The Registered Nurse (RN) - Surgical Intensive Care Unit/Stepdown Unit (SICU/STPDN) provides competent, evidence-based nursing care to Veterans with acute, complex, and critical care needs. The RN applies the nursing process, clinical judgment, and knowledge of pathophysiology and critical care concepts to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate individualized patient care.
The RN demonstrates professional nursing practice consistent with established standards of care, VA policies and procedures, evidence-based practice, and the ANA Standards of Nursing Practice and Code of Ethics. The position requires flexibility in assignments and scheduling to meet the needs of a 24/7 acute care environment.
The Registered Nurse - Surgical Intensive Care Unit/Stepdown Unit performs duties that include, but are not limited to: Provides safe, competent, evidence-based nursing care to Veterans with acute, complex, and critical care needs in the SICU/Stepdown environment. Performs comprehensive physical, physiological, and psychosocial nursing assessments and identifies actual or potential patient care needs.
Develops, implements, and evaluates individualized plans of care using the nursing process and sound clinical judgment. Recognizes changes in patient condition, establishes priorities, and initiates appropriate nursing interventions based on clinical acuity and patient needs. Administers medications, treatments, and therapeutic interventions as prescribed by authorized providers and evaluates the patient's response to care.
Organizes and completes assigned patient care responsibilities safely and within established timeframes while adapting priorities to changes in patient condition. Participates in the development, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of interdisciplinary plans of care. Establishes therapeutic relationships with Veterans and incorporates patient preferences, values, beliefs, developmental needs, and cultural considerations into care.
Provides patient and family education, counseling, and health promotion to support informed decision-making and optimal health outcomes. Communicates and collaborates effectively with physicians, nurses, and other members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team to coordinate patient care.
Delegates nursing activities appropriately and provides oversight to licensed vocational nurses, nursing assistants, and other nursing personnel consistent with scope of practice and competency. Assists with nursing education, orientation, competency development, and precepting of staff as appropriate. Demonstrates progression in leadership responsibilities, including sharing clinical knowledge, supporting teamwork, and serving as a resource to other staff.
Applies evidence-based practice and current nursing knowledge to improve the quality, safety, and effectiveness of patient care. Participates in unit-based performance improvement, patient safety, shared governance, and other quality improvement activities. Maintains accurate, timely, and complete documentation of assessments, interventions, patient responses, and other required information in the electronic health record.
Maintains patient privacy and confidentiality and safeguards protected health information in accordance with applicable Federal laws, VA policies, and information security requirements. Adheres to infection prevention and control practices, including hand hygiene, standard precautions, isolation procedures, and other measures designed to prevent transmission of infection.
Promotes a culture of safety by identifying and reporting hazards, incidents, injuries, and changes in patient condition and taking appropriate corrective action within the scope of practice. Maintains required education, training, and clinical competencies, including Basic Life Support (BLS) and other life-support certification requirements applicable to the assigned clinical area.
Maintains readiness for accreditation and regulatory surveys by complying with applicable standards, policies, procedures, and documentation requirements. Demonstrates professional, respectful, and non-discriminatory care and communication with Veterans, families, visitors, colleagues, and other customers. Performs other duties and accepts additional assignments as necessary to support patient care and operational needs of the unit.
VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards Pay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awards Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory Work Schedule: Tour of duty varies, and is to be determined by supervisor.
Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Chelsea.Montgomery@va.gov · 410-691-0614
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $83132 – $158590/yr.
Applications close on 2026-09-04.
This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
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