Critical Care Rapid Response Nurse RN

Job Summary:
The Rapid Response Nurse (RRT) is an experienced critical care/ED registered nurse responsible for responding to Rapid Response Team events and supporting early identification assessment and intervention for patients exhibiting clinical deterioration outside of the ICU. This role serves as a clinical expert and consultant to bedside staff promotes timely escalation of care and facilitates safe transitions to higher levels of care to improve patient outcomes and safety.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
Rapid Response Team Events:
1. Responds promptly to all Rapid Response Team activations and staff concerns.
2. Performs rapid patient assessments and initiates evidence-based interventions within scope of practice.
3. Stabilizes patients with acute changes in condition and coordinates transfer to ICU or higher levels of care when indicated.
4. Assists in determining appropriate escalation including RRT Code Rapid Response or Code Blue activation.

Patient Monitoring and Follow-Up:
1. Conducts follow-up assessments on patients remaining on non-critical care units after RRT events.
2. Proactively rounds on high-risk patients including recent ICU transfers and Medical Alert patients within 24 hours.
3. Supports timely core measure interventions per established protocols.

Collaboration and Clinical Support:
1. Serves as a first-line clinical resource and consultant for bedside nursing staff.
2. Collaborates with physicians APPs respiratory therapy pharmacy and nursing leadership to coordinate care.
3. Provides real-time coaching education and feedback to nursing staff.

Education & Training:
1. Provide feedback and education to clinical staff based on data trends findings and protocols.
2. Stay informed about changes in healthcare regulations accreditation requirements and clinical

Documentation and Quality Improvement:
1. Documents RRT events interventions outcomes and follow-up accurately in the electronic medical record.
2. Participates in data collection quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.


Minimum Required Qualifications:
Education and Experience:
1. Graduate of an accredited prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) AND - 3 years of recent nursing experience in critical care and ability to manage patients in all specialties of Emory Critical Care.
OR
2. Graduate of an accredited prelicensure Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) with a minimum of 3 years of recent nursing experience in critical care and ability to manage patients in all specialties of Emory Critical Care.

Licensure: Must have a valid unencumbered Registered Nursing License approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing.

Certifications: BLS ACLS and Healthcare Provider certifications required.


Preferred Qualifications:
Certification: CCRN


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Medium-Heavy) 36-75 lbs 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 20-35 lbs 34-66% of the workday; (frequently); 10-20 lbs 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 75 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 35 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking; Occasional sitting; Close eye work (computers typing reading writing); Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.



ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure; Bio-hazardous waste Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors; Communicable diseases; Latex; Lighting; Patient care/handling injuries; Radiation; Shift work; Travel may be required; Use of personal protective equipment including respirators; environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.