Advance Your Psychiatric Nursing Career at Fort Carson
Are you a dedicated Advanced Practice Nurse looking to make a meaningful impact? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently hiring a Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurse at Evans Army Community Hospital in Fort Carson, Colorado. This role offers a unique opportunity to provide high-quality mental health care to those who sacrifice for our nation.
Job Responsibilities
As an APN, you will operate at the top of your license. Your primary duties include:
- Conducting comprehensive behavioral health and psychiatric assessments.
- Diagnosing complex psychiatric conditions for diverse patient populations.
- Creating and implementing evidence-based care plans.
- Educating patients and families on the risks and benefits of medication therapy.
- Maintaining strict compliance with Joint Commission standards and safety protocols.
Requirements
To be considered, candidates must meet strict federal standards:
- Education: A graduate degree in nursing from an accredited program.
- Licensure: A current, active, and unrestricted license in any U.S. jurisdiction.
- Experience: Minimum of one year of specialized experience in psychiatric evaluation and medication management.
Salary Overview
| Position Level | Salary Range (Annual) |
|---|---|
| GS-12 | $120,429 - $156,561 |
Benefits
Federal employment provides security, competitive pay, and a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, retirement, and work-life balance.
Application Tips
Your application package must be precise. Remember the strict two-page limit for your resume. Ensure every relevant role lists your hours worked, as this is vital for calculating the required 'one full year' of experience.
Join a mission that matters. Apply by November 9, 2026, to take the next step in your psychiatric nursing career.
Why This Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Pract-Clinical/Psychiatric) Job Matters
Advance your psychiatric nursing career while providing essential mental health support to those who serve at Evans Army Community Hospital.
Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Pract-Clinical/Psychiatric) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Advanced Practice Nurse specializing in psychiatry to join our team at Fort Carson, Colorado. This role is a vital component of our mission to provide high-quality medical and behavioral health services to our nation's service members, retirees, and their families. As an integral part of the healthcare system, you will perform comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, diagnose behavioral health conditions, and manage medication therapies in a supportive, mission-focused environment.
Requirements for Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Pract-Clinical/Psychiatric)
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must hold a current, active, full, and unrestricted license as a professional nurse in any U.S. state, D.C., Puerto Rico, or territory.
- Must possess a graduate-level degree in nursing from an accredited program specific to the psychiatric/behavioral health specialty.
- Must have successfully passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
- Must possess one or more full years of professional nursing experience in diagnosing, evaluating, and prescribing medications for psychiatric patients.
- Must be able to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening.
- Males born after Dec 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service.
Preferred Qualifications for Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Pract-Clinical/Psychiatric)
- Proven experience in collaborative behavioral health treatment planning.
- Expertise in Joint Commission standards and patient safety protocols.
- Strong proficiency in utilizing electronic health record (EHR) systems for patient documentation.
- Demonstrated ability to function effectively in a multidisciplinary military medical environment.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
- ✓Retirement savings plans including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
- ✓Generous leave and paid federal holidays
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth and clinical advancement
- ✓Stable, mission-driven work environment
💡 How to Apply Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Pract-Clinical/Psychiatric) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Pract-Clinical/Psychiatric) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a concise resume (strictly two pages or less) detailing your clinical hours and specific duties.
- Complete the mandatory online assessment questionnaire.
- Upload your nursing license, academic transcripts, and any optional supporting documents (e.g., performance appraisals).
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date of November 9, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to two pages; documents exceeding this limit will be automatically excluded.
- Ensure your resume explicitly mentions hours worked per week for all clinical experience to qualify for the GS-12 level.
- Use plain language and avoid internal jargon or obscure acronyms.
- Verify that your license or certification copy is legible and uploaded clearly to avoid an ineligible rating.
- Submit early to account for potential technical delays or the system's virus scan process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute my education for the work experience?
No, for this specific position, you must meet the qualification requirements through professional experience alone.
Is a security clearance required for this role?
This position is designated as non-sensitive/low risk; however, it does require credentialing and suitability/fitness vetting.
Is relocation assistance provided?
Relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates, but Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not currently authorized.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is the primary healthcare provider for the Department of Defense. We serve over 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. Working with us means becoming a strategic partner in medical readiness and patient care, anywhere in the world.