Excel in Your Critical Care Career with VHC Health's ICU Bridge Program!
Are you an RN looking to build your skills in critical care? VHC Health’s ICU Bridge Program offers an exceptional opportunity for experienced Registered Nurses ready to transition into the fast-paced and rewarding world of critical care. This paid, full-time program provides a structured orientation that blends cohort-based classroom learning with 1:1 clinical orientation shifts alongside a dedicated preceptor, ensuring strong clinical support and confidence-building from day one. Nurses benefit from a collaborative ICU environment with a healthy mix of seasoned clinicians and small cohorts, fostering individualized mentorship and professional development. The program also opens the door to long-term growth through advanced device training, our clinical ladder program (Pathways), precepting opportunities, and participation in hospital-wide committees—making it an ideal pathway for RNs looking to expand their skills and build a successful critical care career.
Apply today and take the next step in your nursing career!
VHC Health® is an independent, not-for-profit, 548-bed health system serving the Washington, DC metropolitan area, anchored by a nationally recognized top teaching hospital. We deliver high-quality, patient-centered care using advanced technology. With a growing network of primary and specialty care locations, we make healthcare more accessible for our community. Consistently recognized as a leading health system in Virginia, VHC Health has earned numerous awards and proudly holds the Magnet® designation for nursing excellence.
2026 Application Timeline:
Application Deadline: March 12
Review Period: March 13 – March 26
Interviews Scheduled: Starting April 2
Cohort Start Date: August
Purpose & Scope:
Across all levels, the registered professional nurse is responsible for the direct and indirect total nursing care of their assigned patients. The RN is also responsible for the supervision of assigned personnel. The position requires knowledge of both department and hospital policies and procedures relevant to the delivery of nursing care. Interpretive skills, frequent interactive and consultative associations, along with management and supervisory skills are inherent in the position. The ability to retrieve, communicate or otherwise present information in a written, auditory or visual fashion is essential. The primary method to express or exchange ideas is through the spoken word. Written, telephone, and manual dexterity skills are required for this position.
Education:
Bachelor's in Nursing required
Experience:
One year of Nursing/Patient Care in an acute care setting is required
Certification/Licensure:
Licensed as a Registered Nurse by the Virginia Department of Health Professions required or,
Compact State Licensure in Nursing required
BLS certification required
Registered Nurses on designated units are required to maintain certain certifications. New to practice area nurses or new graduates have 1 year to complete the specialty requirements below.
ACLS: ED, ICU, CVICU/CVSD, Cardiac Cath Lab, Cardiopulmonary Rehab, Bronch Suite, Interventional Radiology, Radiology Safety Nurses, 6A, 6B, 7A, 8B, Labor and Delivery, Hemodialysis, Respiratory Therapy, Supplemental Pool Telemetry Nurses, GI Unit, and PACU
PALS: PACU: Pediatric Nurses, ED
NRP: NICU, Mother Baby, Labor and Delivery
De-escalation training: BHU, ED
ACLS or PALS cards stand as showing competence in BLS Skills per American Heart Association Guidelines. If an employee holds current ACLS or PALS certification, this meets the requirement for BLS in their job description. They do not need to also carry a separate BLS certification.
Pay & Benefits: Commensurate with experience. Team members are eligible to receive benefits on the first day of the month following the date of hire, with 30 days to apply for benefits of choice.