Critical Care Transport Nurses - LA County

As a specialty care nurse with an ambulance company, registered nurses gain invaluable experience in high-acuity critical care while developing advanced skills in airway management, emergency interventions, and rapid patient assessment in dynamic, fast-paced environments. This role offers the unique opportunity to work collaboratively with paramedics and emergency medical teams, providing direct patient care during life-saving transports while maintaining clinical autonomy and utilizing critical thinking skills in challenging scenarios. RNs seeking career advancement, diverse clinical experiences, and the rewarding challenge of making immediate, life-changing impacts on critically ill patients should consider this specialty position that combines the excitement of emergency medicine with comprehensive nursing care.

Some of your main responsibilities will include:
• Provide Critical Patient Care During Transport - Perform comprehensive patient assessments, administer medical interventions, manage airways and ventilators, provide pain management, and deliver compassionate care to critically ill adult and pediatric patients
• Collaborate with Transport Team - Work seamlessly with paramedics, EMTs, and other healthcare providers while maintaining effective communication with medical control physicians, patients, and families throughout transport operations
• Complete Thorough Electronic Documentation - Utilize ePCR systems to accurately document patient assessments, interventions, medications, and responses while ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and HIPAA requirements
• Manage and Maintain CCT Equipment - Conduct daily equipment inspections, ensure proper cleaning and sterilization, promptly report malfunctions or missing items to Support Services, and maintain familiarity with all medical equipment
• Respond to Emergency Situations - Provide life-saving interventions in high-pressure scenarios while prioritizing patient safety, adhering to infection control protocols, and delivering culturally sensitive care

If you are interested in pivoting into a new setting of Healthcare to change up your environment, want to keep things fresh, or to challenge yourself, apply now and see what your next opportunity can look like!

Job Summary:

As a Registered Nurse (RN) on LifeLine EMS's Critical Care Team (CCT), you are contracted employees through The 9 Line Company. CCT RN's role is central to the delivery of exceptional patient care during medical transport. Transports, and administers Critical Care and ALS treatment, to sick or injured persons in the pre-hospital and inter-facility settings, as authorized by the local EMS Agency Medical Director, by performing the following duties, within the prescribed scope of practice and all applicable regulatory guidelines for pre-hospital care.

You will be responsible for providing comprehensive and compassionate nursing care to patients in various critical and high-stress situations. Working collaboratively with all members of the LifeLine team, you will play a vital role in ensuring the well-being and safety of our patients.


This position requires a California Registered Nurse's License, BLS/CPR certification, a minimum of two (2) years of recent critical care experience within the last 18 months, PALS and ACLS certifications, and a commitment to maintaining clinical excellence.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

At LifeLine EMS, we recognize that each team member brings their unique skills, availability, and commitment to the organization. To align with this diversity and provide flexibility while ensuring we meet our patients' needs, we have established four commitment tiers for the CCT RNs. These tiers allow team members to choose their level of commitment, from Tier 1, which offers the lowest commitment, to Tier 4, the highest commitment level with a full-time, set schedule. In addition to the commitment levels, we also offer night shift and weekend shift differentials. These tiers are designed to accommodate varying lifestyles and career goals while maintaining our commitment to delivering high-quality patient care.

TIERS

Commitment Level

Pay Rate per Hour

*Night Differential

**Weekend Differential

Tier 1


Minimal commitment, ideal for those with limited availability.


4 Shifts per Month


$54.00


$6.00


$10.00


Tier 2


2 Shifts per Week


$56.00


$6.00


$10.00


Tier 3


Moderate commitment, suited for individuals seeking a balanced work-life arrangement.


3 Shifts per week


$58.00


$6.00


$10.00


Tier 4


Substantial commitment, appealing to dedicated professionals.


Set Schedule of 4 Shifts per Week


$70.00


$6.00


$10.00


*Night Differentials: for shifts that start between the hours of 1730 and 2300


**Weekend Differentials: between Friday 1730 - 2300 Sunday

Essential Functions:

Maintain Certifications and Licenses, Including County Regulations: As a member of LifeLine EMS's Critical Care Team, you will be responsible for ensuring the ongoing validity of your certifications and licenses, in full compliance not only with state requirements but also with specific county regulations. This critical aspect of your role guarantees that you are well-prepared and legally eligible to provide high-quality patient care during medical transport operations. Responsibilities within this area include:

