Registered Nurse (Critical Care) Career Opportunities with the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System

Critical care nursing is a demanding, fast-paced, and profoundly rewarding specialty. Within the intensive care environment, every second counts, and the clinical decisions made by nursing professionals directly impact patient survival and long-term recovery. For registered nurses who want to combine clinical rigor with a deep sense of purpose, there is no higher calling than caring for the nation’s military veterans.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking an exceptional Registered Nurse (Critical Care) to join the dynamic clinical team at the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS) in Aurora, Colorado. This position offers competitive compensation, premier federal benefits, and the opportunity to work with advanced medical technology. More importantly, it offers nurses the chance to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise: "To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan."

If you are a highly clinical, compassionate, and collaborative healthcare professional ready to make a significant difference in the lives of veterans, read on to discover how this critical care role in Aurora can elevate your clinical practice and secure your professional future.

About the Agency: VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System

The VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS) is a cornerstone of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) network. Nestled in Aurora, Colorado, just east of Denver, ECHCS operates a state-of-the-art teaching hospital. This modern campus serves as a hub of medical excellence, integrating clinical care, healthcare research, and professional education to deliver superior patient outcomes.

ECHCS stands out for its clinical complexity and patient-centered philosophy. Operating as a teaching hospital with strong academic ties, the facility exposes medical professionals to cutting-edge research, specialized clinical programs, and advanced monitoring systems. At ECHCS, work-life integration is highly valued. The facility’s prime location in the Denver Metro area provides a perfect balance of cultural amenities, a diverse community, and unparalleled access to outdoor recreation in the Rocky Mountains. Whether you are establishing your career, raising a family, or planning for your eventual retirement, Aurora offers a vibrant backdrop for your personal and professional endeavors.

Job Responsibilities

As a Critical Care Registered Nurse at the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, you will provide comprehensive, evidence-based care to acutely and critically ill patients. These veterans represent a high-acuity population at risk for life-threatening physiological instability. This role demands high-intensity vigilance, rapid clinical reasoning, and masterly integration of patient data obtained through advanced monitoring technologies.

Core responsibilities of the position include:

High-Vigilance Patient Care: Deliver direct care to critical patients, continuously refining assessment skills and evaluating patient responses to life-support therapies.
Technology Management: Operate and interpret data from a wide range of complex invasive and non-invasive monitoring equipment, adjusting treatment protocols dynamically under provider direction.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Contribute vital professional nursing perspectives during multidisciplinary rounds, partnering with physicians, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, and social workers to optimize patient care plans.
Clinical Mentorship: Provide ongoing clinical oversight and mentorship to licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs) and assistive personnel. Offer constructive, evidence-based peer feedback to promote quality clinical practice.
Continuous Improvement: Participate in unit-based quality improvement initiatives, evaluate clinical practices against modern evidence, and support colleagues in implementing and sustaining evidence-based practice models.

Work Schedule: This position operates primarily on a night-shift basis, with hours spanning 7:00 PM to 7:30 AM. Compressed and flexible schedules may be authorized depending on the operational needs of the intensive care unit.

Requirements & Qualifications

Working as a federal healthcare professional requires meeting rigorous civil service and clinical criteria. Candidates must hold U.S. citizenship (non-citizens are only considered in the absence of qualified citizens) and undergo a suitability background investigation. Additionally, selected candidates must pass a pre-employment physical examination and a urinalysis drug screening.

Clinical and Licensing Standards

All applicants must hold an active, full, and unrestricted license to practice as a registered professional nurse in any U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia. Your education must be completed through a professional nursing program accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Nurse Grade Determinations

The VA utilizes a clinical career ladder structure under the Title 38 hiring system. A candidate's designated grade and step are based on a comprehensive assessment of their academic achievements, clinical experience, and performance across five dimensions of professional nursing practice: Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice/Research.

Below is a comparison table outlining the educational and clinical experience benchmarks for each nurse grade:

Nurse Grade	Minimum Education	Required Professional Experience	Essential Scope & Competency
Nurse I, Level I	Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma	None	Delivers fundamental, knowledge-based care while developing core technical clinical skills.
Nurse I, Level II	Associate Degree (ADN) or BSN	1 year (ADN) OR None (BSN)	Demonstrates integration of cognitive skills and competent clinical practice for basic and complex care needs.
Nurse I, Level III	Associate Degree, BSN, or MSN	2 years (ADN) OR 1 year (BSN) OR None (MSN)	Exhibits clinical proficiency based on conscious and deliberate planning; self-directed in managing complex patient care.
Nurse II	BSN, MSN, or Doctoral Degree in Nursing	2 years (BSN) OR 1 year (MSN) OR None (Doctoral)	Shows clinical leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative, interdisciplinary strategies.
Nurse III	MSN or Doctoral Degree in Nursing	2 years (MSN) OR 1 year (Doctoral)	Executes leadership and creative clinical approaches to direct complex patient care systems beyond the immediate unit.

