Registered Nurse - Critical Care

Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible. Responsibilities The Critical Care SICU Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible for providing competent, evidence-based care to assigned patients and oversight of licensed vocational nurses/nursing assistants, as appropriate to the setting. The nurse will assist in directing the provision of nursing education, orientation, competencies, and providing quality improvement and outcomes utilization consultation. The nurse demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others. Provides direct care for acutely/critically ill patients who are at high risk for actual or potential life-threatening health problems, regardless of the setting for nursing care. Provides high intensity care and vigilance, while refining assessment skills and blending in data obtained from a variety of invasive/non-invasive monitoring technology. Evaluates practice in an ongoing process, based on best evidence. Provides peers with informal constructive feedback for improvement. The RN fosters a safe and supportive environment conducive to the professional development of healthcare professionals. Contributes professional nursing perspective in discussions with the interdisciplinary team. Partners with others to effect change and produce optimal outcomes. Supports colleagues through knowledge sharing to provide safe, quality nursing care. Shares educational findings, experiences, and ideas with peers. They question clinical practices for the purpose of providing evidence-based care. Participates in activities and strategies to sustain an evidence-based-practice culture. This nurse has experience with the situations in which they are ultimately expected to perform, integrating theoretical concepts, strong critical thinking skills, and exhibits robust technically skilled practice. Registered Nurses in the SICU provide 24-hour care for post-operative surgical veterans. Their responsibilities include monitoring hemodynamics, interpreting and treating dysrhythmias based on ACLS guidelines, managing medical emergencies, and administering complex medications such as vasopressors. They manage central lines, including Triple lumen catheters and PICC lines. Nurses administer blood products, provide complex wound care, assist with chest tube insertions, and manage CSF drainage systems. They care for tracheostomies and laryngectomies and support daily living activities. SICU nurses also prone patients with respiratory complications and provide CRRT therapy. They lead evidence-based projects to improve practices and patient-centered care, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Medications administered include IV antibiotics, titrated IV medications, PCA, epidurals, and nutrition via NGT and G-Tubes. Nurses oversee care provided by nursing assistants, health technicians, and student nurses VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards Pay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awards Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory Work Schedule: 7:30a-8pm and 7:30pm-8am Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. EDRP Authorized: Contact , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. + Learn more Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). You may be required to serve a probationary period. Complete all application requirements detailed in the

Created: 2026-04-01