• Certification and License Tracking : Regularly monitor the expiration dates of your California Registered Nurse's License, BLS/CPR, PALS, and ACLS certifications. Proactively initiate the renewal process well in advance to prevent any lapses in certification.
• Continuing Education : Engage in continuous learning to meet any additional county/state-specific education or training requirements. This includes participation in LifeLine EMS Annual training and may include attending county/state-mandated workshops, seminars, or courses to maintain your eligibility for practice.
• Documentation Management : Maintain organized records of all your certifications and licenses, including digital and physical copies. These documents must be readily accessible for verification by county regulatory authorities or internal audits.
• Timely Submission : Submit all necessary paperwork and fees for renewal, as mandated by the county and state, well before the expiration dates. This proactive approach ensures uninterrupted practice and patient care.
• Compliance Reporting : In the event of any changes or updates to county regulations or state requirements, promptly adapt your practice to remain in compliance. This may involve adjusting your procedures, documentation, or training as necessary.
• Communication : Keep the CCT Program Manager and the People Operations department informed about the status of your certifications and licenses. Timely communication regarding renewals and compliance issues is essential to maintain operational efficiency and legal compliance.

Patient Care: The provision of patient care is at the core of your role as a Registered Nurse on LifeLine EMS's Critical Care Team. You will be tasked with delivering comprehensive and compassionate care to patients during transport, often in critical and high-stress situations. Your expertise and dedication are essential to ensuring the well-being of the patients entrusted to your care. Responsibilities within the realm of patient care encompass:

• Patient Assessment: Perform thorough initial assessments of patients to gather vital information, including their medical history, current condition, and any relevant symptoms. Continuously monitor patients throughout transport, noting any changes in their condition.
• Critical Thinking: Apply critical thinking skills to assess and address the unique needs of critically ill or injured adult and pediatric patients. Develop and implement appropriate care plans based on your assessments and the medical control directives.
• Medical Interventions: Administer necessary medical interventions and treatments in accordance with established protocols and orders from the medical control physician. This may involve administering medications, initiating life-saving interventions, and managing medical equipment.
• Airway Management: Maintain proficiency in airway management techniques, including intubation and ventilator management, to ensure optimal oxygenation and ventilation for patients in need.
• Pain Management: Assess and manage pain effectively, utilizing approved pain management strategies while adhering to established guidelines.
• Safety: Prioritize patient safety at all times, including securing patients during transport, ensuring the stability of medical equipment, and mitigating risks associated with patient movement.
• Effective Communication: Communicate clearly and concisely with the medical control physician, fellow healthcare providers, and the patient's family or caregiver. Effective communication is crucial for relaying patient information and receiving guidance from the medical control physician.
• Compassionate Care: Provide compassionate care and emotional support to patients and their families during transport. Recognize the psychological impact of medical emergencies and critical conditions, and offer reassurance and comfort as needed.
• Pediatric Care: If required, adapt your care approach to the unique needs of pediatric patients, considering their size, developmental stage, and emotional well-being.
• Transport Team Collaboration: Collaborate seamlessly with other members of the transport team, including paramedics, EMTs, and other healthcare providers, to ensure coordinated and efficient patient care.
• Infection Control: Adhere to strict infection control protocols to minimize the risk of infection transmission during patient care and transport.
• Emergency Response: Be prepared to respond effectively to emergent situations, providing life-saving care and interventions in high-pressure scenarios.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Recognize and respect the cultural, religious, and personal beliefs of patients and their families, ensuring that care is provided in a culturally sensitive manner.

Documentation, Including the Use of ePCR for Thorough, Detailed, and Accurate Records: Accurate and comprehensive documentation is a cornerstone of quality healthcare, especially within the dynamic environment of LifeLine EMS's Critical Care Team. Thorough and precise documentation not only ensures the continuity of care but also serves as a vital tool for evaluating patient outcomes and adhering to legal and regulatory requirements. Responsibilities within this area encompass:

• Electronic Patient Care Reporting (ePCR): Utilize the electronic patient care reporting system (ePCR) effectively to document patient assessments, interventions, and responses. Ensure that all relevant information is accurately entered into the system during and after each patient encounter.
• Patient Assessment: Document a detailed assessment of each patient, including vital signs, chief complaints, medical history, medications, allergies, and any pertinent findings. Record this information in a clear and organized manner within the ePCR system.
• Interventions and Medications: Precisely document all medical interventions administered during patient care, including medication dosages, routes, and response assessments. This documentation must be in compliance with medical protocols and guidelines.
• Patient Responses: Continuously monitor and document changes in a patient's condition or response to treatment. Note any improvements or deterioration and communicate these observations to the medical team for timely decision-making.
• Informed Consent: If applicable, document the process of obtaining informed consent from patients or their legal representatives before initiating any medical procedures or interventions. Include details of the consent discussion within the ePCR.
• Timeline and Chronology: Maintain a chronological record of events during each patient encounter, including the time of arrival, interventions, and transfers. This timeline helps establish a clear sequence of care and assists in post-incident reviews.
• Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Adhere to all legal and regulatory requirements for documentation, ensuring that entries are legible, accurate, and timely. This includes compliance with HIPAA regulations to protect patient confidentiality.
• Thoroughness: Leave no room for ambiguity or omissions in your documentation. Provide a complete picture of the patient's condition, care provided, and any complications or challenges encountered during transport.
• Peer Review: Be open to peer review and feedback regarding your documentation. Collaborate with colleagues to ensure consistency and accuracy in ePCR records.

