Advance Practice Nurse (Mid-Level Practitioner) Job in Prisons - Nationwide

Vacancy No. BOP-N-2026-0005 Department Justice, Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System
Salary $63,148.00 to $128,088.00 Grade 09 to 11
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/1/2025 Close Date 9/30/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Prisons - Nationwide


Summary

Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities.

Duties

Serves as an Advanced Practice Nurse in a Federal Bureau of Prisons correctional facility and is responsible for providing primary health care for federal inmates.

Primary health care will include comprehensive assessment and management of uncomplicated acute and stable chronic health problems. Emphasis will be placed on patient education, patient counseling, continuity of care, health promotion and maintenance, disease prevention and management. Patient management decisions will be made in collaboration with physicians and established clinical guidelines.

Manages the daily operation of the outpatient/inpatient departments and conducts daily sick call.

Performs comprehensive physical and psycho social assessment including health maintenance screening and risk evaluation.

Along with all other correctional institution employees, incumbent is charged with responsibility for maintaining security of the institution. The staff correctional responsibilities precede all others required by this position and are performed on a regular and recurring basis.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. Citizenship is Required.
  • See Special Conditions of Employment Section.
  • Selective Service Requirement: Go to: https://www.sss.gov

Career Transition Programs (CTAP or ICTAP): These programs apply to Federal and/or DOJ employees who meet the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must:

  • 1. Meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria;
  • 2. Be rated well-qualified for the position, scoring at least half of the total possible points for the vacancy KSAs or competencies; and
  • 3. Submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility.

NOTE: Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must complete all assessment questions to be rated under the established category rating criteria.

Qualifications

To be considered for the position, you must meet the following qualification requirements.

Basic Requirements:

Education: A graduate or higher level degree in nursing from an accredited educational program in the area of expertise or specialty indicated by the position. This education must have been accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education or an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained.

Degree from Foreign Nursing School: Official certification from the Commission on Graduates on Foreign Nursing Schools is required for individuals who graduated from foreign nursing schools.

AND

Licensure: Applicants must have passed the National Council Licensure Examination and applicants applying for Advanced Practice Nurse positions must be licensed or registered by a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States in the clinical specialty required by the position.

NOTE: ALL applicants MUST electronically upload proof of current, active, full and unrestricted license or registration as a professional nurse for verification at the time you apply.

All qualified referred candidates will undergo a credentialing process. This process includes validation of medical examinations, education, internship and residency. Please electronically upload these documents along with your required supporting documentation at the time you apply.

Applicants who meet the Basic Requirements are qualified at the GS- 09 level.

AND

In addition to the Basic Requirements above, applicants must also have:

Education/Experience:

GS-11: Successful completion of a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree from a professional nursing educational program or related medical science field;

OR

At least one full year of professional nursing experience (equivalent to the GS-9 grade level).

Some examples of this qualifying experience are:

  • Experience serving as the primary provider for routine requests for evaluation of new complaints, for routine recurring visits for chronic illnesses, and emergencies when clinically indicated.
  • Experience properly interpreting prescriptions and dispensing products as prescribed. Prior to dispensing, the incumbent must recognize any common synergistic, antagonistic, and cumulative effects.
  • Experience providing a wide range of emergency services including primary care for trauma and life-saving procedures.

AND

Selective Placement Factor:

Applicants applying for this position, MUST also possess the following Selective Factor. In the event you do not possess the Selective Factor, you will be found ineligible for the position.

Applicants must have one of the following national board certifications:

American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB):

  • Family Nurse Practitioner Certification (FNP-C)
  • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (AGNP-C)

American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC):

  • Adult Nurse Practitioner Certification (ANP-BC)
  • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (AGPCNP-BC)
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Certification (FNP-BC)

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN):

  • Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification Adult-Gerontology (ACNPC-AG)
  • Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNPC)

NOTE: All applicants must electronically upload a copy of their certification for verification at the time they apply to the vacancy announcement. The documentation provided must show the expiration date of the certification. Failure to provide this documentation will result in loss of consideration for this position.

If applicable, credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. To receive proper credit, you must show the actual time (such as the number of hours worked per week) spent in activities.

**Your eligibility for consideration will be based on your responses to the questions in the application.**

Education

See Qualifications Section for education requirements, if applicable.

ONLY if education is a requirement/substitution for specialized experience, applicant MUST upload legible transcripts as verification of educational requirement. Transcripts MUST be uploaded and electronically linked from USAJOBS at the time you apply and MUST include identifying information to include School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable). All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, Click Here.

Foreign Education: For information regarding foreign education requirements, please see Foreign Diploma and Credit Recognition at the U.S. Department of Education website: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.

If you are selected for this position and qualified based on education (i.e. basic education requirement and/or substitution of education), you will be required to provide an OFFICIAL transcript prior to your first day on duty.

Additional information

LENGTH OF ELIGIBILITY: Eligible applicants will remain on the inventory until the closing date of the vacancy announcement.

NOTE: This announcement is posted on a yearly cycle. The announcement will EXPIRE on the listed closing date at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. In order to receive consideration for the next cycle, applicants MUST reapply to the new vacancy announcement.

SALARY RANGE:  The salary listed includes Special Salary Rates.  See current pay scales for locality area for which you are applying.  To view the current locality tables, go to www.opm.gov and search pay tables.

Special Conditions of Employment Section:

Appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a pre-employment and panel interview, urinalysis, physical, and background investigation.  All applicants are subject to and must satisfactorily pass all screening requirements in relation to National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and credit check.

All applicants not currently working in an institution will be required to complete a qualification inquiry regarding convictions of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence in order to be authorized to carry a firearm.

The Core Value Assessment (CVA) is an in-person assessment that must be facilitated at a Bureau of Prisons Human Resource Servicing office. On the day of the scheduled interview, a CVA will be administered. The applicant assessment must be completed within a 70-minute time period and a passing score of 68 must be obtained.  Further employment consideration will not be extended if the applicant fails to complete the examination or fails to achieve a passing score.  

Note: The Core Value Assessment will not be administered to current BOP employees.

Successful completion of the "Introduction to Correctional Techniques," three-week training course at Glynco, Georgia is required.

Additional selections may be made if vacancies occur within the life of the certificate.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Exceptions may apply. See 5 CFR part 11.

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.

Benefits

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.

ADDITIONAL SALARY INFORMATION:

Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) is authorized at: 

  • Honolulu FDC, HI - 8.64%
  • Guaynabo MDC, PR - 2.49% 

To contact a recruiter for further information, please Click Here.

To view current vacancies, Click Here

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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application will be evaluated and rated under DOJ's Category Rating and Selection Procedures. Based upon your responses to the assessment questions during the application process, your application will be placed into one of three categories: Best Qualified, Highly Qualified, or Qualified. Applications will be reviewed from the top quality category. Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed in this announcement. If you are found qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to the responses you provided on the online assessment.

NOTE: Candidates within the top quality category and who are eligible for veterans preference will receive selection priority over non-veteran preference eligibles.

If you are entitled to veterans preference, you should indicate the type of veterans preference you are claiming on your resume. Although veterans preference points are not assigned under the category rating procedures described under "How You Will Be Evaluated", veterans preference eligibles are listed ahead of non-veterans within each category for which they are qualified.

In addition, qualified veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 10% or more are placed at the top of the highest qualified category as defined by category rating procedures.

What Competencies/Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are Required for this Position?

The following Competencies/Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's) are required:

GS-09 and GS-11:

  • Skill in making diagnoses and selecting and providing appropriate treatment for medical or surgical emergencies (life or death or sever injury), as indicated until emergency assistance arrives.
  • Ability to assess a patient's condition, and to initiate appropriate treatment.
  • Knowledge of pharmaceuticals to treat disease and illness, to include a knowledge of the mechanism of action, side effects, toxic nature and drug interactions of medications.
  • Ability to perform and interpret diagnostic tests in order to determine therapeutic treatment plans.
  • Ability to deal effectively with patients.

You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Required Documents

Failure to provide legible required documents and/or follow the prescribed format often results in removal from consideration.  If uploading documentation, do not identify/save your documents utilizing a special character such as %, #, @, etc.  Documentation should be identified/saved as VA Letter, DD-214, or Transcripts.

  •  Veterans' Preference Documentation:
    • Failure to submit all required documents at the time of application will result in the loss of claimed preference eligibility.
    • DD-214: Veterans MUST provide a DD-214 demonstrating that they have been discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions (i.e., the individual must have received either an honorable or general discharge).
    • SF-15: If you are a disabled veteran, a Purple Heart recipient, widow/widower of a veteran, the spouse of a disabled veteran or the parent of a disabled or deceased veteran, you must submit:
      • completed Standard Form (SF) 15, "Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference" AND all required documentation identified on the SF-15
      • NOTE: A Department of Veterans Affairs letter must contain the Veteran’s Name and Combined Service-Connected Evaluation. For a copy of the most current SF-15, Click Here.
    • If you are on active duty and expect to be discharged or released from active duty service within 120 days, you may submit a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty from the appropriate Branch Personnel Office containing the following information: (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; (2) and the character of service (must be an honorable or general discharge); and (3) any qualifying service/campaign/expeditionary medals.
  • Resume: Resume limited to 2 pages showing relevant experience (cover letter optional). Experience that would not normally be part of the Federal employee's position is creditable when documented by satisfactory evidence of qualifying experience (e.g., a memorandum from the manager, Human Resource Manager, SF-52, etc.)
  • To receive credit for experience contained in an application, the experience must be documented:
    • Reflecting start date and end date in month/year format (MM/YYYY) AND
    • Include the number of hours worked per week.
  • College transcript: includes the School Name, Student Name, Degree, and Date Awarded (if applicable).
    • NOTE:  If you are selected, official transcript(s) will be required prior to your first day.
  • SF-50: for proof of prior LEO coverage, if applicable.

For more help, visit USAJOBS Help Center - What should I include in my resume?

We cannot be held responsible for incompatible software, delays in mail service, applicant application errors, etc.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

You must apply through the online application system at www.USAJOBS.gov. Follow the prompts to register, answer a few questions and submit all required documents.

Limit your resume to 2 pages. If the only resume(s) received is/are longer than two pages, your application is ineligible for further consideration. Submission of a resume alone is not a complete application. This position may require the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described under the Required Documents section. Please carefully review the complete job announcement and the "How to Apply" instructions. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your application not being considered for employment.

We recommend using a sans-serif font size like Lato, if available. Other widely available options are Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, Open San Source Sans Pro, Roboto or Noro Sans. Make your page margins 0.5 inches. Consider using 14-point size font for titles and 10-point for the main text in your resume. USAJOBS Help Center - How to add a resume to your profile

Claiming Veterans Preference? If yes, you MUST claim preference on-line during the application process and upload documentation to support preference claimed. Failure to claim Veterans Preference or provide supporting documentation may result in you not receiving appropriate consideration during the assessment process.

Required supporting documentation must be electronically uploaded or transferred from USAJOBS (uploaded).

All required supporting documentation MUST be received by the Consolidated Staffing Unit by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on the closing date of the vacancy announcement. You MUST include the vacancy announcement number on your supporting documentation.

Supporting documentation for announcements with an application limitation MUST be uploaded the same day you apply, as these positions may close earlier than stated in the announcement.

Paper applications: If applying online is impossible, please contact the Consolidated Staffing Unit at the telephone number listed below, prior to the closing date of the announcement for the alternate application procedure.

If applicable see Notice for Preference Eligible Veterans Applicants

Contact for Assistance in Applying On-Line:
DOJ, Federal Bureau of Prisons
Consolidated Staffing Unit
346 Marine Forces Drive
Grand Prairie, TX 75051
E-Mail: BOP-HRM-HRSC-ConsolidatedStaffingUnit-S@bop.gov
Phone: 972-352-4200

How do I Apply for this Position if I am a Current Public Health Service Commissioned Officer?

DO NOT SUBMIT AN APPLICATION ON-LINE AS A PHS APPLICANT.

  • Submit a complete/detailed resume or curriculum vitae.
  • It is recommended you limit your resume to 2-pages in preparation for future announcement requirements.
  • Address selective factor, if required.
  • Resume or curriculum vitae must contain all information listed in the Qualifications Section.
  • Submit supporting documents (i.e. transcript, certification, registration, and/or license, if applicable).

In order to receive consideration for this position as a PHS applicant, ALL required supporting documentation, as specified in this vacancy announcement must be submitted directly to the Human Resource Office duty location.

Agency contact information

Lamont Easter
Address
JUSTICE, BUREAU OF PRISONS
Consolidated Staffing Unit
346 Marine Forces Drive
Grand Prairie, Texas 75051
United States

Next steps

Applicants will receive a Notice of Results once the application is successfully completed and submitted.  The status of the application process can be tracked by logging on to your USAJOBS account and select "Application Status". Applications will remain on the inventory until the closing date of the vacancy announcement. Applicants may contact the geographic location(s) selected to inquire about current or anticipated vacancies. Contact numbers for location preference choices can be found at www.bop.gov.

The Bureau of Prisons cannot be held responsible for incompatible software, applicant application errors, etc.

Inquiry as to Availability (Optional Form – 5):

Applicants referred on a certificate of eligibles may receive an email sent to the e-mail address registered in their USAJOBS account with instructions to complete an Inquiry as to Availability (Optional Form – 5). IF you receive the instructional email, you MUST read and follow the instructions in order to complete the inquiry process online.  You must click submit to electronically return the form to the Human Resource Department.  In addition, applicants who are interested in scheduling an interview, MUST telephone the Human Resource Department. Failure to either return the form or contact the Human Resource Department may result in not receiving consideration for the position. The selecting official expects to make a final job offer within 80 days.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.