Advance Your Nursing Career with the Defense Health Agency
Are you a dedicated Practical Nurse looking to transition into a stable, rewarding federal career? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently seeking compassionate, skilled professionals to join the Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center at Fort Gordon, Georgia. This is a unique opportunity to provide high-quality care to our nation's service members, retirees, and their families.
Job Responsibilities
As a Practical Nurse (Outpatient), your day-to-day work will be vital to the success of our outpatient clinics. Responsibilities include:
- Patient Care: Delivering both face-to-face and virtual/telemedicine care to a diverse patient population.
- Clinical Support: Assisting clinicians by recording vital signs, updating medical histories, and identifying symptoms.
- Medication Administration: Safely administering oral, topical, and injectable medications while monitoring for adverse reactions.
- Documentation: Utilizing electronic health record systems to maintain accurate, timely clinical notes.
- Emergency Response: Assisting in patient stabilization, resuscitation, and other critical clinical interventions.
- Education: Counseling patients on treatment plans, diet, and chronic disease management to improve recovery outcomes.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, you must meet specific federal criteria. Please ensure your resume highlights the following:
- Licensure: You must hold a current, active license as a practical or vocational nurse in any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Experience: A minimum of one year of specialized nursing experience in a hospital, nursing home, or clinic setting.
- Competency: You must have a demonstrated working knowledge of sterile techniques, vital sign monitoring, and medical record documentation.
- Background: You must pass a pre-employment drug screening and meet all security and suitability requirements.
Salary Overview
The position offers a competitive salary range designed to attract skilled healthcare professionals.
| Pay Detail | Amount |
|---|---|
| Minimum Annual Salary | $40,736 |
| Maximum Annual Salary | $52,957 |
| Pay Frequency | Annually |
Benefits
Federal employment with the DHA comes with an exceptional benefits package. Beyond the salary, employees may be eligible for:
- Federal health, dental, and vision insurance.
- A robust retirement plan including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Potential recruitment or relocation incentives.
- Federal Student Loan Repayment programs (where authorized).
- Generous paid time off (annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays).
Application Tips
Applying for federal jobs requires precision. Follow these steps to ensure your application stands out:
- The Two-Page Rule: Your resume must be two pages or less. Any resume exceeding this limit will be excluded from the selection process.
- Be Specific: Include the number of hours worked per week for each job entry. Federal HR specialists need this to verify your experience level.
- Use Plain Language: Avoid using industry acronyms that a non-clinical recruiter might not understand. Describe your duties in simple, action-oriented language.
- Documents: Double-check that your nursing license is attached to your submission. Missing documentation is the most common reason for disqualification.
Joining the Defense Health Agency is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the well-being of the military community. If you possess the clinical skills and the heart for service, we encourage you to submit your application today. Take the next step in your nursing journey and help us maintain a medically ready force.
Why This Practical Nurse (Outpatient) Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on military health. Join the Defense Health Agency as a Practical Nurse at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center and provide essential, high-quality care to our service members and their families.
Practical Nurse (Outpatient) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking compassionate and skilled Practical Nurses to support the Department of Surgery and Department of Medicine at Fort Gordon, Georgia. This open continuous announcement allows for ongoing applications to fill multiple vacancies in a fast-paced outpatient environment. You will play a critical role in providing direct patient care, collaborating with clinical teams, and ensuring the health and readiness of military personnel and beneficiaries.
Requirements for Practical Nurse (Outpatient)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Possess a current, active license as a practical or vocational nurse in any U.S. State, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Must have at least one year of specialized nursing experience in a hospital, clinic, or similar medical facility.
- Demonstrated ability to perform sterile techniques, record vital signs, and administer medications.
- Ability to utilize electronic health record systems for documentation.
- Must pass a pre-employment drug test.
- Successful completion of a one-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Practical Nurse (Outpatient)
- Experience in outpatient clinic settings.
- Proficiency in both face-to-face and virtual/telemedicine patient care delivery.
- Experience in assisting with emergency resuscitation and stabilization procedures.
- Strong skills in patient education regarding chronic illness and preventative health.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal salary with potential locality pay.
- ✓Opportunities for recruitment or relocation incentives for qualified candidates.
- ✓Student loan repayment program eligibility.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans.
- ✓Paid time off and federal holidays.
- ✓Ongoing professional development within the Military Health System.
💡 How to Apply Practical Nurse (Outpatient) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Practical Nurse (Outpatient) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, detailing specific hours worked per week and relevant nursing tasks.
- Complete the online questionnaire through the USA Staffing link.
- Upload a copy of your current nursing license/certification.
- Submit your complete application package before the announcement closing date.
- Monitor your status via your USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to two pages; documents exceeding this length will be automatically rejected.
- Clearly define your experience with start/end dates (month/year) and hours worked per week.
- Use plain language and avoid internal acronyms that a human resources specialist might not recognize.
- Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical delays during the virus scan process.
- Ensure your license is clearly visible as an uploaded document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute education for the required nursing experience?
No, this specific position requires one year of specialized nursing experience; education cannot be substituted for the experience requirement.
Is this a remote or telework position?
No, this position is located at Fort Gordon, Georgia, and requires on-site presence for direct patient care duties.
What happens if I am not currently licensed in Georgia?
You must hold a current license to practice as a practical or vocational nurse in any state, territory, or the District of Columbia. You do not necessarily need a Georgia-specific license to apply.
Is this position remote?
No, this is an on-site clinical position at Fort Gordon, GA.
Can I apply if my license is from a different state?
Yes, as long as your license is from any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia, it is considered valid for the application.
What is an open continuous announcement?
It means the DHA is accepting applications on an ongoing basis to build a pool of qualified candidates. Vacancies are filled as they occur.
Job from Defense Health Agency
The Defense Health Agency is the medical pillar of the U.S. Department of Defense. As a joint, integrated combat support agency, the DHA manages a massive network of over 400 military hospitals and clinics worldwide. Our mission is to ensure a medically ready force and a ready medical force. By joining our team, you become part of a highly reliable system that prioritizes clinical excellence, readiness, and patient-centered care.