Practical Nurse (Inpatient)
About The Position
The Practical Nurse (Inpatient) supports the A. T. Augusta Military Medical Center in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, helping ensure consistent, high-quality patient care and facility operations. This is a Direct Hire Authority solicitation under the Department of Defense authority for the Domestic Defense Industrial Base and Major Range and Test Facilities Base. The nurse assists patients with mobility, hygiene, and nutritional needs; communicates with patients and families about care plans and progress; administers prescribed medications; prepares oral, topical, and injectable medications; and monitors for adverse reactions. Under the guidance of a registered nurse or licensed medical practitioner, the nurse assists with procedures such as wound care, catheterizations, and respiratory therapies. The role also includes patient and family education tailored to medical conditions, treatment plans, and recovery goals. The position requires a current practical or vocational nursing license, or an application for licensure, and one year of qualifying nursing experience. It requires BLS certification, clinical credentialing and privileges, immunization and tuberculosis screening, background and drug screening, and pre-employment and annual physical examinations. The role is designated mission essential and may involve on-call work and irregular schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Lifting up to 50 pounds may be required.
Requirements
- A current license to practice as a practical or vocational nurse in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia, or an application for licensure. Candidates appointed before licensure must obtain the required license during the probationary period.
- 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, and duties such as measuring vital signs, administering medications, and screening or updating medical records.
- Qualifying experience must be used to meet the experience requirement; education cannot substitute for experience.
- Obtain and maintain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from or in accordance with the American Heart Association or American Red Cross; advanced certification does not replace BLS.
- Fulfill credentialing requirements and obtain and maintain appropriate clinical privileges.
- Complete required immunization screening, including Hepatitis B immunization for direct patient contact, seasonal influenza vaccination unless exempted, and tuberculosis testing.
- Meet background investigation, pre-employment drug screening, and random drug-testing requirements.
- Complete a pre-employment physical examination and annual examinations thereafter.
- Provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
- Be able to lift up to 50 pounds if required.
- Report to or remain at work during severe weather or other emergencies as a mission-essential employee.
- Be available for on-call work and irregular schedules that may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Responsibilities
- Assist patients with mobility, hygiene, and nutritional needs.
- Communicate with patients and families about care plans and progress.
- Administer prescribed medications, following required dosages, routes, and timing.
- Prepare oral, topical, and injectable medications and monitor for side effects or adverse reactions.
- Assist with wound care, catheterizations, respiratory therapies, and other medical procedures under the guidance of a registered nurse or licensed medical practitioner.
- Educate patients and families about medical conditions, treatment plans, and recovery goals.
Benefits
- Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific eligibility depends on position type.
- Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
- Permanent Change of Station allowances may be authorized subject to applicable rules and agency determination.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
