NURSE COORDINATOR II - Neonatal ICU (NICU)

Salary is subject to additional approvals based on Cook County Health (CCH) policy. Placement within the salary range depends on work experience and internal equity within this position classification at CCH. For positions represented by a labor union, placement will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.

About the Role

The Nurse Coordinator II oversees all aspects of patient care within the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) on a 24-hour basis, evaluating, directing, and supervising all activities of the nursing staff. This position has first-line responsibility for clinical and personnel management, patient care, budgeting, and quality service delivery for the unit.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with the Nursing Divisional Director to develop nursing care standards ensuring patient care in the NICU meets hospital, regulatory, and professional standards.
• Monitors compliance with standards of care for neonatal intensive care patients by conducting patient observations, reviewing verbal reports, and written documentation. Develops action plans to increase compliance and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Develops and implements an effective operating plan for the delivery of nursing care within the NICU, requiring extreme attention and responsiveness in patient assessment, life-saving medication delivery, and operation of life-sustaining equipment.
• Develops long-term unit staffing schedules to ensure adequate daily coverage in accordance with NICU staffing needs.
• Holds primary responsibility for hiring, training, and disciplinary actions of NICU nursing staff. Sets clear performance expectations and provides necessary tools to achieve desired performance.
• Provides daily guidance to staff regarding patient care and identifies staff development needs, coordinating with the nursing education department or outside sources for continuous education.
• Ensures all nursing staff meets requisite credential and licensure requirements and maintains clinical expertise by participating in nursing care activities.
• Ensures accurate and complete documentation procedures are followed by nursing staff at all times.
• Gathers and reports on measures of performance for the unit, including length of stay (LOS), agency and overtime costs, vacancy, and turnover rates. Completes required quality assessment and performance improvement reports and develops corrective action plans.
• Maintains a safe, culturally sensitive, and caring patient environment reflective of Stroger Hospital standards and patient/family expectations. Serves as a patient advocate and promotes awareness of patient care rights.
• Coordinates efforts of ancillary health services to ensure continuity of patient care and positive communication with all hospital staff.
• Works with appropriate departments to ensure proper maintenance of unit medical equipment, including life-sustaining equipment.
• Prepares and monitors unit personnel, supply, and equipment budgets to ensure expenses are maintained within budgetary guidelines.
• Performs general administrative responsibilities, including reviewing collective bargaining agreements, participating in negotiations, and consulting with labor relations to generate management proposals.
• Documents, recommends, and effectuates discipline at all levels, working closely with labor relations and/or labor counsel to enforce applicable collective bargaining agreements.
• Directs and enforces CCH management policies and practices, accessing and navigating CCH records systems to execute provisions of applicable collective bargaining agreements.
• Contributes to the management of CCH staff and systemic development, discussing and developing CCH system policy and procedure.
• Uses independent judgment to identify operational staffing issues and performs functions such as hiring, transferring, suspending, laying off, recalling, promoting, discharging, assigning, directing, or disciplining employees pursuant to applicable collective bargaining agreements.
• Works with Labor Relations to discern past practice when necessary.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) from a school of nursing (official transcripts required at time of interview).
• Licensed as a Registered Professional Nurse in the State of Illinois (proof required at time of interview).
• Five (5) years of nursing experience within a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (required).
• Two (2) years of experience in nursing supervision or as a charge nurse (required).
• Current Neonatal Pulmonary Resuscitation (NRP) card or ability to obtain within 60 days of hire (proof required at time of interview if obtained).
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (proof required at time of interview).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or higher-level degree in Nursing, Business, or Healthcare Administration from an accredited college or university.
• Bilingual proficiency.

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated skill in staffing and management of nursing personnel.
• Good judgment in selecting new staff using appropriate interview techniques.
• Thorough knowledge of job descriptions and key requirements for each position on the unit; holds subordinates accountable for their responsibilities.
• Skill in coordinating and managing a patient care unit.
• Thorough knowledge of the Hospital and Nursing Department's mission, philosophy, goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
• Understanding of accrediting agency requirements (e.g., Illinois Department of Public Health, Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations).
• Thorough knowledge of safety policies and procedures and ability to maintain unit equipment in proper working condition.
• Knowledge of expected staff response in hospital emergencies, fires, and ability to direct nursing unit activities during emergencies or patient evacuations.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact with staff, patients, hospital personnel, and patient families from diverse cultures and age groups.
• Excellent oral, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Strong leadership and project management skills.
• Ability to articulate clearly and professionally when presenting and demonstrating techniques.
• Analytical, organizational, problem-solving, critical thinking, and resolution skills.
• Ability to prioritize, plan, and organize projects and tasks.
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines in a fast-paced and stressful environment.
• Adherence to department policies and standards utilizing best practices.
• Ability to maintain professional demeanor and composure when challenged.
• Ability to function autonomously and as a team member in a multidisciplinary team for extended periods.
• Attention to detail, accuracy, and precision.

Veterans who meet the minimum qualifications for the position may receive preference in hiring. To qualify, veterans must identify themselves on the employment application and attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215, or NGB 22 (or a valid State ID/Driver’s License identifying them as a veteran) at the time of application. Discharge papers must list an Honorable Discharge status.

Degrees awarded outside the United States (except those from U.S. territories or Canada) must be credentialed by an approved U.S. credential evaluation service belonging to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). Original credentialing documents must be presented at the time of interview.