UI Health - Staff Nurse I - PACU (Flexible days)

Hiring Department: PACU · Location: Chicago, IL USA · FTE: 1

About the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (UI Health)

UI Health provides comprehensive care, education, and research to the people of Illinois and beyond. A part of the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), UI Health comprises a clinical enterprise that includes a Joint Commission-accredited tertiary care hospital and outpatient clinics, and the Mile Square Health Center network of federally qualified health centers. It also includes the seven UIC health science colleges: the College of Applied Health Sciences; the College of Dentistry; the School of Public Health; the Jane Addams College of Social Work; and the Colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Nursing, including regional campuses in Peoria, Quad Cities, Rockford, Springfield, and Urbana. UI Health is dedicated to the pursuit of health equity.

About the role

The Staff Nurse I provides direct patient care and takes the initiative to improve patient outcomes by integrating Shared Leadership, Evidence Based Practice, Relationship Based Care, and standards of nursing excellence into clinical practice. This position integrates the professional practice model, current standards of practice, and clinical experience to provide “quality” patient care as measured by established nursing quality standards and other governing/accrediting health care bodies.

Responsibilities

• Provides safe, high-quality perioperative nursing care encompassing preoperative intake, support for minor procedures, post-anesthesia recovery Phase I & Phase II, and recovery room boarders for all levels of care, including ICU, for a diverse patient population spanning pediatrics to geriatrics.
• Establishes an in-depth database by assessing the behavioral and physical status of pre-surgical patients through interview, observation, and physical examination; interprets overt and subtle data to determine physiologic or psychosocial risk.
• Ensures delivery of quality nursing care for patients undergoing surgical and non-invasive procedures in accordance with age-related and individual needs, physician’s orders, hospital policy, standards of care, and nursing practice.
• Assesses patient needs, plans nursing care, and ensures the plan of care is carried out and documented according to the nursing process.
• Provides safe, therapeutic, and quality care by utilizing the nursing process and diagnosis in a timely manner, setting appropriate priorities.
• Evaluates patient responses to care based on the effectiveness of nursing interventions and consults with medical staff, Care Team Lead, and/or Nursing Supervisor.
• Demonstrates critical thinking by integrating theoretical knowledge and expertise to address clinical questions when evidence and practice differ; recommends changes to the plan of care based on observed variances.
• Integrates nursing interventions into the multidisciplinary plan of care, incorporating appropriate standards of care and practice.
• Identifies learning needs with patients and families; teaches by adapting standard information to provide individualized and comprehensive learning.
• Incorporates discharge/home care planning into the multidisciplinary plan of care.
• Develops a therapeutic relationship by establishing trust, enabling patients and families to verbalize care requirements comfortably.
• Supports and enhances patient responsibility and self-determination in decision-making concerning health, treatment, and well-being.
• Competent in all areas of PeriAnesthesia: Preop, Phase I, Phase II recovery, and extended care to boarder post-surgical patients requiring appropriate levels of care, including ICU.
• Checks and updates patient files, charts, and medical records; ensures operative/informed consents are accurate and signed per policy.
• Assesses and instructs patients/families prior to surgery; engages and obtains information to develop an appropriate patient educational plan.
• Observes patients for side effects of anesthesia; monitors and records vital signs during panesthesia and perianesthesia phases.
• Monitors patient’s level of consciousness throughout sedation recovery; performs post-operative tasks such as administering medication or changing dressings.
• Collaborates with surgeons, anesthesiologists, physicians, and other care team members; discerns and executes provider orders per hospital policy, guidelines, or protocol.
• Verifies and implements provider orders, performing interventions as prescribed and documenting accurately in the electronic medical record.
• Administers a variety of treatments and medications, including all medications on the crash cart.
• Collaborates with the medical team on post-operative patient care and facilitates timely specialized interventions.
• Treats pain, nausea, and other post-operative symptoms of anesthesia; provides comfort and answers questions when patients wake from sedation.
• Ensures accurate patient intake through chart review and questioning using safe communication tactics; monitors and documents vital signs to assure patient meets discharge criteria.
• Monitors patients’ condition, reports changes to appropriate physicians, and assures patient comfort; addresses and resolves patient and care provider questions.
• Coordinates holistic care needs with the interprofessional team; evaluates effectiveness of teaching interventions and patient/family understanding.
• Educates patients and families regarding post-surgery care at home; oversees tasks and delegates to support staff to promote a positive patient experience.
• Adheres to all policies and procedures, including standards for safety, attendance, punctuality, and personal appearance.
• Completes other assigned duties that assist with safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Adheres to UI Health’s Code of Conduct; treats patients, families, staff, students, and visitors with respect and dignity.
• Complies with Nursing’s time, overtime, and attendance policies; completes electronic learning modules and related programs as assigned.
• Complies with University Health Services TB, flu compliance, and fit-testing requirements.
• Utilizes established communication channels/chain of command to escalate or resolve patient care problems.
• Identifies recurring clinical practice and/or unit problems and participates in problem-solving and resolution.
• Collaborates with other nurses to identify, promote, and provide positive learning experiences for staff and students; serves as preceptor and/or resource to other nursing staff and students.
• Accesses UI Health intranet/Outlook for relevant communication and reviews/interprets changes in policy, procedure, and other information pertinent to practice.
• Supports nursing and multidisciplinary research efforts conducted on the unit and UI Health; takes responsibility for continued professional growth by identifying learning needs and initiating strategies to meet them.
• Participates proactively in a committee or process improvement project.

Qualifications

• Eligibility for licensure as a Registered Professional Nurse with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation.
• Current AHA BLS/CPR, ACLS, and other required unit-specific certifications.
• Excellent attendance, interpersonal skills, and work history.
• Four or more years of recent ICU experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• BSN from an accredited nursing program.
• CPAN, CAPA, or nationally certified through ANCC-approved certifier.
• Current PALS certification or obtained within 6 months of hire.
• Pediatric experience.
• PACU experience (Phase I, Phase II, and Pediatric Recovery).
• Effective communication skills (oral and written).

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Life Insurance.
• Retirement Plan.
• Paid Time Off.
• Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Pay

The previously determined range for this position is $36.08/hr to $80.98/hr. The final rate offered will be determined by the collective bargaining agreement, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a rate at or near the top of the full range for a position. This position requires Illinois residency within 180 days of the hire date (RNs only).

Schedule

4-10 hour shifts, flexible day shift (Flex Days).