CCT Equipment Management: Efficient and well-maintained medical equipment is crucial to the success of LifeLine EMS's Critical Care Team. As a Registered Nurse, you are responsible for ensuring that all medical equipment is in proper working order and readily accessible during patient care and transport. Additionally, prompt reporting of any equipment malfunctions or missing items to Support Services is essential to maintain the highest level of patient care. Responsibilities within this area encompass:

• CCT Equipment Inspection: Conduct inspections of medical equipment to verify its functionality and readiness at the start of every shift. This includes monitoring vital signs monitors, ventilators, defibrillators, infusion pumps, and any other specialized equipment used during patient care.
• Cleaning and Sterilization: Adhere to infection control protocols by regularly cleaning and sterilizing equipment according to established guidelines. Maintain a clean and sanitary environment within the transport vehicle.
• Equipment Maintenance: Recognize and promptly report any equipment malfunctions, defects, or signs of wear and tear to Support Services or the appropriate department. Ensure that malfunctioning equipment is taken out of service immediately to prevent potential harm to patients.
• Missing Equipment Reporting: If any equipment or supplies are missing from inventory, report the discrepancies to Support Services or designated personnel. Timely reporting of missing items allows for their replacement and ensures that the vehicle is fully equipped for the next mission.
• Equipment Familiarity: Stay well-versed in the proper use and maintenance of all equipment and supplies. Attend training sessions and refresher courses as needed to remain up to date with equipment advancements and best practices.

Additional Duties: Perform other duties as assigned to support the needs of the Critical Care Team and LifeLine EMS.

Compliance & Safety:

• Reviews paperwork for accuracy and correct process.
• Must participate in scheduled and unscheduled onsite compliance audits.
• Implements corrective/preventive measures as determined by the Corporate Compliance/Audit Committee.
• Cooperates with Internal Audit, Compliance and People Operations on any recommendations and changes to compliance and legal workflow issues.
• Takes swift and immediate action in accordance with Internal Audit and Corporate Compliance on any areas of concern.
  • Complies and enforces all policies and procedures.
  • Has successfully completed all required Compliance Training within the required time period.
  • Has had no compliance-related corrective action during the current review period.
• Participate in Safety and Risk training and activities.
• Serves as a company representative promoting positive customer relationships through proactive involvement in public business and community activities.
• Ensures a safe and productive work environment. Be a steward of safety, that you and your peers operate safely, in an environment free from danger and risk.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

Qualifications:

• 2 years of critical care experience (ER, ICU, or other critical care areas) within the previous 18 months (Required).

Education, Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Current California Registered Nurse's License (Required).
• Current BLS/CPR Certification (Required).
• Current PALS Certification (Required).
• Current ACLS Certification (Required).

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an CCTN to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The CCTN is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

• The CCTN is frequently required to climb or balance and taste or smell.
• The CCTN must regularly lift and /or move up to 150 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• The CCTN must have close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an CCTN encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The CCTN is regularly exposed to various extreme weather conditions.
• The CCTN is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts.
• The CCTN is frequently exposed to high, precarious places.
• The CCTN is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles.
• The CCTN is frequently exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals.
• The CCTN is frequently exposed to the risk of electrical shock and vibration.
• The CCTN is frequently exposed to biohazard and infectious waste.
• The CCTN is occasionally exposed to the risk of radiation.
• The noise level the CCTN is exposed to is usually loud.

Closing Statement:

This brief summary is not an all-inclusive description of job duties. Other job duties and responsibilities may also be assigned by the incumbent's supervisor at any time based upon Company need.

Support the Mission Statement and Philosophy of LifeLine Ambulance

• Develop a plan for maintaining your own professional growth and development.
• Evidence of respect for dignity, welfare, basic rights of all patients and team members.
• Maintain an elevated level of competency within the staff.

LifeLine Ambulance is a proud Equal Opportunity employer, m/f/d/v.