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Critical Response Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Critical Response information

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$28

How much do critical response jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for critical response in the United States is $20.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does the Critical Response team typically coordinate with other departments during high-pressure incidents?

During high-pressure incidents, the Critical Response team collaborates closely with security, operations, and executive leadership to ensure a swift, unified response. Team members are often responsible for real-time communication, sharing updates, and clarifying roles to minimize confusion. This collaboration may involve scheduled debriefs, use of emergency communication tools, and adherence to established protocols. Being comfortable working cross-functionally and adapting to rapidly changing situations is essential for success in this role.

What are critical response jobs?

Critical response jobs are positions that involve immediate action in high-pressure situations to address emergencies, crises, or urgent incidents. These roles can include first responders like paramedics, firefighters, police officers, emergency management personnel, and specialized crisis intervention teams. Individuals in critical response jobs are trained to assess situations quickly, make rapid decisions, and provide essential services to protect life, property, and public safety. The work often requires specialized training, emotional resilience, and the ability to collaborate with other responders. These roles are essential for effective disaster response and public safety operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Critical Response professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Critical Response professional, you need strong situational assessment, crisis management, and decision-making skills, often supported by relevant certifications such as EMT, law enforcement, or crisis intervention training. Familiarity with emergency communication systems, incident management software, and specialized safety equipment is typically required. Excellent communication, composure under pressure, and teamwork are essential soft skills for effectively managing high-stress incidents. These skills ensure rapid, coordinated, and effective responses that protect individuals and minimize harm during emergencies.

What is the difference between Critical Response vs Emergency Response?

AspectCritical ResponseEmergency Response
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Crisis ManagementCPR, First Aid, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Work EnvironmentSecurity incidents, crisis situations, high-stress environmentsAccidents, medical emergencies, disaster sites
Industry UsageSecurity, law enforcement, crisis managementHealthcare, public safety, disaster response

Critical Response focuses on managing security threats and crises, often in security or law enforcement settings, requiring crisis management skills. Emergency Response involves immediate medical or safety actions during accidents or disasters, typically requiring medical certifications like EMT. Both roles operate in high-stress environments but differ in their primary focus and required credentials.

More about Critical Response jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Critical Response jobs? The most popular types of Critical Response jobs are:
Infographic showing various Critical Response job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,185 per year, or $20.3 per hour.
Registered Nurse - Critical Response

Registered Nurse - Critical Response

SSM Health

Saint Louis, MO • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


SSM Health rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 521 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

528th of 873 rated healthcare providers


Job description

It's more than a career, it's a calling
MO-SSM Health DePaul Hospital - St. Louis
Worker Type:
Regular
Job Highlights:
Sign on bonus available for eligible external candidates!
**sign on bonuses are for external qualified candidates. Internal candidates, please check with your recruiter to see what options are available.
Department: RN - Critical Response
Location: DePaul Hospital
Job Summary:
This role is pat of the expert clinical team in the acute care area. Prevents clinical deterioration in patients outside of intensive care units. Leads the Critical Response team's initial assessment of critically ill patients and has the ability and clinical skills to assess and implement early interventions to prevent cardiopulmonary arrest, better facilitating the patient's transition to a higher level of care.
Job Responsibilities and Requirements:
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Acts as the first level of support for the bedside nursing team when the condition of a patient is in question or jeopardy.
  • Educates and supports the bedside team in the evaluation and management of unstable patients.
  • Guides the bedside nursing team to help direct patient care.
  • Assists in determining when to escalate a rapid response.
  • Facilitates early and rapid transition of patients to a higher level of care.
  • Closely monitors patients who have recently transferred from the intensive care unit (ICU).
  • Utilizes available data from the electronic medical record and other sources to identify at risk patients. e.g. Deterioration Index, Sepsis score and other acuity scores.
  • Collects and maintains data related to Rapid Response and Code episodes to drive process improvement.
  • Participates in Ministry Rapid Response and Code debrief process and Regional Critical Response Nursing Team.
  • Applies the existing body of evidence-based practice and scientific knowledge in health care to critical care nursing practice, ensuring that nursing care is delivered based on patient's age-specific needs and clinical needs as described in the department's Scope of Service.
  • Works in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION
  • Graduate of accredited school of nursing or education equivalency for licensing

EXPERIENCE
  • Two years of registered nurse experience in critical care, emergency care or progressive care

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Constant use of speech to share information through oral communication.
  • Constant standing and walking.
  • Frequent lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 0-25 lbs.
  • Frequent sitting, reaching and keyboard use/data entry.
  • Frequent use of vision and depth perception for distances near (20 inches or less) and far (20 feet or more) and to identify and distinguish colors.
  • Frequent use of smell to detect/recognize odors.
  • Frequent use of hearing to receive oral communication, distinguish body sounds and/or hear alarms, malfunctioning machinery, etc.
  • Occasional lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 25-50 lbs.
  • Occasional lifting/moving of patients.
  • Occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, squatting, twisting, gripping and repetitive foot/leg and hand/arm movements.
  • Occasional driving.
  • Rare crawling and running.

REQUIRED PROFESSIONAL LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS
State of Work Location: Illinois
  • Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA)
  • And
  • Registered Professional Nurse (RN) - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
  • And
  • Advanced Life Support (ALS) - American Heart Association (AHA)
  • Or
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) - American Heart Association (AHA)

State of Work Location: Missouri
  • Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA)
  • And
  • Registered Nurse (RN) Issued by Compact State
  • Or
  • Registered Nurse (RN) - Missouri Division of Professional Registration
  • And
  • Advanced Life Support (ALS) - American Heart Association (AHA)
  • Or
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) - American Heart Association (AHA)

State of Work Location: Oklahoma
  • Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA)
  • And
  • Registered Nurse (RN) Issued by Compact State
  • Or
  • Registered Nurse (RN) - Oklahoma Board of Nursing (OBN)
  • And
  • Advanced Life Support (ALS) - American Heart Association (AHA)
  • Or
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) - American Heart Association (AHA)

State of Work Location: Wisconsin
  • Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA)
  • And
  • Registered Nurse (RN) Issued by Compact State
  • Or
  • Registered Nurse (RN) - Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
  • And
  • Advanced Life Support (ALS) - American Heart Association (AHA)
  • Or
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) - American Heart Association (AHA)

Work Shift:
Variable Shift (United States of America)
Job Type:
Employee
Department:
8451000128 Nursing Admin
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
36
Benefits:
SSM Health values our exceptional employees by offering a comprehensive benefits package to fit their needs.
  • Paid Parental Leave: we offer eligible team members one week of paid parental leave for newborns or newly adopted children (pro-rated based on FTE).
  • Flexible Payment Options: our voluntary benefit offered through DailyPay offers eligible hourly team members instant access to their earned, unpaid base pay (fees may apply) before payday.
  • Upfront Tuition Coverage: we provide upfront tuition coverage through FlexPath Funded for eligible team members.

Explore All Benefits
SSM Health is an equal opportunity employer. SSM Health does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity,pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Click here to learn more.

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