Registered Nurse - Critical Care (Medical Intensive Care Unit)

This is an open continuous announcement until September 30, 2026. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available. Announcement may be closed earlier if no longer needed.

About the Role

The Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System in Seattle, Washington, is seeking experienced Registered Nurses to provide critical care to our nation’s Veterans.

Responsibilities

• Deliver direct patient care to critically ill adult patients in the MICU, utilizing advanced assessment skills and evidence-based practice.
• Manage complex medical conditions including sepsis, respiratory failure, multi-organ dysfunction, and post-operative care.
• Operate and monitor advanced life-support equipment such as ventilators, hemodynamic monitors, and continuous renal replacement therapy.
• Administer and titrate high-risk medications including vasopressors, sedatives, and paralytics.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team including physicians, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, and social workers to develop and implement individualized care plans.
• Provide education and support to patients and families regarding disease processes, treatment plans, and end-of-life care.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives, staff education, and unit-based committees.
• Adhere to VA policies, Joint Commission standards, and infection control practices.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
• Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (e.g., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or the District of Columbia.
• Proficiency in basic written and spoken English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of recent critical care nursing experience in an ICU setting.
• Experience with ventilator management, hemodynamic monitoring, and titration of vasoactive medications.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications.
• Strong clinical assessment, critical thinking, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-stress environment.
• Commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care to Veterans.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive federal benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Generous paid time off: 13 days of sick leave annually, 13-26 days of annual leave, and 10 paid federal holidays.
• Retirement benefits through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) including a defined benefit pension and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with up to 5% agency matching contributions.
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
• Continuing education opportunities and tuition reimbursement.
• Career advancement and professional development within the VA system.
• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.

Schedule

• Full-time positions available.
• Rotating shifts including days, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• 12-hour shifts (7:00 AM - 7:30 PM or 7:00 PM - 7:30 AM).