Registered Nurse (University of Kentucky) Jobs – Trauma & Acute Care Surgical Services (6-200 ICU) – Weekend Premium Position

The University of Kentucky HealthCare is hiring a Weekend Premium Registered Nurse for the Trauma & Acute Care Surgical Services team in the 6-200 ICU, Lexington, KY. You will cover Friday and Saturday nights, 7:00 p.m.–7:30 a.m., delivering high-acuity care to adult trauma and post-operative patients while collaborating with surgeons and intensivists and guiding families through complex recoveries. The schedule totals 24 clinical hours yet is paid as 36 at $23.25–$39.10 per hour under a non-exempt arrangement. To qualify, you need an Associate Degree in Nursing, an active Kentucky or compact RN license, and a current AHA BLS card; you must also safely lift 25–100 lbs and work around radiation and infectious-disease precautions.

Job Overview

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver direct, patient-centered ICU care aligned with nursing best practices
• Assess, plan, implement, document, and evaluate comprehensive care plans
• Educate patients and families on treatment and recovery processes
• Delegate and oversee duties performed by Nursing Care Technicians
• Support physician collaboration to optimize patient outcomes
• Maintain compliance with HIPAA, OSHA, and state/federal nursing regulations
• Promote a safe, respectful, and healing environment in a critical care setting
• Communicate effectively with multidisciplinary healthcare teams
• Uphold UK HealthCare’s values in all patient interactions
• Operate in alignment with Swanson’s Caring Model and Gordon’s Health Patterns

Required Qualifications

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Active KY RN license, Temporary Work Permit, or compact state RN license (in good standing)
• Current American Heart Association BLS Certification (valid ≥6 months from start date)
• Ability to lift/carry/push/pull 25–100 lbs routinely
• Comfortable working in environments with radiation, communicable diseases, and sharp instruments
• Available to work Friday and Saturday nights (7:00 PM – 7:30 AM) on a recurring weekly schedule

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• At least 1 year of ICU or RN clinical experience
• Strong knowledge of Maslow’s Hierarchy and Gordon’s Functional Health Patterns
• Experience with trauma, vascular, or orthopedic post-op patients
• Proven critical thinking and patient advocacy skills
• Excellent communication and organizational abilities
• Familiarity with Swanson’s Caring Model and trauma-informed care practices

Compensation & Benefits

This Weekend Premium Position (WEPP) is a highly competitive part-time opportunity, compensating 36 hours of pay for 24 hours of work. Employees will also have access to the University of Kentucky’s comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance options, a defined benefit retirement plan, generous paid time off (PTO), tuition assistance, employee wellness initiatives, and participation in a tobacco- and drug-free workplace. Pre-employment drug screening and background checks are standard for all hires.

Application Instructions
Apply directly through the University of Kentucky Careers site by 07/10/2025. Ensure your application includes verification of your current nursing license and BLS certification. If selected, you may be asked to participate in interviews and provide documentation for required screenings.

Standard U.S. EEO Statement
The University of Kentucky is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, gender, disability, or veteran status.