Nursing Excellence: ICU Registered Nurse Career at VA Salt Lake City
The VA Salt Lake City Health Care System invites skilled and compassionate nursing professionals to join our critical care team. This is a rare opportunity to serve those who have served our country while working in a facility that prioritizes clinical innovation, teaching, and professional development. If you are an experienced ICU nurse seeking a role that balances high-intensity work with a fulfilling outdoor lifestyle, this position is for you.
Job Responsibilities
As an ICU Registered Nurse, you will be responsible for:
- Providing comprehensive care to critically ill patients in medical, surgical, and cardiac specialties.
- Conducting detailed patient assessments every four hours.
- Managing complex life-support equipment including ventilators, IABPs, and LVADs.
- Collaborating with the multidisciplinary care team to develop and execute discharge plans.
- Providing clinical supervision to nursing students and new hires.
Comparison of Nursing Levels
| Level | Experience Required | Education Required |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse I, Level I | None | ADN or Diploma |
| Nurse I, Level III | 2 Years | ADN/Diploma or BSN |
| Nurse II | 2-3 Years | BSN or MSN |
| Nurse III | 3+ Years | MSN or Doctorate |
Requirements
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Active and unrestricted RN license.
- Degree from an accredited nursing program.
- Ability to perform physically demanding tasks (standing, lifting, moving patients).
- Compliance with vaccination and health screening requirements.
Salary Overview
The salary range for this position is $74,854 to $137,807 per year, depending on education, experience, and the grade level determined by your qualifications.
Benefits
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a 'Total Rewards' package, including:
- 50 days of paid leave annually.
- Federal pension and 401k matching.
- Superior health insurance options.
- Regular salary increases and performance awards.
Application Tips
- Be specific in your resume regarding clinical duties.
- Ensure your documentation is complete before the closing date.
- Utilize the 'Preview Questionnaire' feature to understand the assessment expectations.
Serving the Veterans of the Intermountain West is a noble mission. We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially welcoming you to our dedicated team at the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System.
Why This Registered Nurse (Intensive Care Unit) Job Matters
Join a team dedicated to honoring those who served our nation while advancing your clinical career in a high-acuity, fast-paced ICU environment in beautiful Salt Lake City.
Registered Nurse (Intensive Care Unit) Job Overview
The VA Salt Lake City Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse for our Intensive Care Unit. This critical role involves delivering comprehensive, high-acuity care to Veterans with complex medical, surgical, and cardiac conditions. Located at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, this position offers the perfect blend of clinical complexity and an exceptional quality of life. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team in a state-of-the-art teaching hospital, utilizing advanced technologies to provide patient-centered care.
Requirements for Registered Nurse (Intensive Care Unit)
- U.S. Citizenship (non-citizens may be appointed if qualified citizens are not available).
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing (ACEN or CCNE).
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted RN license in any U.S. State, Territory, or District of Columbia.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Subject to background and security investigation.
Preferred Qualifications for Registered Nurse (Intensive Care Unit)
- At least 2 years of ICU experience (SICU, MICU, or CVICU).
- Familiarity with advanced medical devices including LVADs, Impellas, IABPs, CRRT, and Ventilators.
- CCRN certification.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive salary with regular performance-based increases.
- ✓50 days of total paid time off (26 days annual, 13 days sick, 11 federal holidays).
- ✓Federal pension plan and 401k with up to 5% agency matching.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance programs.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development in a teaching hospital environment.
💡 How to Apply Registered Nurse (Intensive Care Unit) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Registered Nurse (Intensive Care Unit) Job
- Create a profile on the USAJOBS portal.
- Prepare your long-form resume or CV detailing your clinical experience.
- Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all required supporting documents (license, transcripts, DD-214 if applicable).
- Submit your complete application package before the deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly maps your experience to the five dimensions of VHA nursing: Practice, Patient-Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Research.
- Do not leave gaps in your work history; explain periods of unemployment clearly.
- Double-check that your license information is accurate and current.
- Use the 'Preview Questionnaire' link to understand the assessment criteria before you begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical ICU workload at the Salt Lake City VA?
Nurses manage high-acuity patients across medical, surgical, and cardiac specialties. Duties include frequent reassessments, managing advanced cardiac/neurological devices, and performing out-of-OR recoveries.
Are relocation incentives offered for this position?
Currently, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
Is this position eligible for remote work?
*A: No, this is an in-person, patient-care position requiring presence at the medical center.*
Does the VA offer tuition assistance?
*A: Yes, the VA offers various education support programs for staff pursuing higher nursing degrees.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
Located at the base of the spectacular Wasatch Mountains, the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System is a premier teaching hospital serving over 70,000 Veterans. We are part of a vibrant ecosystem that includes the University of Utah, providing our staff with access to state-of-the-art research and education. We pride ourselves on an integrated, patient-centered approach to care that honors our commitment to Veterans.