Critical Care RN

Overview

As a patient-focused organization, University of Utah Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of people through patient care, research and education. Success in this mission requires a culture of collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. University of Utah Health seeks staff that are committed to the values of compassion, collaboration, innovation, responsibility, integrity, quality and trust that are integral to our mission. EO/AA

This position is responsible for delivering exceptional nursing care to critically ill patients in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment through comprehensive, patient-centered care using the nursing process, evidence based practice and specialized training. The incumbent will use clinical expertise to manage complex conditions in an ICU environment. This role ensures compliance with hospital policies and regulatory requirements, while demonstrating leadership and commitment to professional development through mentorship. This position may be required to access and administer medications within their scope of practice and according to State Law.

Corporate Overview: The University of Utah is a Level 1 Trauma Center and is nationally ranked and recognized for our academic research, quality standards and overall patient experience. Our five hospitals and eleven clinics provide excellence in our comprehensive services, medical advancement, and overall patient outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive assessments and demonstrate understanding of critically ill patient's condition, including monitoring vital signs, lab results, and clinical status.
• Administer prescribed medications, treatments, and therapies as per orders and protocols, including vaosacitve drugs, sedation and other medications requiring advanced clinical monitoring.
• Assist in the management of invasive devices (such as central lines, arterial lines and catheters) and emergent bedside procedures.
• Manage ventilator settings, hemodynamic monitoring, and life-support systems.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary care team to develop and implement individualized care plans and monitor their effectiveness. Deliver compassionate end-of-life care aligned with patient goals and values.
• Assist with early mobilization of patients, continuously evaluating and responding to hemodynamic changes.
• Advocate for patient needs to ensure patient-centered care while fostering a healing environment by providing emotional support and managing discomfort.
• Assess learning needs and educate patients and/or families on disease processes, medications and care plans.
• Promote team building and morale through active participation in unit programs and professional communication. Support staff development through education and contributions to shared governance.
• Monitor and promote safety by ensuring compliance with standards and identifying improvement opportunities. Uphold a positive team culture with zero tolerance for negativity and disrespect.
• Mentor and support new nurses and team members.
• Evaluate personal practice against professional standards and regulations.
• Commitment to lifelong learning through research, participating in continuing education, skills training, and certification programs to maintain and advance knowledge in critical care nursing.
• At the discretion of department operational and patient care needs, this position is required to work rotating schedules, which may include variable hours, weekends, nights, and holidays to meet the staffing and patient care demands of a 24/7 complex health system. Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance during assigned shifts is considered an essential function of the role.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to perform the essential functions as outlined above.

• In-depth understanding of critical care nursing principles, patient management techniques, and advanced clinical interventions.

• Ability to recognize and react quickly to critical changes in patient condition, upholding advanced cardiac life support and supporting emergent bedside proceedures.

• Ability to communicate effectively with team members in high-stress situations, displaying mental and emotional stamina in complex cases dealing with death, multiple patients, family members, etc.

• Ability to communicate effectively with interdisciplinary teams to ensure quality care.

• Demonstrate professionalism and leadership in delivering excellent patient care across the care continuum.

• Strong clinical judgment, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.

• Ability to operate and troubleshoot complex medical equipment.

• Detail-oriented and well-organized.

• Ability to provide care to the population served.

• Demonstrated availability to work variable and rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, in a 24/7 patient care environment.

• Ability to deal with the hazards involved in assessing and providing care to patients.

• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of life span growth and development and the ability to assess data regarding the patient's status and provide care as described in the department's policies and procedures manual.

Qualifications

Qualifications

Licenses Required

• Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Utah, or obtain one within 90 days of hire under the interstate compact if switching residency to State of Utah. Must maintain current Interstate Compact (multi-state) license if residency is not being changed to Utah.

• Current RQI Healthcare Provider eCredential through the University of Utah Health RQI system. The eCredential is to be obtained within 30 days of hire.

* Additional license requirements as determined by the hiring department.

Qualifications (Preferred)

Preferred

• Some positions may require additional certifications such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), or Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) within one year of hire.
• Previous nursing experience, preferably in an ICU or critical care setting.
• Experience handling critically ill or unstable patients

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Employee must be able to meet the following requirements with or without an accommodation.

• This position involves intensive work that may exert up to 100 pounds and may consistently require lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling or otherwise moving objects, such as medical equipment, or patients while providing medical care. Workers in this position may be exposed to infectious diseases and may be required to function around prisoners and behavioral health patients.

Physical Requirements

Carrying, Climbing, Color Determination, Crawling, Lifting, Listening, Manual Dexterity, Near Vision, Pulling and/or Pushing, Reaching, Sitting, Speaking, Standing, Stooping and Crouching, Walking