Advance Your Nursing Career in the SICU at VA Puget Sound
The VA Puget Sound Health Care System represents the pinnacle of interdisciplinary veteran care. We are currently looking for compassionate and highly skilled Registered Nurses to join our Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU). If you are looking for a role that combines clinical rigor with a deep sense of service, this is the environment for you.
Job Responsibilities
As a SICU Registered Nurse, you will be on the front lines of post-operative care. Key duties include:
- Managing critically ill Veterans following vascular, neurosurgery, and abdominal procedures.
- Utilizing high-risk equipment such as CRRT and IABP.
- Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to formulate and adapt care plans.
- Advocating for patients during team rounds and family meetings.
Requirements
To be considered, candidates must hold a current, unrestricted RN license and meet the federal educational standards for nursing. Applicants must also pass a background investigation and drug screening.
| Level | Education Requirement | Experience Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse I, Level I | ADN/Diploma | None |
| Nurse I, Level II | ADN/Diploma/BSN | 1 Year (Level I equiv) |
| Nurse I, Level III | ADN/Diploma/BSN/MSN | 1-2 Years (Level II equiv) |
| Nurse II | BSN/MSN/Doctoral | 1-2 Years (Level III equiv) |
Salary Overview
Compensation for this role is highly competitive, ranging from $87,285 to $161,201 annually, determined by your specific education and clinical experience level.
Benefits
- Up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement via EDRP.
- Federal retirement pension plus 401(k) matching.
- 50 days of total paid time off (Annual, Sick, and Federal Holidays).
- Premium health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
Application Tips
Ensure your documentation is complete. Use the provided standard VA clinical resume template to avoid processing delays. Clearly articulate how your past experience relates to the five dimensions of VHA nursing care.
Join a team where your expertise is valued and your contributions directly impact the health of those who served. Apply to the VA Puget Sound today.
Why This Registered Nurse - Critical Care (Surgical Intensive Care Unit) Job Matters
Join the elite nursing team at VA Puget Sound and provide life-saving care to the heroes who served our nation in a top-tier Surgical Intensive Care unit.
Registered Nurse - Critical Care (Surgical Intensive Care Unit) Job Overview
The VA Puget Sound Health Care System is seeking dedicated Registered Nurses for our Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU). As a Level 1a teaching facility, we offer a high-acuity environment where you will manage complex post-operative cases, including vascular, neurosurgery, and abdominal procedures. This role provides an exceptional opportunity to work within a multidisciplinary team, utilize advanced life-support equipment, and make a profound difference in the lives of our Veterans. We offer a competitive total rewards package, including robust federal benefits and significant student loan repayment opportunities through the Education Debt Reduction Program.
Requirements for Registered Nurse - Critical Care (Surgical Intensive Care Unit)
- U.S. Citizenship (unless specific recruitment conditions are met).
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Graduate of an ACEN or CCNE-accredited professional nursing program.
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted Registered Nurse licensure in any U.S. State or Territory.
- Successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Ability to pass a background and security investigation.
Preferred Qualifications for Registered Nurse - Critical Care (Surgical Intensive Care Unit)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
- Minimum of one year of recent critical care nursing experience.
- Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification.
- Hands-on experience with CRRT (Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy) and IABP (Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump).
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive salary with regular increases.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
- ✓Federal retirement pension plan.
- ✓Federal 401(k) (Thrift Savings Plan) with employer matching up to 5%.
- ✓Generous paid time off: 26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility for qualified applicants (up to $200,000).
- ✓Professional development and continuing education support.
💡 How to Apply Registered Nurse - Critical Care (Surgical Intensive Care Unit) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Registered Nurse - Critical Care (Surgical Intensive Care Unit) Job
- Create or update your profile on the official federal employment portal.
- Download and complete the required clinical resume document provided by the VA.
- Upload your resume, professional certifications, and licensure documentation.
- Submit your full application package, including the online occupational questionnaire, before the announcement closing date.
- Monitor your email for status updates and potential interview requests.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly maps your experience to the five core VA nursing dimensions: Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice.
- Be precise when documenting your experience; avoid vague descriptions as recruiters cannot make assumptions about your clinical history.
- Check your application status regularly via your online account dashboard.
- Have your official transcripts and licensure documents ready for quick upload during the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote or telework position?
No, this is a clinical, onsite position within the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System.
Am I eligible for student loan repayment?
This position is approved for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP). Eligibility and award amounts are determined by the VHA upon review of your application.
What is the shift schedule?
The unit operates on a day/night rotation with various shift lengths. The goal is to rotate shifts approximately every three months to support unit needs.
What is the patient population?
You will care for Veterans requiring intensive post-operative monitoring for vascular, neurosurgical, and abdominal surgeries.
Is shift rotation mandatory?
Yes, to maintain operational excellence, the unit utilizes day/night rotation, typically changing every three months.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The VA Puget Sound is a Level 1a major teaching hospital. We are recognized nationally for our complex medical, surgical, and critical care services. Our mission is to honor America's Veterans by providing the highest standard of holistic, patient-centered care.