Launch Your Nursing Career with the Defense Health Agency at Fort Eustis
Are you a dedicated healthcare professional looking to make a meaningful difference? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently seeking a motivated Practical Nurse to join our clinical team at Fort Eustis, Virginia. This position provides a unique opportunity to deliver high-quality primary care to a diverse population of military members and their families.
About the Defense Health Agency
The Defense Health Agency is an integrated healthcare system responsible for the worldwide delivery of medical, dental, and pharmacy services. We support more than 9.5 million service members and their families, ensuring they are healthy, ready, and capable of serving the nation anytime and anywhere. Joining the DHA means becoming part of an inspired team of professionals who prioritize clinical excellence.
Job Responsibilities
As a Practical Nurse, you will serve as a vital link in the patient care chain. Your daily duties will include:
- Providing hands-on nursing care to patients with varying medical needs.
- Recording vital signs and updating medical records accurately.
- Tracking laboratory results, radiology reports, and specialist referrals.
- Administering medications and immunizations with precision.
- Assisting providers with complex diagnostic exams and physicals.
- Educating patients and their families on recovery plans and wellness.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following federal requirements:
- Citizenship: You must be a United States citizen.
- Licensure: You must hold a valid, active license to practice as a practical or vocational nurse in a U.S. jurisdiction. Candidates in the process of licensure may be considered under specific probationary conditions.
- Experience: At least one year of direct nursing experience in a clinical setting is required. This experience must demonstrate your ability to manage sterile techniques, patient interactions, and vital sign monitoring.
Salary Overview
The annual salary for this position ranges from $58,292 to $75,780, commensurate with experience and applicable locality pay.
| Pay Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $58,292 - $75,780 |
| Grade Level | GS-5 |
| Schedule | Full-Time (Standard Business Hours) |
Benefits of Federal Service
Choosing a career with the federal government comes with comprehensive benefits that support your long-term success:
- Health and Wellness: Comprehensive medical insurance coverage.
- Financial Future: Access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) for retirement.
- Leave: Generous annual and sick leave accrual, plus federal holidays.
- Stability: A structured environment with clear professional expectations.
Application Tips
Your application is your first impression. To ensure you remain competitive:
- Respect the Length: Your resume must be two pages or less. Submissions exceeding this limit will not be reviewed.
- Be Precise: Detail your clinical tasks clearly, including hours worked per week, to prove you meet the one-year specialized experience requirement.
- Include Credentials: Ensure your nursing license is included in your application package. Missing licenses will cause an immediate disqualification.
Becoming a Practical Nurse with the DHA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the health and well-being of those who serve our country. If you possess the clinical expertise and the passion for caregiving, we encourage you to apply and help us continue our mission of readiness.
Why This Practical Nurse Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the health and readiness of our military community as a Practical Nurse with the Defense Health Agency at Fort Eustis.
Practical Nurse Job Overview
Join the Defense Health Agency (DHA) as a Practical Nurse in a vibrant outpatient Family Health and Internal Medicine clinic. This position offers you the opportunity to provide essential care to a diverse population of uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. Working in a collaborative, mission-focused environment, you will play a key role in improving health outcomes and ensuring operational readiness for our nation's heroes. This is a Direct Hire opportunity providing a stable, professional work environment with typical business hours of 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Requirements for Practical Nurse
- U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
- Must possess a current, active license as a practical or vocational nurse in a U.S. State, territory, or the District of Columbia, or have formally applied for such licensure.
- Minimum of one year of specialized nursing experience in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or similar medical facility.
- Must be able to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening.
- Must complete a one-year probationary period.
- Resume must not exceed two pages; applications failing to meet this length requirement will not be considered.
Preferred Qualifications for Practical Nurse
- Proven competency in sterile techniques and human body structure.
- Demonstrated experience in assisting with diagnostic exams and outpatient medical procedures.
- Strong communication skills for patient and family education.
- Experience managing clinical tasks such as immunization administration and tracking laboratory/radiology results.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal employee health and life insurance options.
- ✓Retirement savings plans including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Paid federal holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development within the DoD.
- ✓Potential for recruitment incentives for highly qualified candidates.
- ✓Stability of a federal career within an integrated healthcare system.
💡 How to Apply Practical Nurse Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Practical Nurse Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a concise resume (maximum of two pages) highlighting relevant nursing experience, including hours worked per week and specific dates of employment.
- Gather necessary supporting documents, specifically your nursing license and any relevant transcripts or performance appraisals.
- Complete the mandatory online questionnaire via the application portal.
- Upload all required documents and double-check your application for completeness before the October 28, 2026, deadline.
- Monitor your application status via the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less; longer resumes will be automatically excluded.
- Be specific regarding your clinical experience—include employer names, titles, and exact start/end dates (month/year).
- Avoid acronyms and technical jargon; use plain language to describe your nursing duties.
- Ensure your nursing license is clearly documented and attached as an image or file; failure to do so results in an ineligible rating.
- Submit your materials well before the deadline to account for potential technical processing times or virus scanning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute education for the required experience?
No, for this specific position, you must meet the qualification requirement through professional experience alone.
What happens if I have not yet obtained my nursing license?
If you have completed your training and applied for a license, you may be appointed, but you must obtain the license within your probationary period to remain in the position.
Is telework available for this position?
No, this position is not eligible for telework as it requires on-site patient care.
Is there any flexibility for new graduates?
*A: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience to qualify for this role.*
What is the work schedule?
*A: This position is typically Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM.*