Critical Care Registered Nurse

Quick Facts

• Night shift (7:30pm–8:00am) with rotating weekends, shifts, and holidays based on agency needs
• EDRP-eligible position: approval determines award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (1–5 years); must apply within 4 months of appointment and former EDRP participants are ineligible

Description

Responsible and accountable for the nursing process when providing and/or supervising direct care for acutely/critically ill patients. Administers medications and procedures per policy, collaborates with an interdisciplinary team, and improves outcomes through evidence-based, data-driven practice. Leads and organizes care delivery to ensure continuity of care and peer accountability, and drives initiatives to improve Veteran/patient experience, satisfaction, and safety beyond the immediate unit.

Responsibilities

• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate age-appropriate nursing care
• Coordinate care focused on patient education and self-management across the continuum of care
• Administer medications and procedures according to established policies and guidelines
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to influence care outcomes
• Develop, implement, evaluate, and revise policies, procedures, and/or guidelines
• Provide constructive feedback to peers and share knowledge to support safe, quality nursing care
• Foster a safe and supportive environment for professional development
• Evaluate outcomes of evidence-based decisions and practice changes at individual and program/service levels
• Communicate and collaborate as an expert leader on the interprofessional team
• Participate in facility or service-level committees/councils to improve care beyond the immediate practice setting

Benefits

• Competitive salary with regular salary increases and potential performance awards
• Paid time off: 50 days per year (26 annual leave, 13 sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays)
• Retirement: traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K (up to 5% contributions by VA)
• Insurance: federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care
• Licensure support: 1 full and unrestricted license from any U.S. state or territory

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship (non-citizens only when unable to recruit qualified citizens per VA policy)
• English language proficiency (written and spoken) for direct patient care roles
• Graduate of an accredited professional nursing program (ACEN or CCNE) or eligible equivalent pathway
• Current, full, active, and unrestricted RN license in a U.S. state/territory/commonwealth or District of Columbia (GNT exception for those pursuing licensure)
• Selective Service registration (for males born after 12/31/1959)
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Pass pre-employment physical evaluation
• Complete online onboarding and pre-employment requirements
• Seasonal influenza vaccination requirement for VA Health Care Personnel
• Meet physical requirements (e.g., heavy lifting 45+ lbs, prolonged walking/standing, reaching, repeated bending, rapid coordination)
• If applying under EDRP: submit application within 4 months of appointment; EDRP approval is subject to program review

Preferred

• BSN
• 1–2 years recent Critical Care RN experience
• ACLS