We are recruiting for a mission-driven Charge 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 ICU

Surgical 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.

Job Summary

The Charge Nurse, with minimal direction, supervises nursing and support staff in an inpatient unit, specialty clinic, or treatment programs in various patient care settings. The Charge Nurse, adheres to the American Nurses Association (ANA) standards of professional nursing and performance, and the ANA Code of Ethics (2015) to provide care to all patients. Applies critical thinking, evidence-based policies, procedures, guidelines and competence to collaborate with the health care team to promote excellence in patient 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:

• Operations Management Oversee department/unit for assigned shift employing clinical and managerial skills to care for patients while also providing guidance and leadership to other nurses who are working with patients including but not limited to preparing daily staffing assignments, mentoring staff, evaluating performance, facilitating patient flow, admissions, and discharges. (40%)
• Patient Assessment Assess the needs of individuals, families and/or communities to identify potential health or safety problems, Instruct individuals and families on health education and disease prevention and after care (20%)
• Treatment and Evaluation Consult and coordinate with health care team members to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care. Monitor all aspects of patient care, including diet and physical activity, develop and modify patient care plans as indicated by patient’s responses and conditions. Prepare patients for, and assist with examinations and treatments (20%)
• Medication administration, documentation and reassessment (10%)
• Monitor, record and report symptoms and changes in patient’s condition and vital signs (10%)

Education:

• Associate's Degree Required

Work Experience:

• 1-3 years Professional nursing experience in a patient care setting. Required

Licenses:

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

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Adherence to Standards of Professional Nursing Practice/ Process / Performance [ANA Standards addendum- signed] and accrediting body standards.
• Strong understanding and display of the principals of customer service as it applies to patients, staff and the community
• Ability to assist in identifying ways to promote quality patient-centric care and maintain Denver Health’s high level of patient satisfaction. [Nursing Vision Statement]
• Ability to work effectively in a team matrix environment. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively at all levels and in a cross functional environment.
• Ability to work closely with multidisciplinary staff, charge nurses, clinical nurse educator(s), and Nursing Managers, providers,, executive leadership to provide care to patients with respect to their uniqueness using informed judgment, competence, individual qualifications, and collaboration with the health care team.
• Ability to demonstrate an understanding of assessment findings as they relate to the disease process and continuum of care.
• Proficient in EHR
• Basic Office Suite skills preferred

Shift

Work Type

Regular (0.9 FTE)

Salary

$39.60 - $63.54 / 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.