Rapid Response RN

Rapid Response RN

The Rapid Response RN is a highly skilled critical care/emergency clinician who has demonstrated sustained professional contribution beyond direct patient care. Recognized for proficient, in-depth clinical knowledge in rapid assessment and early recognition of patient deterioration, the Rapid Response RN 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. This nurse actively engages in quality, knowledge, or leadership activities that strengthen rapid response team performance and capability.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responds promptly to all Rapid Response Team activations and staff concerns.
• Performs rapid patient assessments and initiates evidence-based interventions within scope of practice.
• Stabilizes patients with acute changes in condition and coordinates transfer to ICU or higher levels of care when indicated.
• Assists in determining appropriate escalation, including RRT, Code Rapid Response, or Code Blue activation.
• Conducts follow-up assessments on patients remaining on non-critical care units after RRT events.
• Proactively rounds on high-risk patients, including recent ICU transfers and Medical Alert patients, within 24 hours.
• Supports timely core measure interventions per established protocols.
• Documents RRT events, interventions, outcomes, and follow-up accurately in the electronic medical record.
• Manages time effectively and assists colleagues with time management.

Leadership and Collaboration:

• Serves as a first-line clinical resource and consultant for bedside nursing staff.
• Collaborates with physicians, APPs, respiratory therapy, pharmacy, and nursing leadership to coordinate care.
• Functions in a leadership role when assigned.
• Precepts nursing staff and provides real-time coaching, education, and feedback.
• Explores opportunities to improve resource utilization and support cost containment.
• Promotes cohesive team behavior among peers and provides assistance and guidance as needed.
• Delegates effectively and supports other team members in the appropriate delegation of care.
• Actively contributes to unit-based shared governance or practice council initiatives, identifying discipline-specific practice issues and helping develop or implement solutions.
• Participates in data collection, quality improvement, and patient safety initiatives related to rapid response and clinical deterioration.

Communication and Professionalism:

• Role models effective listening skills and anticipates barriers to communication.
• Independently resolves routine and non-routine patient care and practice issues within own scope of practice, recognizing when a situation requires escalation to leadership or additional resources.
• Advocates for patients and challenges systems or practices that negatively impact patient outcomes.
• Alters interpersonal approaches to reflect cultural differences and patient values.
• Develops and sustains collaborative relationships with patients and colleagues.
• Respects and maintains the confidentiality of all patient and organizational information.
• Actively promotes open communication, psychological safety, and the One Emory Culture within the team.

Professional Development:

• Documents professional contributions across required frameworks and engages in activities that reflect sustained, role-based contribution to patient care quality, knowledge development, or the professional culture of nursing.
• Provides feedback and education to clinical staff based on data trends, findings, and protocols.
• Stays informed about changes in healthcare regulations, accreditation requirements, and clinical practice guidelines relevant to rapid response and early recognition of patient deterioration.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Education and Experience: 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 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: A valid, unencumbered Registered Nursing License approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing.
• Certification: BLS, ACLS, and Healthcare Provider certifications required. Additional certifications may be required based on department and specialty.

Preferred Qualifications:

• CCRN certification.

Physical Requirements (Medium-Heavy) 36-75 lbs, 0-33% of the workday (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 and 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 environmental 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; Electrical shock; Floor surfaces; Hot/cold temperatures; Indoor/outdoor conditions; Latex; Lighting; Patient care/handling injuries; Radiation; Shift work; Travel may be required; Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators.

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.

Emory Healthcare is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please contact Emory Healthcare's Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io. Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.