Urgent Care Nurse Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the fast-paced world of healthcare, the role of urgent care nurses is crucially important.

As the demand for immediate, quality healthcare continues to rise, so does the need for skilled professionals who can provide and ensure prompt and efficient patient care.

But what is really expected from an urgent care nurse?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager looking to define the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the complex world of urgent care nursing,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable urgent care nurse job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Urgent Care Nurse Duties and Responsibilities

Urgent Care Nurses provide critical care to patients in a setting where they need immediate help.

They are skilled in quickly assessing patient conditions and implementing solutions to stabilize patients.

Their duties and responsibilities often include:

• Triage patients to understand the severity of injury or illness and provide immediate treatment
• Administer medications, wound dressings, and other first-line treatments
• Monitor vital signs and health condition of patients
• Work in collaboration with physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide the best care
• Perform diagnostic tests like EKGs and blood draws
• Document patient medical history and treatment plans
• Provide education and support to patients and their families on treatment and recovery
• Manage patient flow to ensure that every patient is treated in a timely manner
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of nursing trends, techniques, and research to provide the most effective care
• Adhere to infection control protocols to maintain a safe and sanitary working environment

 

Urgent Care Nurse Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Urgent Care Nurse to join our healthcare team.

The Urgent Care Nurse will be responsible for providing immediate and effective medical care to patients that require urgent attention.

The roles and responsibilities include assessing patients’ health, managing their care, administering medication, and collaborating with doctors to create treatment plans.

They should be able to work in a fast-paced environment and make quick decisions in emergency scenarios.

Our ideal candidate has a compassionate nature, exceptional nursing skills, and the ability to stay calm and effective in extremely stressful situations.

 

Responsibilities

• Assessing patients’ health and their immediate need for attention
• Collaborating with healthcare professionals to decide on suitable care
• Providing necessary health education and counseling to patients and their families
• Administering medication, wound care, and other personalized interventions as ordered by medical practitioners
• Monitoring patient recovery and health progress
• Ensuring the cleanliness and sterility of the environment and instruments
• Documenting and maintaining patients’ records
• Adhering to protocols, norms, rules, and regulations to maintain complete medical records

 

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse License is required
• Proven work experience as a nurse in urgent care or emergency room setting
• Proficient knowledge of emergency care and basic life support
• Excellent understanding of nursing principles
• Ability to handle stress and stay calm in stressful situations
• Outstanding communication skills
• Excellent problem-solving abilities
• BS or diploma in nursing

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Urgent Care Nurse
• Work Environment: Fast-paced medical setting, requiring long hours and being on-call.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head Nurse or Medical Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $68,450 minimum to $102,990 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Urgent Care Nurse Do?

Urgent Care Nurses are registered nurses who are specialized in providing immediate medical attention to patients in urgent care centers, hospitals or clinics.

They often treat individuals with acute illnesses or injuries that require immediate attention but are not serious enough to warrant a visit to the emergency room.

Urgent Care Nurses assess patients’ health conditions, administer treatment, monitor vital signs, and conduct minor medical procedures such as wound dressing, IV insertion and administration of medication.

They are also responsible for documenting patients’ medical history and symptoms, assisting physicians during examinations, providing emotional support to patients and their families, and educating patients about their conditions and treatment plans.

In some cases, Urgent Care Nurses may also carry out diagnostic tests like EKGs or lab draws, depending on the needs of the patient.

They play a crucial role in ensuring patients receive prompt and appropriate care in times of non-life-threatening emergencies.

 

Urgent Care Nurse Qualifications and Skills

An Urgent Care Nurse must possess both practical skills and strong personal qualities to provide immediate care to patients in critical condition.

These include:

• Sound clinical skills to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care quickly and accurately.
• Excellent communication skills to facilitate clear and efficient interactions with patients, family members, and other healthcare professionals.
• Strong decision-making abilities to make rapid, informed decisions in high-pressure situations.
• Exceptional attention to detail to ensure all aspects of patient care are addressed, even in hectic environments.
• Physical stamina and resilience, as they may need to spend long periods on their feet and deal with demanding situations.
• Empathy and the ability to provide emotional support to patients and families during difficult times.
• Proficiency in operating medical equipment and performing medical procedures necessary for urgent care, such as CPR, wound dressing, and IV insertion.
• Working knowledge of health and safety guidelines to ensure the well-being of both patients and staff in the emergency department.

