CLINICAL NURSE I - OPERATING ROOM NURSING

Cook County•Chicago, IL

4d•$38 - $52•Onsite

About The Position

The Operating Room Clinical Nurse I is specially trained to practice nursing throughout the perioperative period, from preoperative assessment through intraoperative intervention and postoperative evaluation. The role uses the nursing process to meet patient needs and ensure continuity of care during the surgical experience at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital’s Perioperative Services department. The position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between Cook County and the National Nurses Organizing Committee. Cook County will consider eligible internal applicants before external applicants and is assembling a list of qualified candidates in case the position is not filled internally. The nurse works in a scrub or circulating role and prepares for, supports, and documents surgical procedures. Duties include preparing the operating room and supplies; verifying patient records, identity, consent, and readiness; assessing and supporting patients; assisting with positioning, anesthesia, surgical preparation, and procedures; maintaining counts and documenting supplies, implants, medications, and nursing interventions; and helping transfer patients and restore the room after procedures. The nurse also participates in continuing education, staff and patient-care conferences, professional activities, and efforts to support research and efficient perioperative operations. The posted shift is 2:30 p.m. to 10:45 p.m. The pay range is $38.203–$52.061, with salary commensurate with years of experience disclosed and documented at application. The posting describes medical, dental, and vision coverage, basic term life insurance, a pension plan, deferred compensation, paid holidays, vacation and sick time, possible eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and 100% tuition reimbursement for nursing-related programs. Offers are contingent on satisfactory references, background checks, appropriate licensure and certifications, and successful completion of a physical and pre-employment drug screen.

Requirements

Current license as a Registered Professional Nurse in the State of Illinois; proof must be provided at interview if already obtained.
One year of Operating Room experience within the past six years, or proof at interview of completing a Senior Synthesis or Capstone rotation in the Operating Room or Perioperative Services.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification; proof must be provided at interview if already obtained.
Demonstrated working knowledge of current accrediting and regulatory agency requirements.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills for interacting with people from varied socioeconomic backgrounds.
Strong emergency response, customer service, and empathy skills.
Analytical, organizational, problem-solving, critical-thinking, and conflict-management or resolution skills.
Attention to detail, accuracy, and precision.
Ability to resolve complex patient and administrative problems and research issues.
Ability to prioritize, plan, and organize projects and tasks.
Ability to maintain professional demeanor and composure when challenged.
Ability to function autonomously and as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
Ability to see and hear clearly, with correction if needed.
Ability to tolerate exposure to unpleasant noise, odor, and temperature.
Ability to walk extensively, lift moderately heavy objects, and climb stairs.
Ability to push, pull, twist, turn, bend, kneel, stoop, lift, reach above the shoulder, and stand for prolonged periods.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited college or university.
Two years of Cardiothoracic Operating Room experience in scrub and circulating roles.
Two years of Neurosurgery Operating Room experience in scrub and circulating roles.
Two years of Vascular Operating Room experience in scrub and circulating roles.
Two years of Orthopedic Operating Room experience in scrub and circulating roles.
One year of Operating Room robotics experience in scrub and circulating roles.
One year of Operating Room nursing experience in scrub and circulating roles.
Certification in perioperative nursing.
Bilingual ability.

Responsibilities

Perform in a scrub or circulating role.
Review the next day's assignments and prepare by learning relevant anatomy, surgeon preferences, procedural sequence, and the use and availability of requested instruments or prosthetics.
Attend report at the scheduled time; damp-dust operating room surfaces; check supplies against preference cards and obtain missing items; confirm required blood products are available; open sterile supplies with scrub staff; and perform initial baseline counts according to hospital policy.
Check spotlights, connect suction and electrical equipment, and prepare the operating room for the procedure.
Greet patients in Pre-Op, receive hand-off communication, verify required documentation and patient identification, and ensure the patient is in the operating room 15 minutes before the scheduled surgery start.
Assess patients' physical and psychosocial needs, provide physical and emotional support, explain routines and procedures as needed, and assess skin integrity on arrival and before transfer from the operating room.
Assist patients with moving to the operating room table and with positioning; request assistance when needed and secure the safety belt.
Confirm the surgeon and assistant are present before anesthesia begins, remain with the patient during induction, and assist the anesthesiologist as needed.
Perform pre-induction and pre-incision time-outs with the surgical and anesthesia teams.
Place the grounding pad according to policy, perform skin preparation according to departmental policy, assist with gowning, and connect suction and the electrosurgical unit.
Manage medications and solutions on the back table, ensuring labels and expiration dates are checked by scrub and circulating staff and notifying the anesthesiologist when specified medications are on the field.
Continuously assess supplies needed on the surgical field and in the room; ensure counts are performed when scrub or circulating staff are permanently relieved.
Contact the Holding area about the next scheduled case before closure of the current case and notify the Control Desk if the room is running late and may delay the next surgery.
Document supplies, implants, medications, nursing interventions, and final sponge, needle, and instrument counts according to hospital policy.
Remain in the operating room unless properly relieved by another registered nurse; notify scrub staff before leaving to obtain additional supplies when necessary.
Prepare dressings, gurney, and suction near the end of the procedure; clean the patient, apply dressings, connect drains, assist with extubation as needed, and transfer the patient to a gurney.
Clean and stock the operating room; return sutures, supplies, furniture, and equipment to their designated places; ensure specimens and slips are placed in the specimen refrigerator; and assist with equipment collection and room cleaning.
Complete and submit documentation to the Main Operating Room Office, sign out of the operating room, document the time the next case is scheduled in the room, and perform special weekly assignments as needed.
Support the Department of Nursing philosophy and goals; maintain clinical competence through continuing education and educational activities; and serve as a role model or preceptor for staff, orientees, and students in collaboration with nursing staff and the clinical instructor.
Participate in staff meetings, unit and patient-care conferences, committees, and professional organizations to coordinate care and contribute to professional practice.
Provide ethical care that respects patient rights, incorporate current research into nursing practice, support departmental research efforts, and contribute to efficient perioperative operations.