RN, Trauma and Surgical ICU
Company : Oregon Health & Science University
Location : Portland, OR, 97201
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 6 January 2026
Department Overview
OHSU is a nationally prominent research university, and Oregon's only public academic health center. For over a decade, OHSU has provided exceptional clinical care to traumatically injured patients.
The nurses of the Trauma & Surgical Intensive Care Unit (TSICU) provide exceptional care to traumatically injured patients in Oregon, Southwest Washington and Northern California. The unit also cares for Emergency General Surgery patients, as well as patients from Specialty Surgery Services such as Liver Transplant, EGS, ENT, OB/GYN, Plastics, and Ortho. The unit has a reputation for excellent teamwork and collaboration. The nurses and physicians along with other key members of the health care team work together to ensure patients receive progressive, evidence-based treatment.
This position also comes with great benefits! Some highlights include:
- Comprehensive health care plans. Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents.
- $50K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee
- Two separate above market pension plans to choose from
- Vacation - 192 to 288 hours per year depending on length of service, prorated for part-time
- Holidays - up to 64 holiday hours per calendar year (employees accrue .0308 holiday hours for each hour paid – included in vacation accruals)
- Sick Leave - 96 hours per year, prorated for part-time
- Substantial public transportation discounts (Tri-met and C-Tran)
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Innovative Employee Assistance Program (EAP) including extensive wellness resources
Function/Duties of Position
$55.24 - $92.02 per hour, based on RN Degree and level of experience
One of only two Level-1 Trauma Centers in Oregon: penetrating traumas, liver transplants and traumatic brain injuries, to name a few. With our reputation for teamwork and collaboration, we got this. Night differentials, free parking and amazing views of the lights of Portland from our campus. What are you waiting for?
The OHSU Clinical registered nurse (RN) provides compassionate, evidence-based, and efficient care to individuals, families, communities and patient populations. The Clinical RN’s care delivery is consistent with the Oregon Nurse Practice Act, the ANA Scope and Standards of Practice, and the ANA Code of Ethics. The Clinical RN demonstrates the professional role obligations of scientist, leader, practitioner, and knowledge transferor [Onsomble Model of the Professional Role™]. Professional accountability enriches the Clinical RN’s engagement as a leader in promoting an inter-professional culture of collaborative decision-making, innovation, life-long learning, and teamwork. The Clinical Nurse exemplifies the principles of a Culture of Safety by committing to a Just Culture, a Reporting Culture, Learning Culture, and an Engaged Informed Culture.
Required Qualifications
- 1-year of current Critical Care experience
BSN Graduates: Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing from a program accredited by Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA) 30 days before start date.
- ADN Graduates: Associate Degree in Nursing from an accredited program 30 days before the start date.
- Associate degree Nurses required to enroll in BSN program within 3 years of hire and complete within 5 years of hire
- Internal ONA applicants: Associate Degree in Nursing; BSN preferred
- Current, unencumbered Oregon State Registered Nurse License
- BLS at time of hire and must be issued by the American Heart Association (AHA)
- BLS must not expire during orientation
- Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation
Preferred Qualifications
- Trauma surgical experience
- CCRN or CNRN
Additional Details
Length of Orientation – Experienced Nurse
- External candidates: OHSU & Nursing New Employee Orientation (NEO) for about a week.
- Either Transition to Practice (TTP) Program Specialty Fellowship/Fellowship Learning Pathway or Orientation experience for 3 days-26 weeks depending on the care area. An employment service agreement may apply.
4 positions available
All are welcome
Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.
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Frequently asked questions
Portland's trauma ICU nursing positions are highly sought after due to the city's status as a regional trauma hub. With Oregon Health & Science University as a key employer, competition includes both local and regional nurses. Candidates with CCRN certification and trauma experience stand out in this demanding healthcare market.
Holding a current, unrestricted Oregon RN license is mandatory. Many employers, including OHSU, prefer additional certifications like CCRN for critical care. BLS certification by the American Heart Association is also required and must be valid through orientation, reflecting state and hospital standards.
Trauma and Surgical ICU RNs excel in managing complex cases involving multi-system injuries and post-operative care, including emergency surgeries and organ transplants. Their expertise extends beyond general ICU nursing to acute trauma interventions, advanced hemodynamic monitoring, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
RNs in trauma and surgical ICUs can pursue specialty certifications like CCRN or CNOR, leadership tracks such as charge nurse positions, and clinical educator roles. Ongoing education and fellowship programs at institutions like OHSU foster advancement through evidence-based practice and research participation.
Daily duties include continuous monitoring of critically injured patients, administering advanced life support, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, managing ventilators and invasive lines, and providing family support. The role demands vigilance, quick decision-making, and adherence to evidence-based trauma protocols.
OHSU offers comprehensive benefits including full healthcare coverage, generous paid time off, above-market pension plans, and tuition reimbursement. Their culture emphasizes collaborative teamwork, continuous learning, and wellness programs tailored to the high-stress trauma ICU environment.
Yes, OHSU's distinction as Oregon's only public academic health center and a level-1 trauma center means exposure to complex cases and cutting-edge treatments. Nurses benefit from structured orientation, fellowship opportunities, and a workplace culture prioritizing innovation and inter-professional collaboration.
Hourly wages range from approximately $55 to $92, influenced by nursing degree level, critical care experience, and certifications such as CCRN. Night shifts and specialized skills in trauma care can also lead to differential pay, reflecting Portland's competitive critical care nursing market.
While a minimum of one year critical care experience is preferred, OHSU offers transition-to-practice programs and specialty fellowships that can support new grads. However, associate degree nurses must enroll in a BSN program within three years, highlighting a commitment to advanced education.
Portland ICU nurses confront a high volume of penetrating traumas, complex surgeries, and transplant cases, requiring adaptability to rapidly changing patient conditions. The city's public transportation discounts and campus amenities help offset urban commute challenges, but the intense workload demands resilience.