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Icu Nursing Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Registered Nurse ICU

Globe, AZ · On-site

$2.3K - $2.5K/wk

Provide nursing care for ICU and critical care patients during night shifts * Monitor patient conditions and respond promptly to clinical changes * Administer medications, treatments, and ...

Registered Nurse ICU

Arcata, CA · On-site

$53 - $56/hr

Provide direct nursing care to critically ill ICU patients * Assess, monitor, and document patient condition and response to treatment * Administer medications, IV therapy, and critical care ...

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Icu Nursing Assistant information

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How much do icu nursing assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for icu nursing assistant in the United States is $50.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.94 and $56.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an ICU nursing assistant?

ICU Nursing Assistants are healthcare professionals who support nurses and doctors in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) by providing direct patient care. Their duties often include monitoring vital signs, assisting with personal hygiene, helping patients move, and ensuring a clean and safe environment. They work closely with critically ill patients and play a vital role in the daily operations of the ICU. ICU Nursing Assistants must be attentive, compassionate, and capable of working in high-stress situations. Specialized training and certification are usually required for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an ICU nursing assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an ICU Nursing Assistant, you need a solid understanding of basic patient care, vital sign monitoring, and infection control, usually supported by a CNA certification or similar credential. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems, patient monitoring devices, and hospital protocols is typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and emotional resilience help you support critically ill patients and collaborate effectively with the ICU team. These skills are essential to ensure patient safety, accurate monitoring, and efficient team operations in a high-stress critical care environment.

What are some common challenges ICU nursing assistants face when working in a high-acuity environment?

ICU Nursing Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing rapidly changing patient conditions, handling high-stress situations, and adapting to fast-paced workflows. They must be prepared to assist with complex patient care tasks, support critical care nurses, and respond swiftly to emergencies. Effective teamwork and clear communication with the multidisciplinary ICU team are essential for maintaining patient safety and delivering high-quality care.

What is the difference between Icu Nursing Assistant vs Medical Assistant?

AspectIcu Nursing AssistantMedical Assistant
CertificationsBasic patient care, CPR, and sometimes specialized ICU trainingCertified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
Work EnvironmentIntensive Care Units, hospitals, specialized medical settingsClinics, outpatient facilities, hospitals
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting ICU nurses, monitoring patients, basic patient careVital signs, administrative tasks, assisting with exams

The main difference between an Icu Nursing Assistant and a Medical Assistant lies in their work environment and responsibilities. Icu Nursing Assistants work primarily in ICU settings, focusing on critical patient care under the supervision of nurses. Medical Assistants typically work in outpatient clinics or general hospital settings, handling administrative and basic clinical tasks. Both roles require certification, but the scope and environment differ significantly.

Can you work as a ICU nursing assistant in the ICU?

Yes, ICU nursing assistants typically work directly in the ICU environment, supporting registered nurses and healthcare teams with patient care. They often need specialized training, certification, and the ability to operate medical equipment in critical care settings.

What does an ICU nursing assistant do in the ICU?

An ICU nursing assistant supports registered nurses by providing basic patient care such as bathing, feeding, and repositioning patients. They monitor vital signs, assist with hygiene, and help ensure a safe and clean environment in the intensive care unit. This role requires good communication skills and adherence to infection control protocols.
More about Icu Nursing Assistant jobs

What cities are hiring for Icu Nursing Assistant jobs?

Cities with the most Icu Nursing Assistant job openings:

What states have the most Icu Nursing Assistant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Icu Nursing Assistant jobs include:

Infographic showing various Icu Nursing Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 54% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 27% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,068 per year, or $51 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Supervise and mentor ICU nursing staff to ensure adherence to critical care standards.

  • Coordinate ICU staffing schedules and manage daily unit operations to support continuous patient care.

  • Perform specialized nursing procedures and collaborate with hospital departments to facilitate patient treatment and transfer.


