Advance Your Nursing Career with the Montana VA
Are you an experienced ICU nurse looking to make a meaningful difference? The Montana VA Health Care System is currently hiring a Registered Nurse (ICU) to join our team at the historic Fort Harrison facility. This is an exceptional opportunity to provide high-acuity care to our nation's Veterans while enjoying the unparalleled quality of life that Montana offers.
Job Responsibilities
As an ICU Registered Nurse, you will be at the forefront of patient care. Your core responsibilities include:
- Executing the full scope of the nursing process for critically ill patients.
- Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement care plans.
- Evaluating patient outcomes and adjusting practices based on evidence-based research.
- Providing patient education and supporting self-management.
- Ensuring safety and compliance with all clinical policies and procedures.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, you must meet several key criteria:
- Education: A graduate of an ACEN or CCNE-accredited nursing school.
- Licensure: You must possess a current, full, active, and unrestricted RN license from a U.S. state or territory.
- Physicality: The role involves physical tasks, including lifting and transporting patients, which requires significant manual dexterity and stamina.
- Compliance: Candidates must pass a pre-employment physical and drug screening. Participation in the seasonal flu vaccination program is mandatory.
Grade Level Comparison
| Level | Education Requirement | Experience Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse I, Level I | ADN or Diploma | None |
| Nurse I, Level II | ADN/Diploma OR BSN | 1 Year Specialized |
| Nurse II | BSN OR MSN/Doctoral | 2 Years Specialized |
| Nurse III | MSN OR Doctoral | 2 Years Specialized |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $82,571 to $147,191 per year, depending on education, experience, and grade determination. In addition to a competitive salary, the VA provides a robust total rewards package, including federal health insurance options, Flexible Spending Accounts, and the potential for performance-based salary increases.
Application Tips
Applying for a federal position requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to strengthen your application:
- Use the Template: Use the specific VA Clinical Resume document available on the VA Careers website.
- Be Specific: Describe your experience using the five dimensions: Practice, Patient-Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice.
- Submit Early: Don't wait until the closing date of July 27, 2026, to submit your application package.
Working for the Montana VA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the men and women who served our country. If you are a skilled ICU nurse seeking a balance of professional challenge and a fantastic outdoor lifestyle, apply for this position today.
Why This Registered Nurse (Icu) Job Matters
Transform lives in the heart of Montana. Join the Veterans Health Administration as an ICU Registered Nurse and provide life-saving care to those who served our nation.
Registered Nurse (Icu) Job Overview
The Montana VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated ICU Registered Nurse to join a multidisciplinary team at the historic Fort Harrison facility. This role is ideal for professionals who value clinical complexity and meaningful work, all while enjoying the premier outdoor lifestyle of the Helena region.
Requirements for Registered Nurse (Icu)
- U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply only if no qualified citizens are available).
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Degree from an ACEN or CCNE accredited nursing school.
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted RN license in any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Successful completion of a pre-employment physical exam and drug screening.
- Compliance with seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
Preferred Qualifications for Registered Nurse (Icu)
- Two years of specialized ICU or Critical Care nursing experience.
- Experience demonstrating advanced nursing leadership and evidence-based practice.
- Ability to manage complex, acutely ill patients in a high-stakes environment.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with regular performance-based increases.
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options.
- ✓Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
- ✓Professional development and continuing education opportunities.
- ✓Integration into an interdisciplinary, mission-driven clinical team.
💡 How to Apply Registered Nurse (Icu) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Registered Nurse (Icu) Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account.
- Download the standard VA Clinical Resume template provided on the VA Careers website.
- Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload your resume, license, and any applicable eligibility documents (e.g., DD-214).
- Submit your application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific in your resume—the hiring team cannot make assumptions about your experience.
- Use the mandatory VA-provided Clinical Resume document for your primary submission.
- Ensure your responses in the questionnaire directly align with the five dimensions of nursing practice.
- Double-check that all required supporting documents are uploaded before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What level of ICU experience is required?
While the basic requirement is a nursing degree and licensure, candidates with 2 years of ICU or Critical Care experience are preferred for this position.
Is relocation assistance available?
No, recruitment incentives and relocation expenses are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
Can I apply if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Non-citizens may be appointed only when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy.
What is the work schedule like?
*A: The position is intermittent and variable, requiring availability for nights, weekends, and holidays.*
Is this a remote position?
*A: No, this is an onsite role at the Fort Harrison facility.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for him who shall have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." At the Montana VA, we emphasize an integrated, patient-centered approach. We provide a balance of professional clinical complexity and a supportive culture, making it an ideal destination for nurses who want to challenge themselves while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.