CLINICAL NURSE I - MEDICAL/SURGICAL - 7E

This position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement between Cook County and the National Nurses Organizing Committee. Pursuant to the agreement, Cook County will exhaust internal eligible applicants prior to considering external candidates.

About the role

The Clinical Nurse I is a professional care worker responsible and accountable for providing and coordinating safe, effective individualized nursing care to critically ill patients and supportive care to significant others. This role involves assessing patient needs, implementing and evaluating nursing care according to established standards, and performing duties that require nursing judgment based on scientific principles, problem-solving, and teaching/learning.

The unit provides complex services to neurology and cardiology patients, including medical treatments, consults, respiratory services, post-procedural care, rehabilitation, dietary and social services, cardiac monitoring, wound care, and discharge transportation.

Responsibilities

• Identifies, plans, and cares for the total needs of patients, considering age-specific requirements.
• Performs initial and ongoing assessment/data collection, including biophysical, psychosocial, environmental, self-care, educational, and discharge planning factors.
• Formulates an individualized plan of care based on patient needs and desired outcomes.
• Implements care in a knowledgeable, skillful, and safe manner based on established standards.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of care and revises interventions as appropriate.
• Documents nursing assessments, treatments, medications, tolerance to procedures, changes in condition, interventions, and patient outcomes.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates educational services/programs for patients.
• Makes appropriate and timely decisions in crisis or emergency situations.
• Performs and/or directs cardio-pulmonary resuscitation activities.
• Operates equipment safely and necessary for providing patient care in assigned clinical areas.
• Works and communicates effectively with a variety of individuals.
• Provides general direction, guidance, and coordination of patient care given by other levels of nursing staff.
• Applies knowledge of standard operating policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates awareness of patient/family rights and ethical/legal issues.
• Participates in staff orientation and staff development activities for the unit.
• Demonstrates responsibility and accountability for professional practice, growth, and development.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Licensed as a Registered Nurse in the State of Illinois or ability to obtain license two weeks prior to starting employment (proof required at time of interview).
• Active Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or ability to obtain within two weeks of starting employment (proof required at time of interview).

Preferred Qualifications

• One to five years of acute care experience.
• CMSRN certification or other specialty certification.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification.

Skills

• Knowledge of using medical/surgical equipment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for diverse cultures and age groups.
• Emergency response skills.
• Accurate mathematical skills for calculating medication levels.
• Ability to apply the nursing process and utilize technical skills for patient care delivery.
• Ability to make decisions under pressure.
• Ability to see and hear clearly (with correction if needed).
• Ability to distinguish regular/high-pitched sounds and discriminate the source of sound.
• Demonstrates rapid physical/mental coordination.
• Ability to use both legs, hands, and fingers.
• Attention to detail, accuracy, and precision.
• Knowledge of and rationale for the safe use of equipment.
• Ability to effectively utilize the nursing process as a basis for patient care.
• Knowledge of current forms and reports required in unit operations.
• Responsibility for professional growth and development in maintaining nursing competency.

Physical and Environmental Demands

This position functions within a healthcare environment. The incumbent must adhere to hospital and department-specific safety requirements, including:

• Compliance with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements.
• Hand washing and sanitizing practices.
• Department-specific engineering and work practice controls.
• Other work area safety precautions as specified by hospital-wide policy and departmental procedures.

Pay

Hourly salary range: $38.203 - $52.061. Salary is commensurate with years of experience indicated at the time of application. Experience not disclosed or documented at application will not be considered for initial step placement.

Schedule

Shift: 7:00 P.M. - 7:30 A.M., 36 hours per week (72 hours per pay period).

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Basic term life insurance.
• Pension plan.
• Deferred compensation program.
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time.
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

Veterans who meet the minimum qualifications may receive preference in hiring. To qualify, veterans must identify themselves on the application and provide a copy of their DD 214, DD 215, or NGB 22 (or a valid state ID/driver’s license indicating veteran status) at the time of application or interview.