Rapid Response Registered Nurse - Weekend Option

Emory•Atlanta, GA

21h

About The Position

The Rapid Response RN is a highly skilled critical care and emergency clinician with sustained professional contributions beyond direct patient care. The nurse applies proficient, in-depth clinical knowledge to rapidly assess patients and recognize deterioration, responds to Rapid Response Team activations, serves as a clinical expert and consultant to bedside staff, and facilitates safe escalation and transition to higher levels of care. The role also contributes to quality, knowledge, or leadership activities that strengthen rapid response team performance and capability. The nurse performs rapid assessments, initiates evidence-based interventions, stabilizes patients with acute changes, supports appropriate escalation and transfer, and conducts follow-up and proactive rounds. The position collaborates with the interprofessional care team, coaches and educates clinical staff, participates in shared governance and quality and safety initiatives, and upholds patient advocacy, confidentiality, cultural responsiveness, and open communication. Physical demands and environmental exposures may vary with the assigned work area and tasks.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited prelicensure BSN program and at least 3 years of recent critical care nursing experience, with ability to manage patients in all specialties of Emory Critical Care; OR graduate of an accredited prelicensure ADN program and at least 3 years of recent critical care nursing experience, with the same ability.
Valid, unencumbered Registered Nursing license approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing.
BLS, ACLS, and Healthcare Provider certifications.
Ability to meet the role's physical demands, including lifting up to 75 lbs and carrying objects up to 35 lbs.

Nice To Haves

CCRN certification.
Additional certifications may be required based on department and specialty.

Responsibilities

Respond promptly to Rapid Response Team activations and staff concerns.
Perform rapid patient assessments and initiate evidence-based interventions within scope of practice.
Stabilize patients with acute changes in condition and coordinate transfer to the ICU or a higher level of care when indicated.
Help determine appropriate escalation, including RRT, Code Rapid Response, or Code Blue activation.
Conduct follow-up assessments for patients who remain on non-critical care units after RRT events.
Proactively round within 24 hours on high-risk patients, including recent ICU transfers and Medical Alert patients.
Support timely core measure interventions according to established protocols.
Accurately document RRT events, interventions, outcomes, and follow-up in the electronic medical record.
Manage time effectively and assist colleagues with time management.
Serve as a first-line clinical resource and consultant for bedside nursing staff.
Collaborate with physicians, APPs, respiratory therapy, pharmacy, and nursing leadership to coordinate care.
Function in a leadership role when assigned.
Precept nursing staff and provide real-time coaching, education, and feedback.
Explore opportunities to improve resource utilization and support cost containment.
Promote cohesive team behavior and provide peers with assistance and guidance as needed.
Delegate effectively and support appropriate delegation of care by other team members.
Contribute to unit-based shared governance or practice council initiatives by identifying practice issues and helping develop or implement solutions.
Participate in data collection, quality improvement, and patient safety initiatives related to rapid response and clinical deterioration.
Model effective listening, anticipate communication barriers, and independently resolve routine and non-routine care and practice issues within scope, escalating when appropriate.
Advocate for patients and challenge systems or practices that negatively affect outcomes.
Adapt interpersonal approaches to cultural differences and patient values, and build collaborative relationships with patients and colleagues.
Maintain confidentiality of patient and organizational information and promote open communication, psychological safety, and the One Emory Culture.
Document professional contributions and engage in activities supporting patient care quality, knowledge development, or the professional culture of nursing.
Provide clinical staff with feedback and education based on data trends, findings, and protocols.
Stay informed about healthcare regulations, accreditation requirements, and clinical practice guidelines relevant to rapid response and early recognition of deterioration.