Registered Nurse (RN), Cardiovascular Med/Surg

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. 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 intervention. They monitor vital signs, administer medications, assist in medical procedures, and collaborate closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals to manage urgent or critical patient needs. The role involves rapid assessment, quick decision-making, and supporting patients through recovery or stabilization.

This is a Career Level N1 position: 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, beginning to apply foundational knowledge in real-time care. Uses standard procedures and tools to assess and respond to patient conditions, escalating concerns to senior staff and the medical team. Works under varied supervision depending on skillset, follows care plans and protocols with limited decision-making, and communicates respectfully with patients and team members.

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. Workers may be exposed to infectious diseases and may function around prisoners and behavioral health patients.

• Carrying, climbing, color determination, crawling, far vision, lifting, listening, manual dexterity, near vision, pulling and/or pushing, reaching, sitting, speaking, standing, stooping and crouching, walking.