NURSE COORDINATOR II - Pediatric ICU (PICU)

Salary is dependent on years of experience indicated at time of application submittal. Experience not disclosed or documented at the time of application will not be considered for initial step placement. Placement within the salary range is guided by factors including work experience and internal equity, and for union-represented positions, by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.

About the role

The Nurse Coordinator II oversees all aspects of patient care within the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and General Pediatrics Unit (General Peds) 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 Nursing Divisional Director to develop nursing care standards ensuring patient care in unit is delivered within hospital established service standards, regulatory and professional standards of care.
• Develops and implements an effective operating plan for the delivery of nursing care within the designated nursing unit, requiring extreme attention and responsiveness in patient assessment, delivery of life-saving medication, and operation of life-sustaining equipment.
• Identifies opportunities for process improvement and initiates improvement efforts within the unit to increase and exceed unit performance measures.
• Conducts patient observations, reviews verbal reports and written documentation, and establishes immediate and long-term corrective action plans.
• Develops long-term unit staffing schedules to ensure adequate daily coverage in accordance with staffing needs.
• Holds primary responsibility for hiring, training, and disciplinary actions of unit nursing staff.
• Drives employee performance by setting clear performance expectations for unit nursing staff and providing necessary information and tools to achieve desired performance.
• Provides daily guidance to staff regarding patient care delivery problems.
• Identifies staff development needs and works with nursing education department or outside sources to provide continuous education and growth opportunities.
• Ensures all nursing staff meets requisite credential and licensure requirements.
• Partners with nursing team to proactively assess the quality of patient care delivered by nursing staff and evaluate overall unit effectiveness in meeting care treatment goals.
• Ensures nursing staff follows accurate and complete documentation procedures at all times.
• Completes required quality assessment and performance improvement reports for the unit and develops and implements corrective action plans.
• Maintains a safe, culturally sensitive, and caring patient environment reflective of John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital standards and patient and family expectations.
• Demonstrates and promotes awareness of patient care rights; serves as patient advocate.
• 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 other related duties as required.

General Administrative Responsibilities

• Reviews applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements and consults with Labor Relations to generate management proposals.
• Participates in collective bargaining negotiations, caucus discussions, and working meetings.
• Documents, recommends, and effectuates discipline at all levels; works closely with labor relations and/or labor counsel to enforce applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements.
• Directs and effectuates CCH management policies and practices; accesses and navigates CCH records system to obtain and review necessary information.
• Contributes to the management of CCH staff and systemic development and success; discusses and develops CCH system policy and procedure.
• Uses independent judgment to identify operational staffing issues and needs; performs 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.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) from a school of nursing, required (must provide official transcripts at time of interview).
• Licensed as a Registered Professional Nurse in the State of Illinois, required (must provide proof at time of interview if already obtained).
• Five (5) years of nursing experience within a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and/or General Pediatrics Unit, required.
• Two (2) years of experience in nursing supervision or experience as a charge nurse, required.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (must provide proof at time of interview).
• Current Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification (must provide proof at time of interview).

Preferred Qualifications

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

Skills

• Skill in staffing and management of nursing personnel.
• Good judgment in the selection of new staff members using appropriate interview techniques.
• Thorough knowledge of job descriptions and key requirements for each position on the unit; holds subordinates accountable for responsibilities inherent in their position.
• Skill in coordination and management of patient care unit.
• Thorough knowledge of the Hospital and Nursing Department's mission, philosophy, goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
• Understanding of current requirements of accrediting agencies (Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JACHO)).
• Thorough knowledge of safety policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain all unit equipment in proper working condition.
• Thorough knowledge of expected staff response in hospital emergencies, fires, and ability to direct nursing unit activities in emergency situations or patient evacuation.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact with staff, patients, hospital personnel, and patient families.
• Excellent oral, verbal, and written communication skills necessary to communicate with all levels of staff and a diverse patient population.
• 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.
• Ability to adhere to department policies and standards utilizing best practices.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and composure when challenged.
• Ability to function autonomously and as a team member in a multidisciplinary team for long periods.
• Attention to detail, accuracy, and precision.

Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for not less than 6 months of continuous service and meet the minimum qualifications for the position may receive preference. To qualify, veterans must identify themselves on the employment application and attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215, or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation) at the time of application. Discharge papers must list an Honorable Discharge Status.