Clinical Nurse, RN – Per Diem Level I | Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) | Nights

Howard University Hospital  |  Washington, DC

Role Summary

The Clinical Nurse – Per Diem (RN) is a Registered Nurse reporting to the Clinical Nursing Administrator and embedded in the Howard University Hospital Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) — a high-acuity critical care environment serving the Washington, DC metro area. Through collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, you will deliver safe, effective, patient- and family-centered care to critically ill medical patients requiring advanced monitoring and life-sustaining interventions. You will exemplify HUH’s CARES values, adhere to ANA standards of practice, and fulfill our nursing mission and vision.

What You’ll Do

• Perform comprehensive, ongoing assessments and develop individualized, evidence-based plans of care for critically ill medical patients across the full spectrum of acuity
• Monitor and interpret hemodynamic parameters using arterial lines, central venous pressure (CVP), and pulmonary artery catheters; recognize and respond to hemodynamic instability
• Care for patients requiring mechanical ventilation, including ventilation modes, weaning protocols, and airway management; collaborate closely with respiratory therapy
• Initiate, titrate, and manage vasopressors, inotropes, sedation, and analgesia per protocol; recognize and respond to adverse effects
• Recognize, escalate, and manage sepsis and septic shock, respiratory failure, and multi-organ dysfunction per evidence-based bundles and protocols
• Support patients receiving continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and other advanced organ-support interventions
• Interpret cardiac rhythms and dysrhythmias; respond to emergent clinical changes and participate in rapid response and code events
• Administer high-risk medications and continuous infusions safely per protocol and controlled substance regulations; recognize and respond to adverse effects
• Recognize and escalate clinical deterioration via SBAR and chain of command; participate in emergency drills and debriefs
• Apply evidence-based infection prevention practices, including prevention of ventilator-associated events and central line–associated bloodstream infections
• Establish rapport with patients and families under high-stress conditions, providing emotional, psychological, and culturally responsive support
• Document patient care, assessments, and outcomes accurately in the electronic health record; communicate irregularities and continuing care needs across nursing teams
• Delegate tasks appropriately to non-licensed personnel and assistants; adhere to infection control protocols and medication administration and storage procedures
• Participate in unit performance improvement programs, and engage in education, engagement, and practice committees
• Maintain and grow clinical knowledge through educational workshops, professional publications, and professional societies
• Perform other duties as assigned consistent with the scope of this role

Required Qualifications

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) required; Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred
• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing
• Minimum three (3) years of bedside RN experience in a critical care or ICU setting
• Current, active RN license in the District of Columbia
• Current BLS and ACLS certification through the American Heart Association (AHA) required
• Nationally recognized critical care nursing certification (e.g., CCRN) highly desirable

About Howard University Hospital

Howard University Hospital (HUH) is the nation’s only teaching hospital located on the campus of a historically Black university. With a legacy dating back to 1862 — when it operated as Freedmen’s Hospital, providing care and refuge to those who had been denied it elsewhere — HUH has grown into one of the most comprehensive healthcare facilities in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and is a designated DC Level 1 Trauma Center. Today, HUH continues its proud tradition of delivering exemplary, patient-centered, and culturally responsive care to the community, while providing exceptional learning and professional development opportunities for the next generation of healthcare professionals.

What We Offer

• Highly competitive per diem compensation
• Flexible scheduling within defined per diem commitment
• Professional practice environment grounded in the HUH CARES values
• Opportunities to contribute to a respected academic and clinical institution

Please note: Per Diem positions are not benefits-eligible and do not accrue PTO. Employees may be eligible for compensation under the DC Accrued Sick and Safe Leave Act (ASSLA).

Position Details

Pay & Schedule

This is a per diem, non-exempt position. Hourly rate is $52.00/hour.

Compliance Statements

Culture of Care: Howard University Hospital supports a Just Culture that promotes accountability, learning, and patient safety.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Howard University Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Reasonable Accommodation: Howard University Hospital is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. If you require an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Department at HUHLA@huhosp.org.

Pay Transparency: Salary ranges listed in job postings reflect the expected compensation range for the position and are provided in accordance with applicable pay transparency laws. Final compensation is determined based on experience, education, internal equity, and other relevant factors.

Disclaimer: The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position.