CLINICAL NURSE I - MEDICAL/SURGICAL 6S

Cook County•Chicago, IL

2d•$37 - $51•Onsite

About The Position

To provide ongoing professional, holistic, and consistent patient centered care to patients experiencing acute and chronic medical and surgical conditions by trained and competent staff according to their job descriptions. A multidisciplinary care approach is implemented to provide the highest standards of nursing care for the medical management of a patient’s disease condition for health promotion and maintenance. A safe and therapeutic care environment is provided to the patients for optimal healing, recovery and restoration of functioning and prevention of complications. Opportunities for patient and family education are utilized to improve self-management of symptoms, to encourage follow up care and enhance the quality of life. All health care members of the team collaborate and coordinate care services to reduce the patient’s length of stay and improve care outcomes. The nursing staff renders individualized care to all patients admitted for illness, surgical interventions, diagnostic testing, and observation. Patient care is staffed with a highly skilled and efficient nurse manager, charge nurse, registered nurses, health advocates, patient sitters, and a unit clerk. Staffing needs are based according to patient acuity and unit census and the normal staffing ratio is 1:5. Charge nurses are assigned patients, usually less based on the availability of staff and they are responsible for leading safety huddles, preparing staffing assignment, participating in the interdisciplinary care rounds with physicians, social worker and case manager, conducting safety checks and environment of care rounds, and coordinating admission, transfer and discharge process within the unit. The nursing staff reports to the Nurse manager who works collaboratively with the Director of Nursing and Chief Nursing Officer. Nurse Manager also determines scheduling needs for extra shifts/Overtime, evaluates the performance of the staff and ensures staff is providing quality patient care. The Clinical Nurse I is a professional care worker who is responsible and accountable for providing and coordinating safe, effective individualized nursing care to critically ill patients and supportive care to significant others. Assess patient’s needs and pain, implements, and evaluates nursing care according to established standards. These activities require nursing judgment based on application of scientific principles of nursing, problem solving, and teaching/learning. MULTIPLE VACANCIES

Requirements

Licensed as a Registered Nurse in the State of Illinois or ability to obtain license two (2) weeks prior to starting employment is required. (Must provide proof at time of interview if already obtained)
Active Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or able to obtain one within two (2) weeks of starting, is required. (Must provide proof at time of interview if already obtained)
Knowledge of using medical/surgical equipment
Excellent verbal and written communication skills necessary to communicate with all levels of staff and a patient population composed of diverse cultures and age groups
Emergency response skills
Accurate mathematical skills to calculate medications levels using weight, age, etc.
Ability to apply the nursing process and utilize technical skills for patient care delivery
Ability to make decisions under pressure
Ability to see and hear clearly (including with correction)
Ability to distinguish regular/high pitched sounds; discriminate source of sound
Ability to demonstrate rapid physical/mental coordination
Ability to use both legs, hands, and fingers
Demonstrate attention to detail, accuracy and precision
Demonstrates knowledge of and rationale for the safe use of equipment
Demonstrates an ability to effectively utilize the nursing process as a basis for delivery of patient care
Demonstrates knowledge in the current use of all forms and reports required in the day-to-day operation of the unit
Demonstrates responsibility for professional growth and development in maintaining competency in nursing practice

Nice To Haves

One (1) to five (5) years of acute care experience is preferred.
CMSRN certification or other specialty certification is preferred.
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

Identifies, plans, and cares for the total needs of patients taking into consideration the age specific needs of patients served in assigned area of responsibility.
Performs initial and ongoing assessment/data collection that includes consideration of biophysical, psychosocial, environmental, self-care, educational and discharge planning factors in a systematic manner.
Formulates an individualized plan of care based on patient's assessed needs, desired outcome and consideration of age related requirements.
Implements care in knowledgeable, skillful and a safe manner based on established patient and nursing practice standards.
Evaluates effectiveness of care and revise interventions as appropriate.
Documents all nursing assessments, treatments, medications, tolerance to procedures, changes in condition, intervention and patient outcomes.
Develops, implements, and evaluates educational services/programs for patients.
Makes appropriate and timely decisions in a crisis or emergency situation.
Performs and/or directs cardio-pulmonary resuscitation activities.
Operates equipment safely and necessary for providing patient care in assigned clinical areas.
Works and communicates effectively with a variety of individuals.
Provides general direction, guidance and coordination of patient care given by other levels of nursing staff.
Applies knowledge of standard operating policies and procedures.
Demonstrates awareness of patient/family rights and ethical/legal issues.
Participates in staff orientation and staff development activities for the unit.
Demonstrates responsibility and accountability for professional practice, growth and development.
Performs other duties as assigned.