Registered Nurse - Surgical ICU

We are recruiting for a mission-driven Registered Nurse (RN) - Surgical ICU (SICU) to join our team!

We're with you for life’s journey. At Denver Health, purpose isn’t just something we believe in—it’s something we live every day, for life’s journey.

Our Values

Respect | Belonging | Accountability | Transparency

Department

Surgical ICUSurgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) is a key part of the Level I Trauma Center, safety net and tertiary care center of Denver Health. Patients come from throughout the region to be cared for in our 23-bed unit. The SICU is equipped with all the necessities, technology and emergency equipment for providing the full spectrum of care to the most critically ill and injured patients. Our patient population consists of critically ill or complex general surgery patients, as well as traumatically injured patients ages 15 years and older. The patient population in the SICU is 70-80% patients who have experienced a trauma. Most patients are suffering from injuries due to motor vehicle accidents, bicycle injuries, ski accidents, pedestrian versus auto encounters, traumatic brain injuries, falls, injuries from violent crimes and other serious traumatic events. The SICU’s nurse-to-patient ratio is 1:2 with the most critical patients being cared for 1:1.

View our Critical Care Float Pool opportunity here and consider applying to both so we can find the right fit for you!

Job Summary

Under general supervision, adheres to the American Nurses Association (ANA) standards of professional nursing and performance, and the ANA Code of Ethics to provide care to all healthcare consumers. Applies critical thinking, evidence-based practices and competence to collaborate with the health care team to promote excellence in healthcare consumer safety and quality outcomes. Utilizes the Theory of Human Caring and Caritas in daily practice. "Jean Watson, PhD, RN, AHN-BC, FAAN, Founder / Director, Watson Caring Science Institute."

Essential Functions:

• Assess the needs of individuals, families and/or communities to identify potential health or safety problems (15%)
• Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records (10%)
• Monitor, record and report symptoms and changes in patient’s condition and vital signs (10%)
• Modify patient treatment plans as indicated by patient’s responses and conditions (10%)
• Develop and modify patient care plans as indicated by patient’s responses and conditions (10%)
• Prepare patients for, and assist with examinations and treatments (10%)
• Consult and coordinate with health care team members to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care (5%)
• Monitor all aspects of patient care, including diet and physical activity (5%)
• Direct and supervise less skilled nursing/health care personnel (5%)
• Instruct individuals and families on health education and disease prevention and after care (5%)
• Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent or disabled patients (5%)
• Medication administration, documentation and reassessment (5%)
• Promote positive patient experience (5%)

Education:

• Associate's Degree Required

Work Experience:

• less than 1 year • One year experience in a direct patient care setting preferred
  

Licenses:

• BLS-Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) - AHA - American Heart Association or American Red Cross Required and
• RN-Registered Nurse - DORA - Department of Regulatory Agencies Required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Adherence to Standards of Professional Nursing Practice/ Process / Performance [ANA Standards addendum- signed] and accrediting body standards.
• Ensures all duties, responsibilities and competencies are conducted in a manner that is effective and appropriate to patients/clients to who care/service is being provided.
• Demonstrates knowledge and applicability of the principles of growth and development over the life span, as well as demonstrating the ability to assess data reflecting the patient’s status and interpreting appropriate cultural information of the patient(s) to whom care/ services is being delivered/provided.
• Employee has completed and met their clinical competency standards
• Ability to use medical equipment and instruments to administer patient care.
• Skilled in maintaining effective working relationship with patients, employees, and the public.
• Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations
• Ability to interpret adapt and apply guidelines and procedures
• Ability to communicate clearly.
• Microsoft Office Suite required.
• EPIC documentation preferred.

Shift

Work Type

Regular (0.9 FTE)

Salary

$36.00 - $57.77 / hr

Benefits

At Denver Health, we take care of the people who take care of our community. Our benefits are built to support your life, your family, and your future — with generous paid time off, fully paid parental leave, exceptional retirement contributions, comprehensive health coverage, and nationally recognized well-being programs. We invest in your growth through tuition assistance, career advancement pathways, and professional development — while also offering meaningful financial advantages through loan forgiveness eligibility and employer contributions. When you join Denver Health, you’re joining a mission-driven organization that invests in you.

Here is a small list of our benefit programs:

• Paid time off starting at 28 days per year, inclusive of vacation, personal/sick, and 7 Holidays
• 100% paid parental leave up to 6 weeks
• Immediate eligibility for retirement plans with employer contribution up to 9.5%
• Generous medical, dental, vision plans in addition to employer paid disability and life insurance.
• Comprehensive well-being programs including on-site employee fitness center located on Denver Health main campus and nationally recognized RESTORE Center
• Free RTD EcoPass (public transportation)
• Childcare discount programs & exclusive perks on large brands, travel, and more
• Tuition reimbursement & assistance
• Education, coaching, and professional development opportunities through the Workforce Development Center (WFDC) that support internal career growth and advancement pathways
• Professional clinical advancement program & shared governance
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer+ free student loan coaching and assistance navigating the PSLF program
• National Health Service Corps (NHCS) and Colorado Health Service Corps (CHSC) eligible employer

About Denver Health

Denver Health is an integrated, high-quality academic healthcare system considered a model for the nation that includes a Level I Trauma Center, a 555-bed acute care medical center, Denver’s 911 emergency medical response system, 10 family health centers, 19 school-based health centers, Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety, the Public Health Institute at Denver Health, Denver Health Medical Plan and Denver Health Foundation.

As Colorado’s primary, and essential, safety-net healthcare system, Denver Health is a mission-driven organization that has provided millions in uncompensated care for the uninsured each year.

Located near downtown Denver, Denver Health is just minutes away from many of the cultural and recreational activities Denver has to offer.

Denver Health is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We value the unique ideas, talents and contributions reflective of the needs of our community. All job applicants for safety-sensitive positions must pass a pre-employment drug test, once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Applicants will be considered until the position is filled.