Nurse Clinical Senior/Critical Core/UKHC

Nurse Clinical Senior/Critical Core/UKHC

Job Title: Nurse Clinical Senior/Critical Core/UKHC

Department Name: Nursing Practice and Support Services

Work Location: Lexington, Ky

Grade Level: 11

Salary Range: $29.12-45.70/hour

Type of Position: Staff

Position Time Status: Full-Time

Required Education: BSN

Required Related Experience: 2 yrs

Required License/Registration/Certification: Active Kentucky nursing license or active compact state nursing license that is in good standing; American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support certification for the Healthcare Provider valid for at least 6 months after employment date; Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification (ACLS); National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS); Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) certification; plus approved advanced national nursing certification required within 18 months of hire date.

Physical Requirements: The essential functions for this position include the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull 50-100 pounds on a daily basis 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 two 12-hour shifts each week, every Saturday and Sunday, from 7am until 7:30pm as part of the Weekend Premium Plan; will also be required to work some holidays.

Job Summary: In the critical core program, nurses will apply the nursing process in caring for and counseling individuals, promoting health, preventing illness and injury, and supporting transitions of care. This includes using a systematic, critical-thinking approach to guide data collection, assessment, clinical judgment, intervention, and evaluation of human responses to actual or potential health issues. Care is delivered through health teaching, counseling, and restorative support. Nurses will care for patients within the UK HealthCare Enterprise at Good Samaritan and Chandler Hospitals. Having the ability to adapt to unpredictable situations within the work setting, this role will care for patients ranging from those suffering from surgical complications, acute medical conditions or chronic illness, trauma patients, behavioral health, pain management (due to cancer, addiction, or other causes), and end of life care. Because our BSNs care for a diverse pool of potential patients, it requires the BSN to have specialized knowledge and skills in many areas of care. Position will be committed to coordinating and managing all aspects of nursing care in a timely, cost-effective manner, in collaboration with patients, families, and the healthcare team. Furthermore, this environment supports collaborative efforts among the nursing staff and the team of physicians to increase communication and enhance expected patient outcomes. This includes utilization of the nursing process in conjunction with a comprehensive patient-centered plan of care, ensuring patient satisfaction.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities: The ideal candidate will have the following: knowledge of Maslow's eight Basic Human Needs and the priority within Gordon's Functional Health Patterns Frame Work as well as Swanson's Caring model; superb direct patient care and critical thinking skills; basic computer navigation skills and working knowledge of the internet; ability to communicate in a professional and respectful manner with patients and their families, co-workers and physicians; and strong organizational, prioritization, and delegation skill. The candidate will be highly motivated, pro-active and confident in advocating for patients and their family members. Will also enjoy working in a strong team environment and provides open, honest communication with fellow staff and physicians. In addition, the ideal candidate will possess exceptional technical skills and a proven ability to work in a team as well as independently.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience: 2 years ICURN experience

Deadline to Apply: 08/23/2026

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.