Nurse (Clinical/Critical Care)

Defense Health Agency • Fort Hood, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This Nurse (Clinical/Critical Care) position is with the Defense Health Agency at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center in Fort Hood, Texas. It is a direct-hire, open continuous announcement; applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, and qualified applicants may be considered as multiple vacancies become available. The nurse provides critical care to infants in the NICU, supports high-risk deliveries and neonatal resuscitation, and may serve as charge nurse on an assigned shift.

Applicants must meet the professional nursing education and licensure requirements described in the posting. The position requires at least one year of professional nursing experience equivalent to GS-09 or above, including care for critically ill infants, unless an education-based qualification or stated federal-employee exemption applies. The role also requires current BLS certification and NRP certification within three months of employment.

Employment is subject to security and suitability screening, drug testing, medical and immunization requirements, and other conditions described in the announcement. Work may involve irregular schedules, on-call duties, and reporting during emergencies because the position is designated mission essential. Moderate to heavy lifting in excess of 45 pounds may be required.

Requirements

• Graduate or higher-level degree, bachelor’s degree, associate degree, or diploma from an appropriately accredited professional nursing educational program, subject to the stated federal-employee exemption.
• Current, active, full, and unrestricted professional nurse license or registration from a U.S. state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory, and passage of the NCLEX, subject to the stated federal-employee exemption.
• For foreign nursing-school graduates, official certification from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools is required.
• A diploma, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree in Nursing from a professional nursing program and at least one full year of professional nursing experience equivalent to GS-09 or above, including nursing care for critically ill infants; alternatively, a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree from a professional nursing educational program or related medical science field, subject to the stated exemptions.
• Must obtain and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association; advanced certification does not replace BLS.
• Must obtain and maintain current Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification within three months of employment.
• Must meet background investigation and personnel security requirements, including recurring re-verification requirements for duties involving children and youth.
• Must consent to seasonal influenza vaccination or provide a recognized exemption.
• Must complete pre-employment screening and participate in random drug testing, including random drug urinalysis.
• Must complete a pre-placement medical examination and required immunization screening; Hepatitis B immunization is required for positions with direct patient contact, and other immunizations may be required depending on the position.
• May be required to undergo tuberculosis testing and fulfill non-privileged professional credential requirements.
• Must be able to work irregular hours, including possible evenings, weekends, holidays, varying schedules, and on-call periods.
• Must be able to meet moderate to heavy lifting demands in excess of 45 pounds.
• Applicants must be U.S. citizens and provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• Must complete a one-year probationary period and provide direct deposit information.

Responsibilities

• Continuously observe, monitor, and assess infants; interpret signs and symptoms of deterioration and take corrective action.
• Assist physicians with complex and potentially life-threatening procedures, including insertion of arterial and venous catheters, chest tubes, and endotracheal tubes.
• Prepare and accompany infants for diagnostic or surgical procedures outside the NICU and prepare critically ill infants for ground or air evacuation.
• Administer intravenous fluids, including hyperalimentation, intralipids, and blood products, and deliver prescribed nutrition by oral, gavage, enteral drip, or intravenous routes.
• Operate and monitor technical equipment, including transcutaneous oxygen monitors, oximeters, ventilators, infusion pumps, syringe pumps, defibrillators, radiant warmers, GE monitors, an iSTAT blood testing machine, and blood warmers.
• Educate parents about their high-risk neonate, including the effects of illness or congenital anomalies on the child’s long-term development.
• Serve as a resource for critical care nurses and other health care providers and participate in NICU research studies.
• Attend high-risk deliveries and resuscitate or assist in resuscitating newborns, as applicable.
• Serve as charge nurse on an assigned shift, perform administrative and floor duties in support of the head nurse, and assign nursing care to personnel at various skill levels.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree