🟢 Status: OPEN CONTINUOUS | Rolling Applications — Apply Early for Priority Consideration | Source: USAJOBS #868673600
If you’re searching for NIH registered nurse jobs 2026, you’ve found the complete guide. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center — the world’s largest hospital entirely dedicated to clinical research — is continuously recruiting Registered Nurses (Clinical Research Nurses) at grade levels GS-7 through GS-12, with salaries from $57,000 to $115,000/yr plus exceptional federal benefits, at its flagship campus in Bethesda, Maryland.
Understanding how to become a federal nurse at NIH requires grasping what makes this position categorically different from any hospital nursing job in the private sector: every patient you care for is a research participant enrolled in a clinical trial. You are not just providing patient care — you are an integral part of the scientific process that produces the medical breakthroughs that change how diseases are treated worldwide. The NIH Clinical Center is a Magnet with Distinction hospital, representing the highest level of nursing excellence recognition awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Job Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Nurse (Clinical Research) — GS-0610 |
| Agency | National Institutes of Health (NIH), Clinical Center |
| Department | Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) |
| USAJOBS Announcement | #868673600 |
| Pay Scale & Grade | GS-7 (entry/new graduate) to GS-12 (full performance) |
| Salary Range (GS-7, DC locality) | $57,118–$74,252/yr |
| Salary Range (GS-9, DC locality) | $69,107–$89,835/yr |
| Salary Range (GS-11, DC locality) | $83,488–$108,534/yr |
| Salary Range (GS-12, DC locality) | $100,038–$130,048/yr |
| Location | NIH Clinical Center, Building 10, Bethesda, Maryland 20892 |
| Work Schedule | Full-Time or Part-Time (up to 32 hrs/week); rotating shifts |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Service Type | Competitive |
| Promotion Potential | GS-12 (non-competitive career ladder) |
| Hospital Designation | Magnet with Distinction — highest ANCC recognition |
| Drug Test | Required |
| Who May Apply | US Citizens / US Nationals |
| USAJOBS Link | Click Here to Apply — #868673600 |
About the NIH Clinical Center
Before diving into what the role involves, it’s worth understanding exactly where you’d be working — because the NIH Clinical Center is genuinely one of the most extraordinary hospital environments in the world, and that context is essential for any nurse considering this position.
The NIH Clinical Center (Building 10) is a 234-bed research hospital and ambulatory care facility located on the main NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland, just outside Washington, DC. It is the largest hospital in the United States — and the world — exclusively dedicated to clinical research. Every patient admitted is a research participant enrolled in a clinical trial approved by the NIH Institutional Review Board. The hospital does not accept emergency admissions or walk-in patients. Every admission is planned, protocol-driven, and tied to an active NIH research study.
This means nursing at the NIH Clinical Center is unlike nursing anywhere else:
- You implement and monitor complex research protocols designed by NIH investigators
- Your patients may be the first people in the world to receive a novel therapy
- Your clinical observations directly contribute to scientific papers and treatment breakthroughs
- You collaborate daily with MDs, PhDs, nurse scientists, and researchers from every NIH institute
- The hospital has received the Magnet with Distinction designation — the top tier of the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program, reserved for hospitals demonstrating sustained excellence in nursing practice, nursing research, and patient outcomes
The NIH nurse residency program 2026 (for new graduates at GS-7) is accredited by ANCC as a Practice Transition Accreditation Program (PTAP) — one of the most rigorous new-graduate residency programs in federal healthcare.
Clinical Units — Where NIH Nurses Work
The NIH Clinical Center Nursing Department covers vacancies across multiple specialized service lines. HHS nursing jobs Bethesda Maryland 2026 span:
| Service Line | Units / Specialties |
|---|---|
| Oncology & Critical Care (OCC) | Inpatient Oncology, Bone Marrow Transplant, ICU/Critical Care |
| Neuroscience, Behavioral Health & Pediatrics (NBHP) | Neurology, Psychiatry/Behavioral Health, Pediatric Inpatient |
| Medical Surgical Specialties (MSS) | Medical-Surgical, Infectious Disease, Metabolic/Endocrine |
| Perioperative Nursing | Operating Room, PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit) |
| Interventional Radiology | IR Nursing, Procedural Nursing |
| Apheresis & Blood Services | Stem Cell Collection, Therapeutic Apheresis |
| Outpatient / Ambulatory | Day Hospital, Infusion Center, Outpatient Clinics |
For specific unit descriptions visit: cc.nih.gov/nursing/about/patient_care_areas.html
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Provide direct patient care to research participants enrolled in NIH-approved clinical trials, implementing complex research protocols under investigator guidance
- Assess, monitor, and document patient responses to investigational treatments, including new drugs, biologics, devices, and procedures being tested for the first time in humans
- Administer investigational medications, chemotherapy, blood products, and complex IV therapies per protocol and physician orders
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams — physicians, PhDs, pharmacists, dietitians, social workers, and research coordinators — to ensure protocol compliance and patient safety
- Educate research participants and families about their study protocols, procedures, potential risks, and what to report between visits
- Collect, process, and document research specimens (blood, tissue, body fluids) with precise chain-of-custody documentation required by research protocols
- Identify and report adverse events and protocol deviations to principal investigators and the IRB in accordance with federal research regulations (21 CFR, 45 CFR Part 46)
- Maintain nursing documentation in the electronic health record system in a research-compliant format
- Participate in NIH Clinical Center nursing research, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice initiatives
- For GS-7 Nurse Residents: complete the 12-month ANCC-accredited Clinical Research Nurse Residency Program including monthly educational sessions, a cohort coordinator, and structured peer support
Qualifications & Requirements
Basic Education Requirement (All Grades)
All applicants must hold a nursing degree from an accredited professional nursing education program:
| Education Level | Acceptable Programs |
|---|---|
| Graduate degree (MSN/DNP/PhD) | Accredited graduate nursing program |
| Bachelor’s degree (BSN) | Accredited BSN program — preferred for GS-9+ |
| Associate degree (ADN) | Accredited ADN program — qualifies for GS-7 entry |
| Diploma | Accredited hospital-based nursing diploma program |
Licensure Requirement (Non-Negotiable)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Active RN License | Must hold a current, active, full, and unrestricted Registered Nurse license in any US state or territory |
| Maryland License | Must obtain Maryland RN licensure before or upon employment (Maryland participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact — NLC state RN licenses are accepted) |
Grade-Level Qualifications
| Grade | Qualification | Typical Profile |
|---|---|---|
| GS-7 | ADN/Diploma/BSN + no prior RN experience required | New graduate RN — enters Clinical Research Nurse Residency Program |
| GS-9 | BSN + 1 year specialized nursing experience OR MSN only | 1 year post-graduation RN experience; research exposure helpful |
| GS-11 | BSN + 2 years specialized experience OR MSN + 1 year | 2+ years RN experience; clinical research or complex care preferred |
| GS-12 | BSN + 3 years specialized experience OR MSN + 2 years | 3+ years RN experience; research nursing or specialty preferred |
💡 New graduates: The GS-7 entry point with the 12-month ANCC-accredited Nurse Residency Program is specifically designed for newly licensed RNs with no prior hospital experience. This is one of the only federal hospitals that runs a structured, accredited new-graduate residency — making it an exceptional new graduate RN federal jobs 2026 opportunity.
Other Requirements
- US Citizenship — required; US nationals eligible
- Background Investigation — public trust investigation required
- Drug Test — required pre-employment
- Physical Requirements — must be able to perform nursing duties including lifting, transferring patients, extended standing
- Rotating Shifts — position may require day, evening, and/or night shift assignments
NIH Clinical Center Nurse Salary 2026 — Full Grade Breakdown
The NIH Clinical Center nurse salary 2026 reflects the Washington-Baltimore-Arlington locality pay adjustment (33.94%) applied at the Bethesda, MD campus — one of the highest locality rates in the federal General Schedule.
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 5 | Step 10 | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-7 | $57,118/yr | $63,539/yr | $74,252/yr | New graduate nurse resident |
| GS-9 | $69,107/yr | $76,864/yr | $89,835/yr | 1 year RN experience |
| GS-11 | $83,488/yr | $92,826/yr | $108,534/yr | 2+ years RN experience |
| GS-12 | $100,038/yr | $111,264/yr | $130,048/yr | Full performance level |
The GS-12 full performance level is reached non-competitively — you advance automatically every 52 weeks with satisfactory performance without reapplying. A new-graduate nurse entering at GS-7 can reach GS-12 ($100K+) within 3–4 years.
Important note on total compensation: NIH publishes a Nurse Total Compensation Flyer detailing the full value of federal benefits added on top of salary — including the monetary value of FEHB health insurance, FERS retirement, TSP matching, and paid leave. Total compensation at NIH for a GS-11 nurse consistently exceeds $140,000/yr when benefits are included.
NIH Clinical Research Nurse Residency Program — GS-7
The NIH nurse residency program 2026 is one of the most prestigious new-graduate nursing programs in the country:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 12 months |
| Accreditation | ANCC Practice Transition Accreditation Program (PTAP) |
| Structure | Monthly educational sessions, dedicated cohort program coordinator, structured peer support groups |
| Focus | Clinical research nursing practice, protocol implementation, patient safety in research settings, evidence-based practice |
| Supervision | Direct supervision by experienced RN preceptors; gradual independent practice |
| Outcome | Full GS-9 promotion eligibility after successful 12-month completion |
This residency is paid at full GS-7 salary ($57,118+) from day one — unlike many hospital nurse residencies that pay stipend rates. You are a permanent federal employee from your first day, receiving full federal benefits throughout the residency.
Salary & Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary | $57,118–$130,048/yr (GS-7 to GS-12, DC locality) |
| Health Insurance | FEHB — ~70% of premium covered by federal government; wide range of plans |
| Dental & Vision | FEDVIP |
| Retirement | FERS — standard federal civilian retirement |
| TSP (401k equivalent) | Thrift Savings Plan — 5% government matching |
| Annual Leave | 13–26 days/year based on tenure |
| Sick Leave | 13 days/year |
| Federal Holidays | 11 paid federal holidays |
| Paid Parental Leave | 12 weeks fully paid |
| Life Insurance | FEGLI — automatic enrollment |
| Part-Time Option | Positions available full-time or part-time (up to 32 hrs/week) — rare in federal healthcare |
| Student Loan Repayment | Federal student loan repayment may be available for eligible positions |
| NIH Loan Repayment Program | Separate NIH LRP available for nurses engaged in NIH mission-relevant research — up to $50,000/2-year contract |
| Professional Development | CEU funding, conference attendance, access to NIH’s world-class research library and scientific community |
| On-Campus Amenities | Child Care Center, fitness facilities, employee health, cafeteria, pharmacy — all on the 310-acre NIH campus |
| Job Security | Permanent federal appointment from day one — no contract, no probationary risk after 1 year |
How to Apply
Step 1 — Create or log into your account at USAJOBS.gov. Build a thorough federal resume — NIH requires a 2-page resume maximum for nursing positions. Watch the official 2-page resume guidance video linked on the NIH Clinical Center Nursing page before applying.
Step 2 — Navigate to USAJOBS announcement #868673600 or search “Nurse Clinical Research NIH” to find the current open announcement. This is an open continuous announcement — applications are accepted at all times, but reviewed in batches as vacancies arise.
Step 3 — Upload your official or unofficial nursing school transcripts and your current RN license documentation. These are required attachments — missing either will result in an incomplete application.
Step 4 — Answer the online occupational questionnaire fully and accurately. Questions assess your nursing education, licensure, and clinical experience level to determine your qualifying grade level (GS-7 through GS-12).
Step 5 — If selected for further consideration, you will be contacted by email for a structured nursing interview with NIH Clinical Center nurse managers and hiring coordinators.
Step 6 — Complete the background investigation and pre-employment drug screening.
Step 7 — Receive your final offer, obtain or verify Maryland RN licensure, and report to the NIH Clinical Center, Building 10, Bethesda, MD 20892 for onboarding.
⚠️ Important: This is an open continuous announcement reviewed on a rolling basis as vacancies arise across multiple units. Apply early — unit-specific vacancies may fill quickly. For unit-specific questions contact Lenora.Holloway@nih.gov or sign up for email vacancy updates at cc.nih.gov/nursing. All applications through USAJOBS only.
Veterans’ Preference
Veterans receive 5-point or 10-point hiring preference in the federal competitive hiring process. Nurses with military backgrounds — particularly those with 68W (Combat Medic), 68C (Practical Nursing Specialist), 66 series (Army Nurse Corps), or Navy/Air Force nurse officer backgrounds — are strongly competitive. Prior military nursing experience in ICU, oncology, trauma, or surgical settings maps directly to NIH Clinical Center specialty units. Veterans may also qualify for the Veterans’ Recruitment Appointment (VRA) authority, which allows non-competitive appointment up to GS-11.
About the National Institutes of Health
The National Institutes of Health is the primary federal biomedical research agency of the United States, operating under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). NIH employs approximately 18,000 employees across its 27 Institutes and Centers, all headquartered on its 310-acre campus in Bethesda, Maryland. NIH is the world’s largest source of funding for medical research — investing more than $47 billion annually in biomedical research conducted at NIH and at universities and research institutions across the US and globally.
The NIH Clinical Center — NIH’s research hospital — has been the site of landmark clinical trials leading to treatments for cancer, AIDS, rare diseases, cardiovascular disease, neurological conditions, and countless other conditions. Nurses at the Clinical Center are not support staff for research — they are active members of research teams, their clinical observations routinely cited in published findings, and their expertise in research nursing practice recognized at the highest levels of the nursing profession.
FederalJobsAlert.us is an independent job notification website. This listing is sourced from USAJOBS.gov and cc.nih.gov for informational purposes only. Always verify the latest details and apply directly at www.usajobs.gov/job/868673600. We are not affiliated with NIH, HHS, or any US government agency.
Sources
- USAJOBS — Nurse (Clinical Research) NIH #868673600
- NIH Clinical Center Nursing — Professional Opportunities
- NIH HR — Careers
- NIH Loan Repayment Programs
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