Finding qualified intensive care unit nurses in today’s market has become increasingly difficult. Oftentimes, your ICU nurse job description will be one of the first impressions that ICU nurses will get, and they make decisions on where they apply based on the information they see posted on the job description.

You’ll want to use our ICU nurse job description template as a starting point for attracting the best intensive care unit nurses to your open jobs.

About the ICU Nurse Job Description

Each section of this sample job description for ICU nurses is based off of countless hours of research, and analysis of what performs best on nurse job boards. Make sure to keep your job title concise and descriptive of the role. Do not use any jargon or internal language when posting your ICU nurse job on job boards. You want to make sure that the nurse reading this understands what the job is, and all of the language in the job description.

Below, you’ll find a best-in-class sample template for an ICU nurse job description that will give you a head-start in posting your ICU nurse job.

Feel free to copy the below sample ICU nurse job description but make sure to add information specific to your organization or facility, the culture, perks/benefits, and double-check that the skills below match your exact requirements. Remember, ICU nurses work in a unique, fast-paced, and critical department. Make sure to emphasize important areas of their role and any specialties that they must have at your facility. 

ICU Nurse Job Description

Job Description / Why We’re Hiring

We’re looking for dedicated Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses who are currently licensed and want to work with . Our ideal ICU nurse will be quick-thinking, have experience in hospitals/facilities related to the job requirements, and come from an accredited nursing program. You should be proactive and able to solve problems quickly.

You’ll be working in our ICU department and MUST have experience delivering care to seriously ill or injured patients such as patients who have suffered strokes, heart attacks, or undergone invasive surgery. . 

Company Culture / About Your Healthcare Facility

Sample ICU Nurse Skills and Expertise:

{Below is a list of several skills and responsibilities of an ICU Nurse. Remember to remove any that do not fit your specific role}:

  • Responsible for maintaining care standards in the ICU department
  • Able to assess patients quickly, prioritize, and assist in minor procedures
  • Perform diagnostic tests
  • Conduct followup visits and patient treatment
  • Communicate with doctors and patients to keep everyone updated on test results and treatment recommendations
  • Monitoring patient recovery and care
  • Assist in the care of traumas, cardiac arrests, strokes, and other triage situations.
  • Demonstration of sound decision-making in emergency scenarios based on patient conditions such as vital signs, patient presentation, and assessments.
  • Provide RN care for all patients, as well as handling of intubations, defibrillations, auto transfusions, Medlock insertions, splinting, and more.

Sample ICU Nurse Responsibilities & Qualifications

  • Proven experience as a registered nurse (references required)
  • Experience monitoring patient progress and with providing updates to doctors, patients, and family members
  • Knowledge of nursing care methods, procedures, and emergency care
  • Care for patient throughout their recovery in the ICU unit
  • Expert knowledge of health and safety guidelines/procedures (sanitation, decontamination, etc.)
  • Excels at communicating with a team and has strong interpersonal skills
  • Responsible and compassionate with patients
  • Able to multitask with strong organizational skills
  • Calm under pressure with excellent problem-solving skills
  • BSc or another diploma from a nursing program
  • Valid nursing license

After you post your job to hire an ICU nurse and start receiving applicants, you’ll want to make sure to carefully interview them to make sure they’re the best fit.

Additionally, if you’re looking for per diem or short term nursing assignments, you can post your job on Medely for free. Medely is one of the largest networks of nurses looking to schedule per diem shifts with your organization. Each nurse is put through a carefully conducted background check process and can be hired as easily as calling Uber from your phone.

To get started hiring and posting your jobs for free on Medely, click here.