Practical Nurse (Inpatient)

Military Treatment Facilities under DHA • Tacoma, WA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Practical Nurse works in the Directorate of Nursing, Pediatric Unit at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington. This is a direct-hire position providing nursing care to inpatients with a variety of medical conditions. The role includes recording vital signs, monitoring patient conditions, and reporting significant findings to a supervising nurse or physician. The nurse administers prescribed medications, assists with medical procedures, educates patients and families, supports patients’ mobility, hygiene, and nutritional needs, and assists physicians with examinations and diagnostic procedures.

The position requires current practical or vocational nursing licensure, or an application for licensure, and one year of qualifying nursing experience. Duties involve recurring interaction with children and youth. The role is mission essential, requires a pre-placement medical examination and immunization screening, and includes travel of approximately 5% of the time. Employees must maintain BLS and PALS certifications and use employer-provided personal protective equipment. Work may include on-call duty and fixed or rotating shifts, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Requirements

• Hold a current license to practice as a practical or vocational nurse in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia, or have applied for a license. Candidates appointed pending licensure must obtain the required license during the probationary period.
• Have one year of nursing experience in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other supervised medical, nursing, or patient care facility, including practical knowledge of human body structure and sterile techniques and procedures; assisting with minor medical procedures; providing individualized nursing care; and administering oral medication and immunizations in an outpatient setting.
• Qualifying experience is required; education cannot substitute for the experience requirement.
• Obtain and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
• Obtain and maintain Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification.
• Meet non-privileged professional credential requirements.
• Complete required suitability or fitness determinations and background investigation, including periodic re-verification due to recurring interaction with children and youth under 18.
• Consent to seasonal influenza vaccination or provide a recognized exemption.
• Complete pre-employment screening and participate in random drug testing, including urinalysis.
• Complete a pre-placement medical examination and required immunization screening; Hepatitis B immunization is required for positions with direct patient contact.
• Lift up to 50 pounds in regular duties.
• Meet the position’s 5% travel requirement, which may involve military aircraft, ships, and vehicles.
• Work uncommon tours of duty, including on-call, fixed or rotating shifts, evenings, nights, weekends, and/or holidays.
• Use employer-provided personal protective equipment.
• Report to or remain at work during severe weather or other emergencies as required for mission-essential operations.
• Be a U.S. citizen 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.
• Complete a one-year probationary period.

Nice To Haves

• Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
• Salary negotiation may be available to candidates new to Federal service who have superior qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Provide inpatient nursing care to patients with a variety of medical conditions.
• Record vital signs, monitor patient conditions, and report significant findings to a supervising nurse or physician.
• Administer prescribed medications, following correct dosages, routes, and times.
• Assist with and manage medical procedures, including wound care, catheterizations, and respiratory therapies, under the guidance of a registered nurse or licensed medical practitioner.
• Provide patient and family education tailored to medical conditions, treatment plans, and recovery goals.
• Assist patients with mobility, hygiene, and nutritional needs.
• Assist physicians with examinations and diagnostic procedures.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed