Our team members are the heart of what makes us better. At Hackensack Meridian Health we help our patients live better, healthier lives — and we help one another to succeed. With a culture rooted in connection and collaboration, our employees are team members. Here, competitive benefits are just the beginning. It’s also about how we support one another and how we show up for our community. Together, we keep getting better - advancing our mission to transform healthcare and serve as a leader of positive change. 

The Specialty Care Transport Unit (SCTU) RN provides high quality out-of-hospital nursing care including assessment, triage, and treatment utilizing standards and guidelines established by the Medical Director(s) within the Registered Nurse scope of practice. The SCTU RN assesses the nature and extent of illness or injury to establish and prioritize the care needed for safe transport of the critical patient to the appropriate facility as determined by the physicians involved; maintains validated competency to provide care for patients across the life span; responsible for carrying out the mission and goals of the Hackensack EMS SCTU program, assuring that safety remains the highest priority.

A day in the life of a Specialty Care Transport Unit (SCTU) RN at Hackensack Meridian Health includes:

• Provides nursing care from initial patient contact until patient care is endorsed to the accepting medical facility.
• Practices nursing within his/her scope of practice as defined by the New Jersey Board of Nursing. Understands and utilizes the Specialty Care Transport Unit Interfacility Transfer Protocols. Completes required patient care documentation within scope of practice.
• Maintains knowledge and competency in psychomotor skills by participating in ongoing didactic, simulated, and clinical experiences. Communicates educational needs to the Medical Director and SCTU Supervisor and/or Manager.
• Maintains documentation of required licensure, certifications, continuing education, OSHA and HIPAA training, clinical rotations, and advanced procedures.
• Attends continuing education programs pertinent to his/her area of practice.
• Knowledgeable in use and routine care of all equipment and supplies used by the SCTU.
• Responsible for reporting medical equipment failures and taking initial steps to sequester broken equipment for investigation.
• Maintains positive interpersonal relationships with colleagues, EMS representatives, hospitals, and the public.
• Participates in patient and referring facility follow-up when requested.
• Participates in planned outreach, marketing, and education activities.
• Functions as an SCTU team member:
  • Does an inspection of the ambulance, equipment, medication, and narcotics at the beginning of each shift, and completes a vehicle check sheet.
  • Maintains adequate supplies in the ambulance to deliver patient care.
  • Keeps the ambulance clean and orderly to ensure timely response to all transport requests.
  • Advises the tour supervisor and/or MICCOM of changes to the planned crew configuration, vehicle being used, and that the unit is in-service.
  • Remains in uniform, ready to respond, while on duty, and has portable radio on their person.
  • Serves as a role model, educator, and clinical resource.
  • Acts as a preceptor and/or participates in orientation of new employees and students as assigned.
  • Acts as a liaison and communicates program goals and objectives.
  • Checks hospital email at minimum once per shift.
• Maintains awareness of current issues related to out-of-hospital care through participation in professional activities (e.g., national, state, local)
• Participates in activities, projects, and committees when opportunities arise.
• Attends and participates in meetings according to established department guidelines.
• Participates in departmental quality improvement activities as assigned.
• Cooperates with Department of Health representatives during inspections. Ensures all required credentials are available for inspection.
• Consistently provides comprehensive patient centered care to complex patients, using nursing process and problem-solving skills.
• Accurately documents components of the nursing process per HMHN policy and assists others with this task.
• Demonstrates and models expert communication skills consistently and facilitates effective communication with others.
• Adheres to American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses
• Other duties and/or projects as assigned.
• Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Bachelor's of Nursing degree from an accredited school of nursing
• Minimum of 1-year clinical experience in critical care or emergency nursing
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient computer skills that may include but are not limited to Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite platforms

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:

• Able to practice as a MICN as defined by the NJ Office of EMS (NJAC 8:41)
• Previous critical care transport experience

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• NJ State Professional Registered Nurse License
• AHA Basic Health Care Life Support HCP Certification or BLS Instructor Trainer
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification or ACLS Instructor Certification
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification or PALS Instructor Certification
• Trauma Nursing Core Course Certification or International Trauma Life Support Certification or Prehospital Trauma Life Support Certification
• Valid Driver's License from a USA state
• Certified Emergency Vehicle Operator

Licenses and Certifications Preferred:

• Board Certified Emergency Nurse