ICU Nurses – ICU Nursing Jobs for Critical Care Nurses

The specialized skills required of a critical care nurse make these experienced RNs an integral part of every hospital system. Critical care nurses have the unique ability to work in a variety of settings including the intensive care unit, progressive care unit and more specialized sectors such as CVICU nursing.

With so many career paths and specialties to choose from, ICU nursing jobs are plentiful in a variety of cities and states all across the nation. If you work as a critical care nurse, you can earn top pay and work at some of the most prestigious facilities across the nation with an ICU nursing job.

Since hospitals around the country are in urgent need of ICU nurses, experienced RNs can command top pay for their skills. Salaries for ICU nurses and critical care nurses vary depending on experience, location and facility, but the median salary continues to grow year over year. The average salary for ICU Nurses as of June 2008 was $60,574, and traveling ICU nurses can expect to make at least as much or more per year plus benefits due to the high need for their expertise and skills at short-staffed facilities throughout the nation.

Below are some of the most recent ICU nursing job assignments for critical care nurses from NurseZone.com's top travel staffing partners. Earn great pay with an ICU nurse job while also receiving company-paid housing, day-one benefits and much more-all while enjoying the experience of a lifetime!

If you are an experienced ICU nurse looking to enhance your career and earn great pay-check out NurseZone's robust database of ICU nurse jobs from top partners. View our featured jobs or try our enhanced ICU nurse jobs search today.

Job Outlook for ICU and Critical Care Nurses

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, if you're considering becoming an ICU nurse the job outlook for all RNs remains strong, with 587,000 new registered nurse jobs expected to be created by 2016.

Read More about ICU nurses in the ICU Specialty Spotlight

Sources: Salary.com and U.S. Department of Labor

1. Registered Nurse - ICU $37/hr

Sacramento, California

The gateway to the Gold Country, the seat of California state government and the perfect launching pad for trips to stunning Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park, this thriving state capital is filled with surprises. With its abundant natural beauty, Wild West charm and many riverfront attractions, “the city of a million trees” has something for everyone.
2. Registered Nurse - ICU $35/hr

Reno, Nevada

Bright lights, glitzy casinos and big name entertainment are part of Reno’s charm, but there’s much more to “The Biggest Little City in the World” than meets the eye. Less than an hour’s drive from Lake Tahoe and in close proximity to Yosemite National Park, this town is the ideal destination for adventure-seeking travelers who love having nature and fun-filled options on their doorstep.
3. Registered Nurse - ICU $34/hr

Seattle, Washington

Surrounded by snow-covered peaks and sparkling bays, Seattle is one of the West’s most alluring cities. Relax at a sidewalk café and enjoy a latté, stroll along a waterfront park at sunset, go kayaking on Lake Union or shop for fresh fare at festive Pike Place Market. Here’s your chance to work at Seattle’s finest hospitals and to enjoy the many adventures that abound in this sparkling Northwest gem.
4. Registered Nurse - ICU $30/hr

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Nestled on the banks of Lake Erie and at the southern end of the Niagara River, Buffalo is New York’s second largest city right behind the Big Apple. Cultures blend in this waterfront city known for its culinary delights and friendly inhabitants who welcome newcomers with open arms. Discover the unique urban and historical neighborhoods that add to the city’s charm and character, or spend some time relaxing at one of the 20 parks found around town.
5. Registered Nurse - ICU $32/hr

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Once a stopover town on Route 66, Albuquerque offers a unique blend of Mexican, Spanish, Native American and Anglo influences. Filled with ethnic restaurants, offbeat galleries, quirky cafes and unique architecture, it’s also a convenient base for hiking, skiing, horseback riding and camping in the surrounding mountains and deserts.
6. Registered Nurse - ICU $33/hr

Washington, D.C.

With its impressive memorials, museums, sprawling parks and cherry blossom-lined avenues, Washington, D.C. and its surrounding areas, is always a popular destination for traveling health care professionals. Aside from this region’s renowned medical facilities and career-enhancing opportunities, visitors enjoy indulging in the many cultural attractions and festivities that the nation’s capital has to offer.
7. Registered Nurse - ICU $28/hr

Fort Worth, Texas

Rated as one of “America’s most livable communities,” Fort Worth embodies all of the amenities of a big city, while still holding on to its traditional small-town feel. Celebrating its colorful Western heritage, Ft. Worth is home to countless museums, galleries and attractions as well as world-class dining and nightlife. Come see where the Old West meets modern-day lifestyles in this thriving Texas city.
8. Registered Nurse - ICU $32/hr

Oakland, California

Enveloped on all sides by soaring mountain ranges, Salt Lake City boasts beautiful scenery and a bustling city scene. Home to some of the best snowboarding and skiing conditions in the country, the city was chosen as host for the 2002 Winter Olympics and tourism has increased dramatically since then. Also home to an expansive arts and entertainment scene, you will find there is plenty to do in Utah’s largest city.