Practical Nurse

Summary

About the Position: This position is located in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington.

This is a Direct Hire Solicitation

Announcement extended until 17 March 2026, due to the lack of applicants.

Duties

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• Serve as a practical nurse performing a variety of complex, advanced, and specialized nursing care duties for acutely ill and critically ill patients in an Emergency Department.
• Plan and coordinate care with Emergency Department staff physician and Charge Nurse as required.
• Collect assessment data regarding the physical and emotional status of patients to include vital signs, electrocardiogram, pulse oximeter readings, and visual acuity.
• Document findings on the patient's chart based on observed subtle changes in the patient's condition.
• Prepare patients for and administer oral, sublingual, nebulized and inhalation, intradermal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, and piggyback medications.
• Instruct patient/family on home care, medication, and treatment prescribed by the physician.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• A Personnel Security Investigation is required.
• This position has specific initial background investigation and periodic re-verification requirements since its duties require interaction with children and youth under the age of eighteen (18) years of age on a recurring basis.
• Selectees will be required to sign a statement (Condition of Employment) consenting to seasonal influenza vaccinations or must provide a recognized exemption.
• This position is a Testing Designated Position subject to pre-employment screening and random drug testing. Selectees will be required to consent to participation in random drug urinalysis testing.
• A pre-placement medical examination is required.
• Required to lift up to 50 lbs in the regular performance of their duties.
• Immunization screening is required. Hepatitis B immunization is required for all positions with direct patient contact.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. Advanced certification (e.g., ALS) does not supersede BLS.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) training certification from, or in accordance with, the American Heart Association and American Red Cross.
• This position is required to work uncommon tours of duty hours such as, on-call, working either fixed or rotating shifts, evenings, weekends and/or holidays.
• Applicants must be able to fulfill non-privileged professional credential requirements.
• This position is subject to screening and update of required immunizations unless exempted for medical or administrative reasons.
• This position has a TDY or business travel requirement of 5% of the time to various locations. This may require travel on military aircraft, ships, and vehicles.
• This position requires Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) training certification from, or in accordance with, the American Heart Association and American Red Cross.
• This position requires Rotating Shift hours.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.

Basic Requirement for Practical Nurse:

Licensure: A current license to practice as a practical or vocational nurse in a State, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia; OR must have applied for a license to practice. Applications of candidates possessing a license must be accompanied by a certified or photostatic copy of the license, a notarized statement attesting to the fact, or a citation of the license number and State issuing it. Non-licensed candidates who have completed their training may be appointed subject to obtaining the required license during the probationary period. Those not licensed must furnish the date on which they applied for a license and the jurisdiction involved. No person appointed pending licensure may be retained beyond the probationary period if licensure has not been attained.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirement listed below:

Experience: One year of nursing experience in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other supervised medical, nursing, or patient care facility that provided a practical knowledge of human body structure and sterile techniques and procedures, performing duties such as assisting professional health care providers in taking emergency action; assisting with emergency and medical procedures; and reacting to life-threatening situations and emergencies in accordance with emergency protocols. This definition of experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade level in the federal service (GS-05).

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
• One year trial/probationary period may be required.
• Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
• Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
• Recruitment or relocation incentives MAY be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
• Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
• Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
• If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
• Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest.
• Position is designated as Mission Essential. The incumbent will be required to report to work during times of contingency operations, natural disasters, extreme weather or other emergency situations.
• Salary negotiation may be available for those candidates who are new to Federal service and have superior qualifications.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.



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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.