Note: Foreign degrees require formal equivalency evaluation by an agency approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs, such as the International Consultants of Delaware (ICD).

Physical Demands

Critical care nursing is physically demanding. Selected personnel must be capable of standing and walking for long periods, bending, stooping, and turning. You must have the physical strength to move and reposition patients, including lifting or pushing weights exceeding 50 pounds (utilizing mechanical patient lifts when available). The role requires excellent visual and auditory acuity to safely monitor patient physiological status and respond to telemetry alarms.

Salary Overview

Compensation for the Critical Care Registered Nurse position at the Aurora, Colorado campus is competitive and reflects the high-level expertise required for intensive care nursing.

Salary Range: $90,221 to $150,404 per year
Grade System: VN Series (0610)
Promotion Potential: Level 3. Advancements and step increases are evaluated annually by a professional nursing board in accordance with VA qualification standards.

Comprehensive Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs provides an outstanding Total Rewards package designed to support your physical, financial, and professional well-being. These benefits are highly competitive with private sector hospitals and offer unmatched stability.

Time Off and Leave

VA employees enjoy a generous leave structure, totaling 50 days of paid time off each year:

Annual Leave: 26 days of paid annual vacation leave.
Sick Leave: 13 days of paid sick leave with no accumulation limits.
Federal Holidays: 11 paid federal holidays.

Retirement Security

The federal retirement system is a multi-tiered plan designed to provide long-term security:

FERS Pension: A traditional defined-benefit pension plan that vests after only 5 years of federal service.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): A 401(k)-style retirement savings account with up to a 5% agency matching contribution from the VA.

Healthcare & Insurances

As a federal employee, you will have access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, which offers premium health, vision, and dental plans. Crucially, many of these comprehensive insurance coverages can be carried forward into your retirement.

Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)

This position is fully authorized for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP). Eligible nursing professionals can apply to receive up to $200,000 in tax-free student loan repayments over a five-year period. Applicants must submit their EDRP application packet within four months of their hiring date. This represents a monumental opportunity to eliminate clinical education debt while building a career in federal service.

Application Tips & Process

Applying for a federal vacancy requires a structured approach. It is vital to read the instructions carefully to ensure your application package is not rejected for administrative errors.

The Two-Resume Requirement

The VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System uses a unique screening process that requires two distinct documents:

The Clinical Resume Template: You must download the official, one-page Clinical Resume Document provided by the VA. Do not alter or modify this one-page form. Upload this document into the designated "Resume" slot on the portal.
Your Full CV/Resume: Upload your comprehensive, multi-page professional CV detailing your full employment history, certifications, clinical experience, and education into the "Other" document upload field. Ensure your CV clearly addresses the five dimensions of nursing practice to help the board determine your grade and salary.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Prepare Documents: Gather your unrestricted nursing license, official or unofficial transcripts, DD-214 (if applicable), and any relevant clinical certifications (such as CCRN or ACLS).
Access the Portal: Log in to USAJobs, search for vacancy CBSU-13011676-26-MDR, and click "Apply Online."
Complete the Questionnaire: Fill out the online assessment questionnaire completely, making sure your responses align with the details on your comprehensive CV.
Upload Documents: Match the clinical resume template to the "Resume" field and your full CV to the "Other" field.
Submit: Finalize your application before the closing date of July 28, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I apply if my nursing license is from a state other than Colorado? Yes. Because the VA is a federal entity, you can practice in our facility with a valid, active, and unrestricted license from any U.S. state, territory, or commonwealth.

Q: What is the process for determining my salary step within the range? A professional nursing board reviews your education, clinical specialty experience, and achievements relative to the five dimensions of nursing practice. Your final salary offer can fall at any point within the advertised $90,221 to $150,404 range.

Q: Is the seasonal influenza vaccine mandatory? Yes. All Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) are required to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine annually or obtain an approved medical or religious waiver. Staff with approved exemptions are required to wear a face mask during the flu season.

Q: Can former EDRP participants apply for student loan reimbursement under this vacancy? No. Under VA policy, individuals who have previously participated in the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) are ineligible to receive additional EDRP awards under this announcement.

Q: What happens after I submit my application? Once the announcement closes on July 28, 2026, HR specialists will review all applications. Qualified candidates will be placed on a referral certificate and sent to the hiring manager. Referred candidates may be contacted directly to schedule an interview.

Serving as a Critical Care Registered Nurse at the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System in Aurora, Colorado, is more than just a job—it is an opportunity to lead, innovate, and provide life-saving care to those who have defended our country. Supported by exceptional federal pension benefits, flexible night shifts, and student loan reimbursement of up to $200,000 through the EDRP, this role offers an unmatched standard of professional security and personal satisfaction.

