Nurse I, Acute Care - Acute Med Pulmonary

About the 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. We seek staff committed to the values of compassion, collaboration, innovation, responsibility, integrity, quality, and trust.

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

About the Role

Acute Care nurses provide specialized care to patients experiencing acute medical changes, including life-threatening conditions requiring immediate assessment and care. This role involves monitoring vital signs, administering medications, assisting in medical procedures, and collaborating closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals to manage urgent or critical patient needs.

This is a Career Level N1 position, performing routine patient care assignments in structured, low-risk environments. You will apply theoretical knowledge to clinical practice, demonstrate understanding of basic nursing principles and unit protocols, and begin applying foundational knowledge in real-time care. Work is performed under varied levels of supervision depending on skillset.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Schedule

This position requires working 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.

Requirements

• 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 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 (to be obtained within 30 days of hire).
• Additional license requirements as determined by the hiring department.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

• 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.
• Exposure to infectious diseases may occur, and the role may require functioning around prisoners and behavioral health patients.

• Physical requirements include carrying, climbing, lifting, pulling, pushing, sitting, standing, and walking.