University Of Pennsylvania rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

170th of 630 rated colleges and universities


Job description

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

ICU Nursing Supervisor

Job Profile Title

Veterinary Head Nurse

Job Description Summary

Provides leadership, scheduling, hiring, training, and performance management for nursing staff, while also mentoring team members and supporting their career development. Ensures high-quality patient care through both hands-on support and strategic guidance. Manages daily unit operations, combining clinical responsibilities with administrative oversight.

Job Description

The University of Pennsylvania Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital is seeking a nursing supervisor for the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The ICU is a very busy inpatient service that operates 24/7. We are looking for a self-motivated CVT (preferably VTS ECC) with strong communication, organizational and leadership skills to lead our team of 15 nurses and Vet Assistants.

Job responsibilities:

Floor Responsibilities:

  • Collaborate with the ICU team to prioritize and organize tasks, ensuring an efficient and effective workflow.
  • Deliver specialized nursing care to ICU patients in coordination with clinicians, fellow nurses, and veterinary students.
  • Perform technical procedures including venipuncture, intravenous catheter placement, and other specialized skills.
  • Administer and monitor sedations for minor procedures; assist in the recovery of sedated or anesthetized patients.
  • Coordinate with multiple hospital departments to facilitate smooth case flow throughout the day. Specifically, other nursing supervisors
  • Liaise with Wards nurses regarding ICU patients who may be candidates for transfer, ensuring continuity of care.
  • Educate veterinary and Harcum nursing students on ICU treatments and critical care nursing techniques.

Supervisor Responsibilities:

  • Supervise and mentor ICU nursing staff ensuring adherence to the highest standards of critical care.
  • Active, on the floor, supervisor with scheduled time off floor for administrative duties
  • Coordinate ICU staffing schedules to provide continuous, 24/7 coverage for critically ill patients.
  • Implement, monitor, and maintain ICU protocols, standard operating procedures, and quality improvement initiatives.
  • Assist in staff recruitment, training, performance evaluation, payroll, and professional development; conduct annual and mid-year "Workday" performance appraisals
  • Collaborate closely with section chief, specialists, and hospital administration to optimize patient outcomes and workflow efficiency.
  • Participate in hospital administrative meetings and annual budget meetings
  • Monitor and maintain critical care equipment and supplies; ensure compliance with safety, infection control, and hospital regulations.
  • Act as a point of contact for clinical support, complex case management, and escalation of patient care concerns.
  • Participate in teaching and mentoring veterinary students and residents in ICU protocols and procedures.

Qualifications:

  • Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT/LVT/RVT) in Pennsylvania or eligible to obtain. VTS (ECC) certification preferred or strong desire to obtain specialty certification.
  • Minimum of 5 years of veterinary nursing experience, with at least 2 years in ICU or critical care settings.
  • Proven leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
  • Advanced knowledge of critical care procedures, monitoring, and equipment.
  • Experience in an academic or specialty hospital preferred.
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to thrive in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment.

Skills and Competencies:

  • ICU and critical care nursing expertise
  • Leadership, team management, and mentorship
  • Advanced problem-solving and decision-making under pressure
  • Effective communication with staff, clients, and multidisciplinary teams
  • Time management, prioritization, and workflow optimization

Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit a CV/resume and cover letter with their application.

This position is eligible for a sign-on incentive of $1,000. Please contact Amy Shields, Talent Acquisition Specialist, (shieldsa@upenn.edu) for further details regarding this position and the sign-on incentive.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Veterinary Medicine

Pay Range

$74,500.00 - $90,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin(including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protectedunder applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

  • Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefitsto protect you and your family's health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

  • Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

  • Retirement:Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn's Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

  • Time Away from Work:Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family-whatever your personal needs may be.

  • Long-Term Care Insurance:In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you're newly hired, you won't have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

  • Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That's why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

  • Professional and Personal Development:Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

  • University Resources:As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University's libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There's always something going on at Penn, whether it's a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you're right in the middle of the excitement-and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

  • Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

  • Flexible Work Hours:Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

  • Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

  • Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay


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About University of Pennsylvania

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Employers By State in 2021.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Philadelphia, PA, US

Year founded

1740