Job Summary

The MEDICAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE INTERVENTIONAL TEAM (MERIT) staffed by highly experienced ICU nurses with diverse specialty backgrounds who use technology, innovation, and education to improve critical care and quality outcomes. The MERIT nurse responds to and leads clinical bedside emergencies throughout the campus. Partner with the Resource Intensivist or designee to optimize code response in terms of efficiency and to decrease incidence of inpatient hospital mortality. Leads debriefing with staff after a code is called. Mentors staff needing guidance in nursing care related to ACLS and the first five minutes. Provides follow up with patients transferred out of the ICU to reduce unplanned returns to the ICU. The MERIT nurse also streamlines the post-mortem process. The MERIT nurse may complete various audits of unit practices and compliance measures. Performs other duties as assigned within the scope of nursing practice.

1.  Conducts systematic, continuous and comprehensive assessments of patient health status from admission or encounter to discharge across the care continuum to ensure patient safety, collaborating with the healthcare team, patient and family. Care addresses all aspects of the individual and family, including age, gender, spiritual, cultural, physical, psychosocial and patient preferences. Proactively uses safety surveillance to prevent adverse outcomes.

2.  Independently administers medications per licensure authority, assesses and reassesses the effects of these medications, and documents administration in a timely manner per policies, procedures and regulatory requirements. Consistently adheres to patient safety guidelines regarding all aspects of medication administration.

3.  In collaboration with patient and family, plans care using current scientific knowledge, theory, and care standards within the nursing interventions and outcomes framework and national patient safety goals. Constructs individualized, age specific plans for optimal patient and family outcomes, as appropriate to the practice setting. Incorporates data from the multi-disciplinary Care Team into the plan of care to assure continuity and appropriate patient teaching.

4.  In collaboration with patient and family, identifies and prioritizes patient problems based on subjective and objective assessment data, patient safety considerations, patient and family goals and preferences, and nursing interventions and the medical plan of care.

5.  Implements nursing care interventions to meet patient and family center health care needs. Demonstrates competent skills, appropriate clinical judgments and chain of command to promote patient safety and reach planned care goals and outcomes.

6.  Competently and consistently assesses, conducts and evaluates the outcomes of patient and family teaching, from admission, or episode of care, to discharge. Teaching reflects sensitivity to age, learning needs and cultural background.

7.  Evaluates care by performing regular and systematic reviews of patient /family responses to interventions; revises the multi-disciplinary plan of care in collaboration with other care Team members to promote desired outcomes. Recognizes care variances and takes steps to prevent or intervene with potential or real adverse events to promote safe care.

8.  Serves as an advocate for the patient and family, demonstrates respect for their rights, responsibilities, and sensitivity to their preferences. Prepares the patient and family for discharge; obtains feedback to promote positive patient satisfaction outcomes.                                                            

Required Qualifications

Licensed or eligible for license in Kentucky
Basic Life Support (BLS) accredited by the American Heart Association (AHA)
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) accredited by the American Heart Association (AHA)
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) accredited by the American Heart Association (AHA)
Bachelor's degree from accredited college or University
1 + year critical care or emergency department experience 

Preferred Qualifications

Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) upon hire or must be obtained within 1 year of hire

Benefits & Perks

Competitive Pay & Benefits Options
Paid Vacation, Sick days, and Holidays
Free tuition to UofL for Part- and Full-time employees for Child/Spouse/Domestic Partner
401K with Employer Match

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