Nurse Clinical Senior​/Critical Core​/UKHC

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. Care is delivered through health teaching, counseling, and restorative support. Nurses will care for patients within the UK Health Care Enterprise at Good Samaritan and Chandler Hospitals, with patient populations ranging from surgical complications to acute medical conditions, chronic illness, trauma, behavioral health, pain management, and end‑of‑life care.

• Apply the nursing process – data collection, assessment, clinical judgment, intervention, and evaluation.

• Provide direct patient care, education, and counseling to patients and families.

• Coordinate and manage all aspects of nursing care in a timely, cost‑effective manner.

• Collaborate with physicians and the healthcare team to enhance communication and improve patient outcomes.

Must be able to work three, 12‑hour shifts per week from 7:00 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.; will also be required to work some weekend and holiday shifts.

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; stand, walk, and sit for long periods of time. Exposure to communicable diseases, radiation hazards, and injury from intractable patients or sharp instruments may occur.

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required.

• Minimum of 2 years of critical care RN experience.

• Active Kentucky nursing license or active compact state nursing license in good standing.

• American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification valid for at least 6 months after employment date.

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).

• National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS).

• Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) certification.

• Approved advanced national nursing certification required within 18 months of hire date.

• Knowledge of Maslow’s basic human needs, Gordon’s Functional Health Patterns, and Swanson’s Caring model.
• Superb direct patient care and critical‑thinking skills.
• Basic computer navigation and internet skills.
• Strong communication, organization, prioritization, and delegation skills.
• Motivated, proactive, and confident in patient advocacy.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

• Additional 2 years of critical care RN experience preferred.