Advance Your Nursing Career with the Defense Health Agency
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently seeking a dedicated and experienced Nurse Practitioner to serve in the Groton, Connecticut area. This role is a unique opportunity to provide high-quality, primary outpatient care to a diverse patient population, ranging from newborns to geriatric patients, within the military community. If you are looking for a role that combines professional clinical autonomy with a significant mission, this position is for you.
Job Responsibilities
As a Nurse Practitioner, your primary focus will be the delivery of clinical care in an outpatient setting. Key duties include:
- Performing thorough physical examinations.
- Diagnosing acute and chronic conditions.
- Developing comprehensive care plans tailored to patient needs.
- Prescribing medications based on established medical policies.
- Providing patient counseling to individuals and families.
- Maintaining accurate electronic documentation for all clinical encounters.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet several strict criteria:
- U.S. Citizenship.
- A qualifying nursing degree from an accredited program.
- An active, unrestricted professional nursing license.
- At least one full year of professional experience in physical examinations, diagnostics, and medication prescribing.
- Ability to pass background and drug screenings.
Requirements Comparison Table
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Education | Accredited Nursing Degree |
| Licensing | Current, Active, Unrestricted RN/NP License |
| Experience | Min. 1 Year Clinical (Physicals/Diagnosis/Prescribing) |
| Security Clearance | Secret (Noncritical-Sensitive) |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $100,992 – $131,293 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. Salary negotiation may be available for candidates new to the federal service. Additionally, the DHA may authorize recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified professionals.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
- Federal retirement benefits.
- Paid time off and federal holidays.
- Opportunities for continued professional development within a stable federal system.
Application Tips
- Respect the Limits: Your resume must be two pages or less. Submissions exceeding this limit will be automatically excluded.
- Be Specific: Include employer names, titles, and exact dates of employment. Ensure you clearly state the hours worked per week for each role.
- Sanitize Personal Data: While you should be thorough, ensure your supporting documents do not contain unnecessary sensitive personal information beyond what is requested.
Serving as a Nurse Practitioner for the Defense Health Agency in Groton offers a rewarding path for clinicians dedicated to the military mission. With excellent compensation, a clear structure, and the chance to impact the lives of service members, this role is a premier choice for dedicated healthcare professionals.
Why This Nurse Practitioner Job Matters
Advance your clinical career in a mission-critical role supporting those who serve. Join the Defense Health Agency in Groton, Connecticut, as a Nurse Practitioner.
Nurse Practitioner Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is seeking a skilled and dedicated Nurse Practitioner to provide comprehensive primary health care in Groton, Connecticut. This position serves a diverse patient population, ranging from newborns to geriatrics, in an outpatient clinical setting. As a member of the military treatment team, you will ensure the health and readiness of service members, retirees, and their families. This is a Direct Hire position offering a competitive salary, the potential for recruitment or relocation incentives, and the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the military healthcare system.
Requirements for Nurse Practitioner
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Possess a graduate, bachelor's, associate degree, or diploma in Family Medicine or a related nursing specialty from an accredited program.
- Must have passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
- Hold a current, active, full, and unrestricted license as a professional nurse in any U.S. State, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or territory.
- Possess specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level, including performing physical exams, diagnosing patients, and prescribing medications.
- Foreign nursing school graduates must provide CGFNS Certification.
- Ability to pass a background check for a Secret security clearance.
- Ability to pass a mandatory drug screening.
Preferred Qualifications for Nurse Practitioner
- Experience in an outpatient primary care setting.
- Demonstrated ability to manage chronic and acute medical conditions independently.
- Strong communication skills for patient counseling and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal salary with locality pay.
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates.
- ✓Opportunities for federal career progression.
- ✓Comprehensive federal benefits package, including health insurance and retirement plans.
- ✓Professional environment within a mission-driven organization.
💡 How to Apply Nurse Practitioner Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Nurse Practitioner Job
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, detailing your clinical experience with hours worked per week.
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the USA Staffing portal.
- Upload required documentation, including transcripts and current professional nursing license.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date of November 13, 2026.
- Verify submission status via your USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this will be disqualified.
- Include specific start and end dates (month/year) and average hours worked per week for every job listed.
- Submit your documents well in advance to account for the mandatory virus scan process.
- Clearly link your work experience to the required clinical duties (physical exams, diagnostics, and prescribing).
- Proofread your application to avoid errors that could result in an incomplete status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a recruitment incentive available for this role?
Yes, recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified applicants at the discretion of the hiring agency.
Can I substitute my education for the required experience?
No, for this specific position, you must demonstrate the required years of professional nursing experience as outlined in the announcement; education cannot be used as a substitute.
What is the security clearance requirement?
This position is designated as Noncritical-Sensitive and requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
What if I have retired from federal service?
*A: You may still apply; however, please review the specific reemployed annuitant guidelines provided in the full announcement.*
Can I telework?
*A: This position is not currently eligible for telework due to the nature of the clinical duties.*
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is an integrated health care system serving as a vital strategic partner for the Department of Defense. The Agency ensures the delivery of medical, dental, and pharmacy services to over 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. Working with the DHA means you are a key player in ensuring health and readiness for those who protect our nation, regardless of location or circumstances.