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

Job Family

Nursing: Nursing provides patient care, promotes health, prevents illness and supports positive patient care outcomes through comprehensive care and patient advocacy.

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

Job Subfamily

Acute Care nurses provide specialized care to patients who are experiencing acute medical changes, including life-threatening conditions that require immediate assessment and care. Acute Care nurses monitor vital signs, administer medications, assist in medical procedures, and collaborate closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals to manage patients' needs in urgent or critical situations. Their role involves rapid assessment, quick decision-making, and supporting patients through their recovery or stabilization process.

Essential Functions

• Performs comprehensive patient assessments and identifies subtle changes in condition; initiates protocol-based interventions and escalates per defined criteria.
• Independently manages care for stable patient assignments, prioritizing tasks across multiple patients based on acuity and needs.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates individualized care plans; collaborates with providers and team members for non-routine interventions.
• Administers medications and treatments safely; monitors patient response and adjusts care within scope.
• Coordinates admissions, transfers, and discharges; ensures completion of required documentation and patient education.
• Provides patient and family education on diagnoses, medications, and discharge plans; reinforces understanding through teach-back.
• Maintains a safe environment and identifies potential risks; initiates appropriate interventions to prevent complications.
• Delegates tasks to CNAs and team members and clarifies priorities to support patient care delivery.
• Participates actively in interdisciplinary rounds and contributes to care planning discussions.
• Serves as an informal resource for core unit skills and supports onboarding of new staff.
• Responds to clinical changes and participates in emergency situations, performing defined roles independently.

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.

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)

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, Far Vision, Lifting, Listening, Manual Dexterity, Near Vision, Non Indicated, Pulling and/or Pushing, Reaching, Sitting, Speaking, Standing, Stooping and Crouching, Tasting or Smelling, Walking