 

Urgent Care Nurse Experience Requirements

Entry-level urgent care nurses are often required to have a minimum of 1 to 2 years of experience, typically gained through clinical rotations, internships, or part-time roles in general nursing.

These professionals can also gain on-the-job experience in roles such as Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or other healthcare-related roles.

Urgent care nursing candidates with more than 3 years of experience often develop their technical skills and knowledge in areas like emergency care, trauma response, and patient assessment in high-stress situations.

They may have worked in roles such as Emergency Room Nurse, Critical Care Nurse, or Trauma Nurse.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have leadership experience in their background, often gained through roles like Charge Nurse, Nursing Supervisor, or Nurse Manager.

These professionals may be ready to take on managerial or team-lead positions within an urgent care setting.

Moreover, all urgent care nurses are expected to have completed a nursing degree program and hold a current nursing license in their state of practice.

Additional certifications related to urgent or emergency care, such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), are often desired.

 

Urgent Care Nurse Education and Training Requirements

Urgent Care Nurses typically require a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) from an accredited university or college.

Before they can practice, all nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to obtain their registered nursing license.

In addition to a nursing degree and license, Urgent Care Nurses should have several years of experience in a hospital or emergency room setting, which provides them with the necessary skills and practical experience.

Many Urgent Care Nurses also obtain further credentials such as certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).

Specialty certification, like Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) or Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN), can also be beneficial, showing a nurse’s dedication to the field and providing an edge in job competition.

It’s important for Urgent Care Nurses to engage in ongoing learning and continuing education courses to stay updated on the latest medical advances and emergency care techniques.

 

Urgent Care Nurse Salary Expectations

The average salary for an Urgent Care Nurse is approximately $76,411 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can fluctuate based on factors such as experience, level of education, certifications, and geographical location.

 

Urgent Care Nurse Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Urgent Care Nurse need?

Urgent Care Nurses should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with patients and their families.

They should be able to work under pressure and respond quickly to emergencies.

Critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to make quick decisions are also essential.

They should also have strong clinical skills to assess and monitor patients, administer medication, and perform procedures.

 

What qualifications do Urgent Care Nurses need?

Urgent Care Nurses need to be a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Nurse Practitioner (NP).

This requires obtaining a bachelor’s degree in nursing, an associate’s degree in nursing, or a diploma from an approved nursing program.

They also need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).

Some urgent care facilities may also require additional certifications like Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).

 

What should you look for in an Urgent Care Nurse resume?

Firstly, ensure they are a licensed RN or NP.

Look for experience in emergency or urgent care settings.

Certifications in ACLS, PALS, or other emergency care-related certificates are a plus.

Additionally, experience in patient assessment, wound care, IV therapy, and administering medication should be evident on the resume.

 

What qualities make a good Urgent Care Nurse?

A good Urgent Care Nurse is one who can keep calm under pressure and make quick decisions.

They should be able to communicate effectively with patients of all ages and their families.

They should demonstrate empathy and have a patient-focused approach to care.

Excellent teamwork skills are also vital as Urgent Care Nurses often work closely with other healthcare professionals.

 

Is it difficult to hire Urgent Care Nurses?

Hiring Urgent Care Nurses can be challenging due to the specific skill set and experience required for the role.

There is also a high demand for these professionals in the healthcare industry.

To attract qualified candidates, employers should offer competitive salaries, flexible schedules, and opportunities for professional development.

 

Conclusion

And so, we’ve revealed the true essence of being an urgent care nurse.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about providing immediate care.

It’s about shaping the face of healthcare, one patient at a time.

With our ready-to-use urgent care nurse job description template and real-life examples, you’re fully prepared to take your next step.

But why limit your journey here?

Expand your horizons with our job description generator. It’s your key to creating precise job listings or refining your resume to excellence.

Bear in mind:

Every patient cared for is a part of the broader healthcare landscape.

Let’s shape the future of healthcare. Together.

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