Launch Your Nursing Career at Fort Drum with the Defense Health Agency
Are you a dedicated nursing professional looking to serve those who serve our country? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently hiring for a Practical Nurse (Outpatient) position at the Guthrie Army Health Clinic, located in the heart of Fort Drum, New York. This role is a fantastic opportunity to provide high-quality care to military service members, retirees, and their families in an integrated healthcare environment.
Job Responsibilities
As a Practical Nurse (Outpatient), your day-to-day work will be both diverse and rewarding. You will act as a key support figure for physicians and professional healthcare staff. Key duties include:
- Patient Care: Delivering individualized nursing care according to nursing assessments and physician treatment plans.
- Clinical Procedures: Assisting with examinations, administering injections, applying wound dressings, and performing nebulizer treatments.
- Medication Administration: Preparing and administering oral medications and immunizations.
- Documentation: Managing patient records, including vital signs, specimen collections, and educational instructions.
- Coordination: Facilitating referral and utilization management to ensure specialty care is processed accurately through the military and network providers.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, candidates must meet specific criteria as mandated by federal hiring guidelines:
- Licensure: A current, valid license as a practical or vocational nurse. Candidates who have recently applied for licensure may be considered.
- Experience: One year of professional experience in an outpatient clinic, hospital, or nursing home setting that demonstrates proficiency in clinical nursing and sterile techniques.
- Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.
Eligibility Comparison Table
| Feature | Requirement Status |
|---|---|
| U.S. Citizenship | Required |
| Specialized Experience | 1 Year Minimum |
| Education Substitution | Not Permitted |
| Security Clearance | Not Required |
| Probationary Period | 1 Year |
Salary Overview
The annual salary for this position ranges from $50,434 to $65,565, depending on experience and locality pay. The DHA offers a competitive compensation package that includes the possibility of salary negotiation for those new to federal service, potential recruitment incentives for highly qualified candidates, and student loan repayment options.
Benefits of Federal Employment
Choosing a career with the federal government provides long-term security and a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Healthcare: Flexible health insurance plans with government contributions.
- Retirement: Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which functions similarly to a 401(k).
- Work-Life Balance: Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays each year.
- Career Growth: Ongoing opportunities for professional development within the DoD healthcare ecosystem.
Application Tips
Applying for federal jobs can be highly competitive. To ensure your application stands out:
- Watch Your Length: Your resume must be two pages or less. Submitting a longer document will result in automatic disqualification.
- Be Specific: Use clear language to describe your nursing tasks. Explain your experience with sterile techniques and patient care in detail.
- Include Dates: Always include month and year for all employment history, and note the hours worked per week.
- Proofread: Double-check your license documentation before submitting.
Serving as a Practical Nurse at Fort Drum is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the wellbeing of our military families. If you possess the required clinical skills and a passion for patient-centered care, we encourage you to apply. This is a unique opportunity to grow your clinical expertise while building a stable federal career.
Why This Practical Nurse (Outpatient) Job Matters
Join the dedicated team at Guthrie Army Health Clinic and provide critical nursing support to our service members and their families.
Practical Nurse (Outpatient) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking two skilled Practical Nurses to join the Guthrie Army Health Clinic at Fort Drum, New York. In this role, you will provide vital outpatient clinical support, ensuring the highest standard of care for our military community. This is a Direct Hire position, offering the potential for salary negotiation, recruitment incentives, and student loan repayment options for qualified candidates.
Requirements for Practical Nurse (Outpatient)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Possess a current, active license to practice as a practical or vocational nurse in a U.S. State, territory, or the District of Columbia (or have applied for one).
- Minimum of one year of specialized nursing experience in a clinical, hospital, or patient care facility.
- Ability to demonstrate practical knowledge of human body structure and sterile techniques.
- Successful completion of a 1-year probationary period.
- Compliance with Selective Service registration requirements if applicable.
Preferred Qualifications for Practical Nurse (Outpatient)
- Prior experience in outpatient settings.
- Proficiency in administering oral medications and immunizations.
- Experience in supporting physicians with diagnostic procedures and minor medical treatments.
- Demonstrated ability in electronic medical record documentation and referral management.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health, dental, and vision insurance options
- ✓Comprehensive retirement planning (FERS)
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
- ✓Student loan repayment program eligibility
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives
- ✓Opportunities for professional development within the DoD healthcare system
💡 How to Apply Practical Nurse (Outpatient) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Practical Nurse (Outpatient) Job
- Log into your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the online questionnaire specifically for the Practical Nurse position.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Ensure your resume explicitly details start/end dates, hours worked per week, and a summary of clinical tasks.
- Upload your nursing license or official proof of application.
- Attach supplemental documents such as a cover letter or performance appraisals.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to two pages; longer resumes will be automatically rejected.
- Avoid acronyms and jargon—use plain language to describe your nursing duties.
- Double-check that your license information is clearly labeled and attached as a separate file.
- Verify your status in the USAJOBS dashboard periodically after submission.
- Submit early to account for potential document virus scans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute my education for the required experience?
No. For this specific position, you must possess one year of specialized nursing experience. Education cannot be substituted for the required experience.
Is a security clearance required?
No, a security clearance is not required for this role, though you will undergo suitability and fitness screening.
What happens if I am not yet licensed?
You may be appointed pending licensure, but you must provide documentation that you have applied. You must obtain your license during the probationary period to remain employed.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is an essential pillar of the Department of Defense. We manage a massive, global healthcare delivery system that ensures medical readiness for our military personnel. By joining our team, you become part of a mission-critical network that supports over 9.5 million beneficiaries worldwide. At the Guthrie Army Health Clinic, you will work alongside skilled multidisciplinary teams to ensure our patients receive the best possible care.