Advance Your Nursing Career at Madigan Army Medical Center
If you are a dedicated Practical Nurse (LPN) looking for a meaningful way to serve those who protect our nation, the Defense Health Agency (DHA) has an exceptional opportunity for you. We are currently recruiting for a Practical Nurse within the Gastroenterology Service at the prestigious Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington.
Job Responsibilities
As a Practical Nurse in the Gastroenterology department, you will operate with a high degree of independence. Your day-to-day duties will include:
- Clinical Care: Providing routine and specialized nursing care to a diverse outpatient population.
- Patient Support: Recording vital signs, managing lab and radiology orders, and assisting with physical examinations.
- Medication Administration: Safely administering oral medications and immunizations.
- Education: Serving as a primary educator for patients and their families regarding treatment plans and recovery.
Requirements
To be considered for this mission-essential role, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Licensure: You must hold a current, active license as a practical or vocational nurse.
- Experience: One year of nursing experience in a supervised medical facility is required.
- Documentation: A complete application package, including a resume no longer than two pages.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive compensation package aligned with federal standards.
| Pay Scale | Annual Minimum | Annual Maximum | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-05 | $62,603 | $81,385 | Per Year |
Benefits
Working for the federal government provides more than just a paycheck. Enjoy a range of perks, including:
- Health and life insurance coverage
- Federal retirement benefits
- Generous leave accrual
- Career advancement within the DOD
Application Tips
Competition for federal positions is high. To stand out, ensure your resume clearly articulates your clinical experience in a way that aligns with the specialized duties listed. Avoid jargon, keep it brief, and double-check your uploaded documents before submitting.
Serving our military community is a rewarding path for any healthcare professional. If you have the drive and the clinical expertise, we invite you to apply today via the USAJOBS portal.
Why This Practical Nurse (Outpatient) Job Matters
Join the dedicated team at Madigan Army Medical Center and play a vital role in supporting our nation's heroes and their families through expert outpatient nursing care.
Practical Nurse (Outpatient) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a motivated Practical Nurse to join the Gastroenterology Service at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington. In this role, you will work within an integrated healthcare system to provide routine and specialized clinical care. You will assist the ambulatory healthcare team by managing medical procedures, patient education, and routine nursing tasks, ensuring high-quality, efficient service for a diverse patient population.
Requirements for Practical Nurse (Outpatient)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Possess a current, active license as a practical or vocational nurse in a U.S. State, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Must have at least one year of specialized nursing experience in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or similar medical facility.
- Ability to perform tasks including recording vital signs, administering oral medications, and assisting with minor medical procedures.
- Successfully pass a drug screening test.
- Complete a one-year trial or probationary period.
- Register for Selective Service if applicable (males born after Dec 31, 1959).
Preferred Qualifications for Practical Nurse (Outpatient)
- Proven experience working within a fast-paced outpatient or gastroenterology setting.
- Demonstrated ability to manage lab and radiology orders independently.
- Strong communication skills for patient and family education.
- Prior experience working within a federal or military medical treatment facility.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay.
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Accrual of paid annual and sick leave.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development within the Department of Defense.
- ✓Potential for recruitment incentives for highly qualified candidates.
💡 How to Apply Practical Nurse (Outpatient) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Practical Nurse (Outpatient) Job
- Ensure your resume is no more than two pages long and includes specific details on hours worked per week and dates of employment.
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the online questionnaire as prompted by the application link.
- Upload your nursing license/certification and any other relevant supporting documents.
- Submit your complete application package before the 11:59 PM EST deadline on October 27, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume concise—if it exceeds two pages, it will be automatically removed from consideration.
- Avoid acronyms and industry-specific jargon in your resume; use plain, clear language that a recruiter can easily understand.
- Double-check that your license is clearly attached, as failure to provide this will result in immediate disqualification.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS dashboard to ensure your application was successfully transmitted and processed.
- Sanitize any sensitive personal information (like social security numbers) from non-mandatory documents before uploading.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mission of this position?
The incumbent supports the ambulatory healthcare team at Madigan Army Medical Center, providing specialized care for diverse patient populations within the Gastroenterology service.
Is a security clearance required?
No, this position is designated as non-sensitive and does not require a formal security clearance, though it is subject to suitability and fitness checks.
Can I negotiate my salary?
Salary negotiation may be considered for new federal employees who possess superior qualifications for the position.
What is the 'Mission Essential' designation?
It means you may be required to report to work during emergencies, such as severe weather or natural disasters, to ensure continuity of care.
Is relocation assistance provided?
Unfortunately, payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized for this position.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is a global leader in military medicine. We provide healthcare services across the Department of Defense, ensuring that 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families receive top-tier medical care. When you join the Madigan Army Medical Center team, you are not just taking a job; you are becoming a strategic partner in combat support and clinical excellence.