page Count: A strict two-page limit on resumes is enforced.
- Upload Licenses Early: Missing license documentation is the most common reason for disqualification.
- Be Detailed: Clearly define your specialized experience, including hours worked per week.
Serving as a Practical Nurse at Walter Reed is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to support the defense mission while advancing your professional skills in a premier medical facility. Apply today to begin your journey with the Department of Defense.
Why This Practical Nurse (Intensive Care Unit) Job Matters
Launch your healthcare career at the prestigious Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where your expertise directly supports the health and readiness of our nation's heroes and their families.
Practical Nurse (Intensive Care Unit) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking dedicated and skilled Practical Nurses to join the intensive care team at the world-renowned Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. This role offers the opportunity to provide high-quality, patient-centered care in a fast-paced environment. As a key member of the medical team, you will utilize your clinical expertise to monitor patient health, administer essential treatments, and advocate for those who have served our country. This is an open continuous announcement, allowing for ongoing applications.
Requirements for Practical Nurse (Intensive Care Unit)
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Possession of a current, active license as a practical or vocational nurse in any U.S. State, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Must provide a copy of your valid nursing license with your application.
- Minimum of one year of specialized nursing experience in a clinical, hospital, or long-term care setting.
- Ability to perform essential nursing duties such as vital sign monitoring, medication administration, and patient assessment.
- Successful completion of a mandatory one-year probationary period.
- Subject to a pre-employment drug test and background investigation.
Preferred Qualifications for Practical Nurse (Intensive Care Unit)
- Demonstrated experience in intensive care or specialized medical-surgical units.
- Proficiency in electronic medical record (EMR) documentation systems.
- Strong communication skills for effective collaboration within a multidisciplinary medical team.
- Advanced technical skills regarding sterile procedures, wound care, and IV administration.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health insurance options
- ✓Comprehensive life insurance coverage
- ✓Participation in the federal retirement system
- ✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training
💡 How to Apply Practical Nurse (Intensive Care Unit) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Practical Nurse (Intensive Care Unit) Job
- Log into your USAJOBS account or create a new profile.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Ensure your resume explicitly details relevant experience, including hours worked per week and specific duties.
- Upload your nursing license and any other supporting documentation.
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire linked within the job posting.
- Submit your final application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to two pages; any content beyond that will lead to disqualification.
- Be specific about your nursing tasks; do not use acronyms that aren't widely recognized.
- Ensure your license copy is clear and readable to avoid being marked ineligible.
- Check your application status regularly through your USAJOBS dashboard.
- Submit early to allow sufficient time for document virus scanning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote or telework-eligible position?
No, this role requires physical presence at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD.
What happens if I don't have my nursing license yet?
Candidates who have applied for a license may be considered, but proof of licensure must be provided, and the license must be obtained within the probationary period.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is the primary organization within the Department of Defense responsible for healthcare delivery. Serving over 9.5 million service members and their families, the agency is committed to medical readiness and world-class patient care. Working at Walter Reed places you at the heart of military medicine.