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

Requisition ID: 1040439 • FTE: 1 • Illinois residency required within 180 days of hire (RNs only)

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 deliver high-quality perioperative nursing care—preoperative intake, support for minor procedures, post-anesthesia recovery Phase I & Phase II, and recovery room boarders for all levels of care, including ICU—across a diverse patient population from pediatrics to geriatrics.

Responsibilities

• Establish an in-depth database by assessing the behavioral and physical status of pre-surgical patients through interview, observation, and physical examination; interpret overt and subtle data to determine physiologic or psychosocial risk.
• Deliver quality nursing care for patients undergoing surgical and non-invasive procedures in accordance with age-related and individual needs, physician’s orders, hospital policy, and standards of care.
• Assess patient needs, plan nursing care, and ensure the plan is carried out and documented following the nursing process.
• Provide safe, therapeutic, and quality care by utilizing the nursing process and diagnosis in a timely manner, setting appropriate priorities.
• Evaluate patient responses to care based on the effectiveness of nursing interventions; consult with medical staff, Care Team Lead, and/or Nursing Supervisor.
• Demonstrate critical thinking by integrating theoretical knowledge and expertise to address clinical questions when evidence and practice differ; recommend changes to the plan of care based on observed variances.
• Integrate nursing interventions into the multidisciplinary plan of care, incorporating appropriate standards of care and practice.
• Identify learning needs with patients and families; teach by adapting standard information to provide individualized and comprehensive education.
• Incorporate discharge/home care planning into the multidisciplinary plan of care.
• Develop a therapeutic relationship by establishing trust, enabling patients and families to verbalize care requirements comfortably.
• Support and enhance patient responsibility and self-determination in decision-making concerning health, treatment, and well-being.
• Demonstrate competence in all areas of PeriAnesthesia—Preop, Phase I, Phase II recovery, and extended care for boarder post-surgical patients, including ICU.
• Check and update patient files, charts, and medical records; ensure operative/informed consents are accurate and signed per policy.
• Assess and instruct patients/families prior to surgery; develop and implement appropriate patient educational plans.
• Observe patients for side effects of anesthesia; monitor and record vital signs during panesthesia and perianesthesia phases.
• Monitor patient’s level of consciousness throughout sedation recovery; perform post-operative tasks such as administering medication or changing dressings.
• Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, physicians, and other care team members to ensure effective patient care.
• Discern and execute provider orders per hospital policy, guidelines, or protocol; verify and implement orders accurately in the electronic medical record.
• Administer a variety of treatments and medications, including all medications on the crash cart.
• Collaborate with the medical team on post-operative patient care and facilitate timely specialized interventions.
• Treat pain, nausea, and other post-operative symptoms of anesthesia; provide comfort and answer questions when patients wake from sedation.
• Ensure accurate patient intake through chart review and questioning using safe communication tactics.
• Monitor and accurately document vital signs; ensure patient meets discharge criteria.
• Monitor patients’ condition and report changes to appropriate physicians; ensure patient comfort and address questions from patients and care providers.
• Coordinate holistic care needs with the interprofessional team; evaluate the effectiveness of teaching interventions and patient/family understanding.
• Educate patients and families regarding post-surgery care at home; oversee tasks and delegate to support staff to promote a positive patient experience.
• Adhere to all policies and procedures, including standards for safety, attendance, punctuality, and personal appearance.
• Participate in organizational, departmental, and shared leadership activities; support department and unit goals in daily behavior.
• Adhere to UI Health’s Code of Conduct; treat patients, families, staff, students, and visitors with respect and dignity.
• Comply with Nursing’s time, overtime, and attendance policies; complete electronic learning modules and related programs as assigned.
• Comply with University Health Services TB, flu compliance, and fit-testing requirements.
• Utilize established communication channels/chain of command to escalate or resolve patient care problems.
• Identify recurring clinical practice and/or unit problems; participate in problem-solving and resolution.
• Collaborate with other nurses to identify, promote, and provide positive learning experiences for staff and students.
• Serve as preceptor and/or resource to other nursing staff and students.
• Access UI Health intranet/Outlook for relevant communication and review changes in policy, procedure, and other practice-related information.
• Support nursing and multidisciplinary research efforts conducted on the unit and within UI Health.
• Take responsibility for continued professional growth by identifying learning needs and initiating strategies to meet them.
• Be proactive 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 national certification through an 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).

Schedule

4 × 10-hour shifts (flexible day shift).

Pay

The determined range for this position is $36.08/hr to $80.98/hr. The final rate offered will be based on 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 range.

Benefits

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

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, 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.

Reporting Structure

This position works independently within the scope of nursing practice. The Director/CNCII provides direction, guidance, and feedback regarding practice and performance. Performance is evaluated annually in writing and more frequently if needed. The employee and Director meet as needed for coaching and mentoring. The Perianesthesia RN collaborates with peers and delegates appropriate tasks to support personnel per the Illinois State Nurse Practice Act.

Values and UI CARE Standards

• Inclusion: We believe diversity is our strength and do not tolerate discrimination. We recognize and celebrate differences to ensure everyone feels valued and respected.
• Compassion: We treat patients and their families with kindness and strive to understand and respond to their needs.
• Accountability: We act ethically and responsibly, ensuring transparency and reducing waste in all forms.
• Respect: We act with respect, openness, and honesty in all dealings, promoting collaboration and well-being.
• Excellence: We leverage best practices and innovation to provide the highest-quality care and continuously improve.