Advance Your Nursing Career with the Veterans Health Administration
Are you a dedicated healthcare professional looking to combine clinical excellence with a higher purpose? The Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville, North Carolina, is currently recruiting for a Registered Nurse to serve in our Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU). This position offers the rare opportunity to utilize your critical care skills to support those who have selflessly served our country.
Job Responsibilities
As an SICU RN, you will be on the front lines of patient care. Your responsibilities include:
- Providing direct, high-acuity care to critically ill patients recovering from surgery.
- Collaborating effectively with a multidisciplinary healthcare team to develop and implement care plans.
- Educating patients and their families on post-operative care and recovery expectations.
- Utilizing critical thinking and sound clinical judgment to respond to rapidly changing patient conditions.
- Participating in performance improvement and evidence-based practice activities to maintain clinical excellence.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, candidates must meet the following federal requirements:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Possess a current, full, active, and unrestricted RN license.
- Hold a degree from an accredited nursing program.
- Maintain proficiency in English.
- Complete a pre-employment physical and drug screening.
Grade Comparison Overview
| Level | Education Requirement | Experience Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse I, L1 | ADN or Diploma | None |
| Nurse I, L2 | ADN/Diploma or BSN | 1 Year (ADN/Diploma) |
| Nurse II | BSN or Master's | 2 Years of Specialized Experience |
| Nurse III | MSN or Doctorate | 2 Years of Specialized Experience |
Salary and Benefits
VA nursing careers are rewarded with comprehensive compensation packages. The current salary range for this position is $76,438 to $150,613 annually. Beyond the paycheck, employees enjoy:
- Paid Time Off: 26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave, plus 11 paid holidays.
- Retirement: Access to a traditional federal pension and a 401(k)-style plan with up to 5% agency matching.
- Insurance: High-quality health, dental, and vision insurance options that can be maintained into retirement.
Application Tips
To ensure your application is successful, take the time to document your clinical experience thoroughly. The VA uses a unique five-dimensional evaluation model: Practice, Patient-Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Research. Make sure your resume explicitly highlights how you have excelled in these areas. Don't forget to download the official VA clinical resume template to streamline the verification process.
Becoming a part of the VA medical team in Asheville is a fantastic way to elevate your nursing career while serving an incredible population. If you are prepared to bring your clinical expertise to our SICU team, we encourage you to apply before the July 23, 2026 deadline.
Why This Registered Nurse-Sicu Job Matters
Make a life-changing impact on those who have served our country by joining the Surgical Intensive Care Unit team at the Charles George VA Medical Center.
Registered Nurse-Sicu Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse to join the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) in Asheville, North Carolina. This role involves providing high-level, compassionate clinical care to critically ill Veterans, working alongside a multidisciplinary team to ensure positive patient outcomes. You will play a vital role in executing specialized care plans, managing complex medical situations, and upholding the high standards of the VA healthcare system.
Requirements for Registered Nurse-Sicu
- U.S. Citizenship
- Active, full, and unrestricted nursing license in any U.S. State, Territory, or District of Columbia
- Graduate of an ACEN or CCNE accredited nursing program
- English language proficiency in written and spoken communication
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination
- Subject to background and security investigations
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
- Compliance with drug screening requirements
Preferred Qualifications for Registered Nurse-Sicu
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Two years of professional nursing experience as an RN
- One year of dedicated critical care experience
- Current BLS and ACLS certifications
- National board certification in nursing specialty
- Demonstrated experience with accreditation standards and performance improvement initiatives
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive salary with regular increases
- ✓Performance-based awards
- ✓Generous PTO (26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 federal holidays)
- ✓Comprehensive federal retirement plan including pension and 401K
- ✓Extensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance options
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities
💡 How to Apply Registered Nurse-Sicu Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Registered Nurse-Sicu Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Download and complete the standard Clinical Resume document provided by the VA.
- Upload your full CV and the standard clinical resume document.
- Complete the mandatory occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application and all required documents by the closing date of July 23, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Be precise and detailed when describing your nursing experience in the five core dimensions: practice, patient-driven care, leadership, professional development, and research.
- Ensure your resume clearly reflects the required competencies, as the VA does not make assumptions about your skill set.
- Upload all necessary supporting documents, such as your DD-214 if claiming veterans' preference, to ensure your application is complete.
- Review your application status regularly through your USAJOBS dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What determines my starting salary?
Salary is determined based on a combination of your education, professional experience, and the specific nursing dimensions met as defined by VA standards.
Can I apply if I don't have a BSN?
Yes, depending on your experience and degree, you may qualify at various levels, such as Nurse I, Level I or II, provided you meet the basic educational requirements like an ADN or Diploma in Nursing.
Is relocation assistance offered?
No, relocation benefits are not available for this position.
Can I apply without a nursing license?
While you must possess a license for the permanent position, the VA has a Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) program for those actively pursuing licensure.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class healthcare to our nation's Veterans. As part of the Veterans Health Administration, the Charles George VA Medical Center strives to fulfill President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." Working at the VA means joining a supportive, mission-driven team that values integrity, commitment, advocacy, respect, and excellence.