Surgical to SICU Registered Nurse Pathway Program

Location: New Haven, CT
Work Address: 20 York St. New Haven, CT
Position Type: Full-Time (Benefits Eligible)

Surgical ICU RN Pathway

Designed for surgical and acute care RNs interested in advancing into critical care, this pathway provides mentorship from Surgical ICU leaders, immersive shadowing experiences, and targeted learning focused on SICU practice readiness. Participants build the knowledge and clinical skills needed to care for critically ill surgical and post-operative patients who require continuous monitoring, rapid assessment, and advanced interventions.

Overview

To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values—integrity, patient centered, respect, accountability, and compassion—guide what we do every day as healthcare professionals.

At Yale New Haven Hospital, a 1,541 bed, nationally ranked, JCAHO accredited hospital affiliated with the Yale School of Medicine, our patients benefit from access to advanced medical therapies, emerging research, and innovative clinical care. The Surgical Intensive Care Unit at ANC provide specialized, around the clock care for patients with acute and complex conditions requiring continuous monitoring and advanced clinical intervention. The primary role of these ICUs is to stabilize critically ill patients, manage life threatening neurological and surgical conditions, and support recovery through coordinated, multidisciplinary care.

These units serve a broad patient population ranging from young adults to geriatric patients. Admissions originate from the Emergency Department, other inpatient units, direct post surgical recovery, or transfers from outside facilities requiring a higher level of surgical critical care. Care may range from emergent stabilization through recovery, including end of life care.

The provides advanced, high acuity care to patients experiencing complex surgical injuries and disorders. The SICU cares for critically ill patients requiring continuous monitoring and intensive interventions. Patients in this unit are monitored closely for subtle changes requiring rapid, skilled intervention.

Here, your nursing career will include experiences and opportunities unmatched by other hospitals—comprehensive orientation, ongoing professional development, clinical advancement pathways, and the chance to care for a uniquely high acuity and medically complex patient population.

Join the dedicated team at Yale New Haven Hospital as a Surgical ICU RN and make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives through expert, holistic, patient centered care.

Responsibilities

Nurses in the SICU provide comprehensive, high‑acuity care including but not limited to:

• Continuous neurological monitoring
• Acute intervention and stabilization
• Complex medical management
• Stroke recognition and management
• Post‑surgical critical care and recovery
• Sub‑acute and ongoing critical care management
• Continuous renal replacement therapy
• End‑of‑life care with a focus on dignity and comfort
• Family and caregiver education, communication, and emotional support

Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU):

• Patients with complex surgical and post‑operative conditions
• Trauma blunt and penetrating
• Liver transplants
• Provide care for patients requiring complex vascular procedures
• Patients requiring orthopedic and spinal surgery
• Emergency general surgical patients who are critically ill requiring acute care interventions
• Complicated ENT procedures requiring airway monitoring
• Urology patients undergoing complex procedures

Collaboration & Communication

• Educate patients and families regarding surgical procedures, stroke recovery, seizure safety, neurosurgical procedures, and long‑term neurological disease management.
• Participate in multidisciplinary rounds and contribute to individualized care plans.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate electronic health records (EHR) and adhere to hospital protocols, infection control, and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Education
• Graduation from an accredited school of nursing. BSN preferred. All newly hired registered nurses must have current BCLS certification or must obtain within one month of hire.
• Licensure
• Licensed and a currently registered nurse in the State of Connecticut. Clinical specialty certification highly encouraged.
• BLS required
• SPECIAL SKILLS

Registered Nurse is the foundational job description for all RNs. All RNs are encouraged to advance through the SPIRE clinical advancement program.

PHYSICAL DEMAND

Requires prolonged standing; walking; use of sight, hearing, and touch. May be exposed to infectious diseases. Will be exposed to physical, mental and emotional illness as well as end of life conditions and death. Moderate stress and risk of injury from patient care. Standing/walking for more than half of the day. Frequently bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, twisting and lifting. Must be able to assist pushing/pulling/lifting patients ranging from five (5) to three hundred (300) pounds.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Paid time off and flexible scheduling options.
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities.
• Employee wellness initiatives and support programs.

EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran