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New Grad Rn Icu Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

SCL Health

Registered Nurse NICU

Lafayette, CO

As a NICU RN you need to know how to: * Recognize and address patients' psychological and physical ... Check out our New Grad Featured Job section of our careers website to keep informed on which ...

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New Grad Rn Icu information

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How much do new grad rn icu jobs pay per week?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average weekly pay for new grad rn icu in Colorado is $2,400.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,980.77 and $2,790.38 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a New Grad RN ICU?

A New Grad RN ICU is a newly graduated Registered Nurse who works in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). These nurses have recently completed their nursing education and passed the NCLEX-RN exam, allowing them to practice as licensed RNs. In the ICU, they care for critically ill patients under the supervision of experienced nurses and healthcare professionals. New Grad RN ICU positions often include orientation and training programs to help them transition into the high-acuity environment of intensive care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a New Grad RN ICU, and why are they important?

To thrive as a New Grad RN ICU, you need a solid foundation in nursing fundamentals, critical care concepts, and a current RN license, often with Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certifications. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), ventilators, infusion pumps, and cardiac monitoring systems is typically required. Excellent communication, resilience, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills for this demanding environment. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure patient safety, accurate decision-making, and effective collaboration in the high-acuity ICU setting.

What challenges can new graduate RNs expect when starting in the ICU, and how can they successfully adapt?

New graduate RNs in the ICU often face the challenge of managing complex, critically ill patients while adapting to a fast-paced environment. It can be overwhelming to prioritize care, learn advanced equipment, and communicate effectively with the multidisciplinary team. Success comes from seeking mentorship, asking questions, and taking advantage of orientation and training programs provided by the hospital. Collaboration with experienced nurses and continuous learning are key to building confidence and competence in this demanding but rewarding role.

Is it possible to get a job in the ICU as a new grad?

New graduate RNs can secure ICU positions, but they often require strong critical thinking skills, certification in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), and completion of a nurse residency or orientation program. Hospitals may prefer candidates with some clinical experience or relevant rotations in critical care settings.

What is the difference between New Grad Rn Icu vs Registered Nurse Icu?

AspectNew Grad Rn IcuRegistered Nurse Icu
CertificationsBasic RN license, possibly ICU-specific trainingRN license, ICU certifications (e.g., CCRN) often preferred
Work EnvironmentEntry-level ICU setting, supervised or with mentorshipExperienced ICU setting, greater independence
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with patient care, learning ICU protocolsManaging complex patients, making independent decisions

The main difference between a New Grad Rn Icu and a Registered Nurse Icu is experience level. New grads are just starting their ICU careers with supervision, while registered nurses with ICU experience handle more complex cases independently. Both roles require an RN license, but experienced RNs often hold additional certifications and have greater responsibilities.

Should new grads work in the ICU?

New graduate RNs can work in the ICU, but it typically requires completing a specialized orientation and demonstrating strong critical thinking and clinical skills. Many hospitals prefer new grads to gain experience in less acute settings first, but with proper training and mentorship, they can succeed in ICU roles.

How much do new grad ICU RNs make?

New graduate ICU RNs typically start with a salary ranging from $60,000 to $75,000 annually, depending on the location, hospital, and shift differentials. Entry-level RNs in intensive care units often receive additional compensation for night shifts and critical care certifications, which can increase overall earnings.

Can a newly qualified nurse work in the ICU?

A newly qualified registered nurse (RN) can work in the ICU, but typically requires additional training, certification, and supervision due to the high-acuity environment. Many hospitals offer residency or orientation programs to help new RNs develop critical skills needed for intensive care settings.
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New Grad Rn Icu jobs near you
Infographic showing various New Grad Rn Icu job openings in Colorado as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $124,841 per year, or $60 per hour.
Registered Nurse ICU

Registered Nurse ICU

CommonSpirit Health

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site

Full-time

Posted yesterday

CommonSpirit Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 508 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

403rd of 875 rated healthcare providers

Job description


Job Summary and Responsibilities

Qualified external applicants with at least six months of direct RN experience are eligible for a $20,000 sign-on bonus!*

Based on your location you may also be eligible for a relocation bonus!

*To be eligible for the sign-on bonus, you must be hired into a full-time or part-time position; PRN positions are not eligible. Some exclusions apply. Apply to chat with a recruiter about the details!

The Intensive Care Unit at St. Francis Medical Center has 14 beds. Our department’s specialty is Critical Care – to include Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumps (IABP), proning, and protocols for sepsis, stroke, hypothermia, mass transfusions and OB hemorrhage – to name just a few. We treat medical and surgical critically ill adult patients 18 years and older, Level III trauma patients 15 and older, OB emergency patients related to seizure and hemorrhage and we get overflow from Med/Surg related to capacity.

As a Registered Nurse (RN) you will assume responsibility and accountability for:

  • Facilitating, communicating, and collaborating with both the healthcare team, and the patient/family to identify and meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patient.
  • Promote the optimal health, well-being and safety of the patient through use of the nursing process and in accordance with patient care standards, guidelines and the State Nurse Practice Act.
  • Demonstrate personal accountability for relationship-based care, organizational mission, and core values.
Job Requirements

In addition to bringing humankindness to the workplace each day, qualified nursing candidates will need the following:

Education Requirements

  • Associates Degree in Nursing required; Nursing Diploma or by endorsement
  • Bachelors Degree in Nursing preferred
  • Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing required for new graduates, preferred for experienced RNs

Experience Requirements

  • One year RN ICU experience
  • Nursing skills and knowledge base specific to specialty

Licenses/Certification Requirements

  • RN License required; Current state nursing licenses or valid RN license from a participating state in the National Licensure Compact

Physical Requirements 

  • Medium Work - (Exert up to 50lbs force occasionally, and/or up to 20lbs frequently, and/or up to 10lbs constantly)

New Grads: We encourage you to consider our Nurse Residency Program designed for new graduate nurses. Our Nurse Residency Program offers Vizient’s nationally-recognized curriculum developed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). This evidence-based curriculum, delivered by leaders and mentors who care about your success, will help you become the nursing professional you’ve always envisioned. To learn more about the programs, timelines and FAQs, please visit our New Grad RN Residency site here.

Where You'll Work

Penrose-St. Francis Health Services is a full-service, 712-bed acute care provider in Colorado Springs comprising Penrose Hospital, St. Francis Hospital and St Francis Hospital - Interquest. St. Francis Hospital opened in 2008 to keep pace with the growing needs of the Colorado Springs' community on the north side of the city. St. Francis Hospital features 340-beds and offers a modern Birth Center, Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Cancer Center, Emergency Department, Level III Trauma Center, Imaging Services, Acute Inpatient Rehab, Surgical Services and Critical Care Unit. It also serves as southern Colorado's home base for the Flight For Life Colorado air medical transport service. It's an incredible time to join us as we celebrate recognition with Magnet Hospital designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for superior quality in nursing care. With more than 300 days of annual sunshine, mild winters and easy-to-access recreational areas including Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods and some of Colorado's top destination resorts, you will enjoy an incredible lifestyle while having the career you've always wanted.

Qualifications:

In addition to bringing humankindness to the workplace each day, qualified nursing candidates will need the following:

Education Requirements

  • Associates Degree in Nursing required; Nursing Diploma or by endorsement
  • Bachelors Degree in Nursing preferred
  • Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing required for new graduates, preferred for experienced RNs

Experience Requirements

  • One year RN ICU experience
  • Nursing skills and knowledge base specific to specialty

Licenses/Certification Requirements

  • RN License required; Current state nursing licenses or valid RN license from a participating state in the National Licensure Compact

Physical Requirements 

  • Medium Work - (Exert up to 50lbs force occasionally, and/or up to 20lbs frequently, and/or up to 10lbs constantly)

New Grads: We encourage you to consider our Nurse Residency Program designed for new graduate nurses. Our Nurse Residency Program offers Vizient’s nationally-recognized curriculum developed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). This evidence-based curriculum, delivered by leaders and mentors who care about your success, will help you become the nursing professional you’ve always envisioned. To learn more about the programs, timelines and FAQs, please visit our New Grad RN Residency site here.

Employment Type: Full Time

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