Clinical Nurse I - Cermak

Cook County Government•Chicago, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Clinical Nurse I provides professional nursing care to patients/detainees of various ages at Cermak Health Services, using the nursing process of assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation. The nurse interacts effectively with patients/detainees, correctional officers, peers, department heads, physicians, and the multidisciplinary health team; maintains professional nursing standards; and applies critical thinking and problem-solving to support positive patient outcomes. The role practices within the scope of the Nurse Practice Act and demonstrates leadership by directing, supervising, and coordinating ambulatory and infirmary personnel, including Licensed Practical Nurses and other assigned nursing support staff. The nurse also offers constructive suggestions to improve patient care, clinical management, interdepartmental relationships, and patient/detainee health education, and participates in quality improvement and fiscal accountability. This position is in Patient Care Services, Division 8 – 4th Floor, at Cermak Health Services (Department of Corrections), 2800 S California Ave, Chicago, Illinois. The shift is 3:00 PM–11:30 PM. The position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement between Cook County and the National Nurses Organizing Committee. Salary is $38.203–$52.061 per hour, commensurate with RN experience disclosed and documented at application. Cook County will first consider eligible internal applicants and is assembling a list of qualified candidates for consideration if the role is not filled internally.

Requirements

Must be licensed as a Registered Professional Nurse in Illinois or be able to obtain Illinois licensure at least two weeks before starting employment.
Current CPR card is required; proof must be provided at the interview.
Knowledge of medical-surgical standards of care, skin and wound care, hypertension and its side effects, diabetic care, fluids and electrolytes, routine laboratory tests, and ambulatory care standards.
Basic knowledge of nursing management for oncology patients; patients with respiratory disturbances, TB, or asthma; patients with head trauma or neurological disturbances; patients with musculoskeletal challenges; and patients requiring restorative care.
Knowledge of nursing management of renal patients and demonstrated skills in that area.
Good physical assessment skills.
Competent skills in intravenous therapy, venous access, blood drawing, and point-of-care testing.
Ability to insert and manage nasogastric tubes and care for patients with digestive disturbances.
Must meet all required qualifications at the time of application filing.
Must maintain current professional licensure, CPR, and other applicable professional certifications.

Nice To Haves

One year of recent paid clinical experience, within the last three years, in acute care or an ambulatory facility.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
Drug/alcohol dependency or case management experience.
Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from an accredited school of nursing.

Responsibilities

Apply and document all elements of the nursing process, including assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of care for patients of all ages.
Use a multidisciplinary approach, critical thinking, and clinical judgment to support quality care and positive patient outcomes.
Delegate tasks to LPNs and other support staff while retaining responsibility for patient care; supervise and support nursing personnel.
Work with patients, families, and healthcare workers to help patients attain their achievable level of wellness.
Promote illness prevention through review of detainee Health Request Forms, patient assessment and triage, and patient education.
Participate in unit and division meetings, decision-making, cost containment, quality improvement, committees, and process management.
Follow Patient Care Services, divisional, institutional, and professional policies, procedures, and standards.
Maintain attendance and punctuality, complete at least 12 hours of annual in-service education, attend required training, and maintain current professional licensure, CPR, and other certifications.
Contribute to the orientation of new personnel.
Administer medications according to policy and practice standards, and document medication refusals or omissions.
Conduct patient rounds on units and tiers, assess healthcare and emergency-care needs, initiate appropriate actions, and facilitate transport to the emergency room when appropriate.
Use emergency equipment appropriately and assist providers with medical tasks and emergency situations.
Collaborate with physicians, EMTs, paramedics, healthcare team members, correctional staff, and support systems.
Promote positive customer relations and maintain professional conduct, appearance, communication, and grooming.
Maintain safety, ethics, confidentiality, and compliance with applicable regulatory and institutional requirements.
Assume responsibility for unit functioning and serve as a resource for unit personnel; report unit problems and activity to the House Administrator when the Nurse Coordinator is not on duty.
Make or adjust assignments as needed, inform personnel of changes, help prioritize and delegate work, and arrange staffing for the oncoming shift.
Coordinate supplies and equipment for continuity of care, maintain inventory, and prepare requisitions.
Make rounds to evaluate patient needs and care, maintain accountability for census and care needs, implement physician orders and nursing directives, and communicate unit activities to the Nurse Coordinator.
Provide reports to the charge nurse or manager and maintain clinic service records and logs.
Provide direct patient care; observe and collect assessment data, contribute to nursing diagnoses and care plans, and document care administered.
Participate in team conferences, in-service presentations, staff meetings, patient care conferences, and other patient-care or management training.
Perform other duties as assigned.