Registered Nurse - Critical Care (SCU)
US Veterans Health Administration
Johnson City, Tennessee
$63k–$119k/yr
Posted pay
About a minute · no account or résumé needed.
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Posted Aug 3, 2026 · Last seen active Aug 4, 2026
What the posting states
- Base pay
- $62,784-$118,960
- Shift
- Night shift schedule (7:30 PM - 8:00 AM) with alternating weekends.
- Weekends, holidays, call
- Night shift schedule (7:30 PM - 8:00 AM) with alternating weekends.
About this role
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Requirements
- U.S. Citizenship
- English language proficiency
- Graduate of a school of professional nursing accredited by ACEN or CCNE
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted RN license in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the U.S., or the District of Columbia
- Background/security investigation
- Drug screening (urinalysis)
- Pre-employment physical examination
- Seasonal influenza vaccination
Benefits
- Competitive salary with regular salary increases and potential performance awards
- 50 days paid time off per year (26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays)
- Traditional federal pension (5 year vesting)
- Federal 401K with up to 5% employer contributions
- Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance
- Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) up to $200,000
- Loan repayment program
About the employer
The U.S. Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the healthcare arm of the Department of Veterans Affairs, operating as the nation's largest integrated healthcare system serving America's veterans. The Seattle, Washington (98108) location is part of this federal healthcare network, which…
What reviewers appreciate
- Noble and mission-driven work serving veterans and their families
- Clear core values (I CARE: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, Excellence) guiding all interactions
- Interdisciplinary team collaboration model
What reviewers flag
- Tiered hiring preference limits external applicant opportunities, with first consideration given to current permanent VA employees
- Strict educational and experience requirements (BSN with 2 years or MSN with 1 year specialized experience) may create barriers to entry
- Federal hiring process may be slower and more bureaucratic than private sector
Living in Johnson City, TN
Nestled in Tennessee's Appalachian foothills, Johnson City blends outdoor adventure with a growing healthcare hub anchored by East Tennessee State University. Nurses drawn to mid-size mountain towns will find a relaxed pace, nearby hiking trails, and a strong sense of Southern community.
- Metro price level · Johnson City area
- 87.9
- 12% below the national average
- Median gross rent
- $1,023/mo
- rent and tenant-paid utilities
U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis · 2024 metro Regional Price Parities · Census ACS 2024
On your path
ICU / Critical Care is a first-year unit lane. The classic route: base year, then transfer in.
Worth asking
The posting doesn’t answer these. Good ones to ask a recruiter or in the interview.
- Can you walk me through the differentials?
- What should I expect for weekly hours, holiday, call, and rotation?
- What orientation, preceptor time, and ongoing unit support are included?
- How are patient load, floating, and staffing support handled day to day?
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