Rapid Response Nurse/UKHC

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky seeks a Rapid Response Registered Nurse to deliver high‑level care during emergencies in the ICU/critical care setting. This role requires an advanced level of practice and rapid assessment to prevent patient deterioration.

You will act as a clinical resource for nursing staff, contribute to emergency teaching, and help meet command center goals during critical events. BSN preferred with relevant certifications.

Qualifications

• Must hold RN license and be eligible for Kentucky RN licensure.
• Must obtain a national nursing certification within one year of hire.
• ACLS, BLS and PALS required at time of hire.
• NIH stroke scale certification required at time of hire.
• Trauma Nursing Core Curriculum within one year of hire.
• Completion of Nursing Professional Advancement within one year of hire.

Responsibilities

• Provide rapid response nursing care for emergencies and patient decline.
• Serve as a clinical resource for rapid decision making and support to other nurses.
• Assist in teaching on patient decline and rescue procedures when appropriate.
• Support the command center goals during critical incidents.

Skills

ACLS

BLS

PALS

NIH stroke scale

Trauma Nurse Core Curriculum

Nursing Professional Advancement

Education

BSN preferred

Job description

Required License/Registration/Certification

Registered Nurse (RN); approved national nursing certification within one year of hire date; Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support ( ACLS ),Basic Life Support ( BLS ), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support ( PALS ) providers at time of hire; NIH stroke scale certification at time of hire; Trauma Nurse Core Curriculum within one year of hire; completion of Nursing Professional Advancement within one year of hire.

Physical Requirements

The essential functions for this position include the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull 50-100 pounds occasionally and 25-50 pounds frequently; as well as stand, walk and sit for long periods of time. The conditions of work may involve exposure to communicable diseases, hazards of radiation, and injury from intractable patients or sharp instruments.

Shift

Must be able to work at least three 12-hour shifts every week from 8PM-830AM.
Will also be required to work some weekends and holidays as needed to cover Enterprise.

Job Summary

Rapid Response duties include standard duties of a Registered Nurse; however, advanced level of practice as a Critical Care Nurse is required. Ability to provide immediate, rapid care in emergencies including decline in patient condition is essential. Also acts as a resource to other nurses in clinical / critical decision making. Prior teaching / classroom instruction on patient decline and failure to rescue is also preferred. Assist in meeting goals of command center.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

N/A

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience

BSN Preferred.

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 09/20/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have a current Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Please indicate your paid employment experience with ICU patient care.
  • None
  • More than 0, up through 1 year
  • More than 1 year, up through 3 yearsm
  • More than 3 years, up through 5 years
  • More than 5 years
• * Please indicate your current Nursing Educational Level.
  • New Graduate
  • Diploma
  • ADN
  • BSN
  • MSN
  • PhD or DNP
• * Are you currently employed as a registered nurse at UK HealthCare Chandler/UK HealthCare Samaritan Hospitals?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Please indicate your current licensure status.
  • None
  • Current KY RN License
  • Current compact state RN licensure
  • Current non-compact state RN licensure
  • New Graduate within 6 months or Provisional License
  • Valid KY Temporary Work Permit