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Acute Care Nursing at U of U Health

Inpatient Nursing Care for Adult Patients

University of Utah Health’s ten inpatient acute care units provide a variety of care in a medical/surgical setting for adult patients. These are fast-paced nursing units that promote and support the following:

  • Teamwork and collaboration

  • Critical thinking and time management

  • Professional development

  • Leadership opportunities

Members of our acute care nursing team have the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational opportunities and research projects throughout the hospital. We are committed to leveraging evidence-based practice, research, and technology to elevate nursing practice and provide exceptional, professional, and compassionate nursing care.

Acute care is a great place to start your nursing career. We offer the following:

  • A nurturing and supportive work environment

  • A chance to build nursing skills

  • Knowledge for a strong nursing career foundation

  • A six week hands-on orientation concurrent with Transition to Practice Classes and Nurse Residency programs following orientation

  • Career pathway opportunities to ED and Critical Care

acute care team standing in a hallway
acute care team doctors reviewing charts

Why Work at U of U Health?

  • Be part of an amazing team
  • Work in a caring, nurturing environment for both new and experienced nurses and CNAs
  •  Make a difference in patients’ lives and our community by providing quality patient care
  • Find a rewarding, challenging new career with opportunities to grow in other roles
  • Let your voice be heard as a vital member of your team and our organization

Great Benefits for You!

  • Generous paid time off and paid holidays
  • Medical and dental coverage starting day one
  • 50% off University of Utah tuition for full-time status after six months
  • Student debt repayment program
  • Automatic 6% employer-funded retirement contribution
  • Additional 4% employer retirement match
  • Access to community and corporate discounts and perks

About Our Acute Care Inpatient Nursing Units

Acute Internal Medicine Units

(B50, D50, D60, E50) & E40 Acute Medicine Pulmonary

Our five Acute Internal Medicine units care for patients experiencing diseases, infections, or complications of the following:

  • Neurological

  • Respiratory

  • Cardiovascular
  • Gastrointestinal & Genitourinary
  • Musculoskeletal & Integumentary
  • Hematological & Metabolic

These units also provide care to surgical and procedural patients as well as patients who may require telemetry monitoring.

The E40 Acute Medicine Pulmonary Unit also specializes in end of life care or palliative care and pulmonary conditions like cystic fibrosis.

Learn More About Our Internal Medicine Units

Acute Cardiovascular Units

A42 Cardiovascular Medical Unit (CVMU) & D40 Cardiovascular Acute Care Unit (CVAC)

Our two cardiovascular units specialize in cardiovascular medicine and surgery for patients diagnosed with an acute or chronic cardiovascular disease or complication:

These units also occasionally provide care to medicine, surgical and procedural patients as well as patients who may require telemetry monitoring.

Neuro Acute Care (A30)

Neuro Acute Care (NAC) cares for general neurology and neurosurgery patients. The unit also cares for the following:

NAC also receives overflow patients from cardiology, ENT, and medicine. This unit also cares for stable patients on ventilators.

This unit is a Nationally Certified Stroke Center and a telemetry unit.

Learn More About Neuro Acute Care

Ortho, Trauma, & Surgery (E60)

The Ortho, Trauma, & Surgery unit provides specialized care for patients recovering from a variety of surgeries:

This unit also cares for overflow burn and medicine patients.

Learn More About Our Ortho, Trauma, & Surgery Unit

Surgical Specialty & Transplant (A50)

Surgical Specialty cares for patients recovering from a variety of surgeries:

Surgical Specialty is distinguished by the Comprehensive Center Accreditation through the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program.

Learn More About Our Surgical Specialty & Transplant Unit

What Is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)?

U of U CNAs pushing a vitals cart

A certified nursing assistant (CNA) is a critical member of the care team. This position is a fantastic entry-level role that allows you to observe different health care roles and gain work experience. CNA requirements and responsibilities vary by hospital and unit.

At University of Utah Health, CNAs provide support services:

  • Check and monitor patients’ vital signs

  • Answer calls from patients to make sure they’re as comfortable as possible

  • Communicate patients’ questions and concerns to nurses

  • Assist in dressing, bathing, and grooming patients

  • Assist in some medical procedures

  • Assist in wound care management

  • Clean medical supplies and equipment

  • Gather and stock various medical supplies

  • Keep patients clean and attend to patient hygiene

  • Move and transport patients, such as helping them get in and out of beds or wheelchairs

Questions? Contact us at careers@hsc.utah.edu