Nurse I, Acute Care

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.

Career Level

N1: Performs routine patient care assignments and may require intermediate support. Applies theoretical knowledge to clinical practice in structured, low-risk environments. Demonstrates understanding of basic nursing principles and unit protocols. Begins applying foundational knowledge in real-time care. Uses standard procedures and tools to assess and respond to patient conditions. Escalates concerns to senior staff and the medical team. Works under varied levels of supervision depending on skillset. Follows care plans and protocols with limited decision-making. Communicates respectfully with patients and team members. Seeks clarification and feedback to support learning.

Essential Functions

• Performs routine patient assessments (vital signs, focused assessments) and documents findings; reports changes in condition to the charge nurse or provider using established escalation criteria.
• Provides direct patient care following established care plans, physician orders, and unit protocols.
• Administers medications and treatments as prescribed; follows safety checks and seeks guidance as needed.
• Assists in developing and updating care plans based on patient needs and team input.
• Supports patient throughput by assisting with admissions, transfers, and discharge tasks under guidance.
• Provides basic patient and family education using standard materials; reinforces instructions using teach-back.
• Maintains a safe environment by following infection prevention, fall precautions, and equipment safety protocols.
• Coordinates care tasks with CNAs and team members; seeks guidance when priorities change.
• Participates in interdisciplinary rounds and communicates patient status, concerns, and questions.
• Completes orientation and competency requirements (TTP, residency, LMS, core skills) and applies learning in practice.
• Responds to changes in patient condition and participates in emergency response (e.g., RRT) in assigned roles.
• 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, Color Determination, Far Vision, Lifting, Listening, Manual Dexterity, Near Vision, Pulling and/or Pushing, Reaching, Sitting, Speaking, Standing, Stooping and Crouching, Walking