The Critical Care Transport Registered Nurse (CCT-RN) provides advanced nursing care during interfacility transports of critically ill and injured patients. Working collaboratively with paramedics, EMTs, respiratory therapists, physicians, and receiving facilities, the CCT-RN delivers high-quality patient care in accordance with California nursing regulations, EMS Authority standards, and CONFIRE clinical protocols.
The CCT-RN functions in a mobile critical care environment requiring sound clinical judgment, independent decision-making, and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing patient conditions.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
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Conduct comprehensive patient assessments before and throughout transport.
- Develop and implement patient care plans based on physician orders and transport protocols.
- Provide advanced cardiac, neurological, trauma, pediatric, and medical critical care during transport.
- Manage ventilators, infusion pumps, vasoactive medications, sedation, blood products, invasive monitoring, and specialty equipment.
- Interpret cardiac rhythms and initiate appropriate interventions.
- Perform medication administration within scope of practice.
- Collaborate with sending and receiving physicians regarding patient status.
- Ensure continuity of care throughout transport.
- Document patient assessments, interventions, medications, and transport events accurately.
- Serve as clinical leader of the transport team when assigned.
- Participate in quality improvement activities and clinical case reviews.
- Maintain readiness of ambulance equipment and medications.
- Participate in continuing education, competency assessments, and mandatory training.
- Maintain patient confidentiality and HIPAA compliance.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Education
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Graduate of an accredited Registered Nursing program.
- BSN preferred.
Licensure
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Current California Registered Nurse License in good standing.
Experience
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Minimum three (3) years recent ICU or Emergency Department experience.
- Critical Care Transport experience preferred.
Required Certifications
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BLS
- ACLS
- PALS
- NIH Stroke Scale (preferred)
- TNCC (preferred)
- CCRN (preferred)
- CTRN preferred within designated timeframe after hire
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
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Critical care assessment
- Mechanical ventilation
- Hemodynamic monitoring
- Pharmacology
- Advanced airway management
- Cardiac rhythm interpretation
- Pediatric critical care
- Trauma care
- Excellent communication
- Sound clinical judgment
- Ability to work independently
- Strong teamwork skills
Physical Requirements
Must be able to:
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Lift 100+ pounds with assistance.
- Push and pull stretchers.
- Work in confined ambulance environments.
- Sit, kneel, crouch, climb, bend, and reach frequently.
- Work 12–24 hour shifts.
- Work in adverse weather conditions.
Work Environment
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Ambulances
- Hospitals
- Emergency departments
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Long-term acute care hospitals
- Outdoor emergency environments
Core Competencies
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Clinical Excellence
- Patient Advocacy
- Safety Focus
- Integrity
- Teamwork
- Adaptability
- Communication
- Accountability
- Compassion