Don't miss the chance to advance your nursing career in a collaborative, state-of-the-art environment. Take the next step today and submit your application before the July 28, 2026, deadline.

Why This Registered Nurse (Critical Care) Job Matters

Elevate your nursing career by caring for those who served our nation. Join the state-of-the-art VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System in Aurora, enjoy unmatched night-shift flexibility, and access up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement.

Registered Nurse (Critical Care) Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated and highly skilled Registered Nurse specialized in Critical Care to join the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS) in Aurora, Colorado. Operating on a night-shift schedule (7:00 PM to 7:30 AM), this position involves providing advanced, high-vigilance nursing care to acutely and critically ill Veterans who face life-threatening health issues. As part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team, the successful candidate will apply evidence-based practice, manage invasive and non-invasive monitoring equipment, and guide professional development within the clinical team. Eligible candidates can also benefit from the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which offers student loan reimbursement of up to $200,000.

Requirements for Registered Nurse (Critical Care)

Must be a U.S. Citizen (non-citizens are only considered if no qualified citizens are available).
Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screening (urinalysis for illegal drug use).
Subject to a background security investigation.
Active, full, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in any U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
Graduate of a professional nursing school accredited by ACEN or CCNE, or completion of an approved master's level bridge program.
English language proficiency (written and spoken) is required.
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program is a condition of employment.
Compliance with the REAL ID Act for state-issued identification starting May 7, 2025.
Subject to a probationary period.

Preferred Qualifications for Registered Nurse (Critical Care)

Prior professional clinical experience working in a Critical Care, Intensive Care (ICU), or high-acuity step-down unit.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary with regular salary increases and potential performance awards.
✓Generous Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off annually (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays).
✓Robust Retirement Package: Traditional federal pension (vested after 5 years of service) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP 401K-equivalent) with up to 5% agency matching contributions.
✓Comprehensive Insurance Options: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance (many programs can be carried into retirement).
✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Eligibility for student loan reimbursement up to $200,000 over five years (subject to program office approval).
✓Flexible Work Schedules: Compressed and flexible night-shift schedules are available.
✓Single-license mobility: Practice at any VA facility nationwide with a single valid U.S. state nursing license.

💡 How to Apply Registered Nurse (Critical Care) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Registered Nurse (Critical Care) Job

Review the complete USAJobs vacancy announcement and click "Apply Online" to log in or create a USAJobs account.
Download the standard VA Clinical Resume Document using the provided link in the instructions.
Upload the completed one-page Clinical Resume Document into the restricted 'Resume' upload field (do not modify this template).
Upload your comprehensive, unrestricted CV/resume detailing your full professional history into the 'Other' document upload field.
Submit all required supporting documents, such as your active nursing license, transcripts, DD-214 (if claiming Veterans' Preference), SF-50 (if a current/former federal employee), and performance appraisals.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire thoroughly, ensuring your responses are reflected accurately in your resume.
Review your complete application package and submit it prior to the closing deadline of July 28, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

💡 General Tips

Do not alter the one-page Clinical Resume template. It must be uploaded exactly as required to prevent application errors.
Be explicit and detailed in your comprehensive CV. The hiring board evaluates experience against five dimensions of nursing: Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice/Research. Ensure your resume highlights your accomplishments in each of these areas.
If you are a veteran, make sure to claim your preference points on the occupational questionnaire and submit your legible DD-214 showcasing an honorable discharge.
Submit your EDRP application within the first four months of your appointment if you wish to participate in the student loan reimbursement program.
Double-check that your professional references are accurate and up-to-date, as the VA conducts thorough pre-employment reference checks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the shift schedule for this position?

This position requires working night shifts from 7:00 P.M. to 7:30 A.M. Compressed or flexible scheduling options may be available depending on unit needs.

Is relocation or recruitment incentive authorized?

No, relocation assistance (Permanent Change of Station/PCS) and recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.

How does the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) work?

The EDRP is a student loan reimbursement program that offers qualifying candidates up to $200,000 over a period of one to five years. Selected applicants must submit their EDRP application within four months of their starting date. Program approval and final award amounts are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services office.

Do I need a Colorado nursing license to apply?

No. Because this is a federal position, you can practice with a current, full, active, and unrestricted license from any U.S. State, Territory, or Commonwealth (such as Puerto Rico), or the District of Columbia.

Are there drug testing and physical requirements for this job?

Yes. All selected candidates must pass a pre-employment physical examination and a drug screening urinalysis. The position involves demanding physical activities including standing, walking, stooping, bending, and lifting or turning patients. You must be able to lift and push weights in excess of 50 pounds (with mechanical aids when available) and work with your arms elevated or neck flexed.