Pre/Post-Op Clinical Nurse - Feinberg PACU, Full-time, Nights

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare • Chicago, IL

22d • $39 - $62

About The Position

The Pre/Post-Op Clinical Nurse works in the Feinberg Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), a high-acuity unit supporting the main Feinberg Operating Room and off-site interventional areas. The unit provides close monitoring and recovery care for patients following complex surgical interventions, as well as pre-operative care for patients from inpatient areas. Nurses care for complex surgical patients and use advanced technology and critical-care judgment to provide comprehensive, evidence-based nursing care.

The PACU cares for patients across a broad range of specialties and procedures, including cardiac surgery and shock, transplants, general and abdominal surgery, trauma, urology, interventional radiology, neurosurgery, spinal procedures, ENT, plastics, pulmonary and vascular procedures, and orthopedics. Care may involve devices and interventions such as EVDs, shunts, BiPAP, ventilators, and LVADs. The unit supports professional development through opportunities such as departmental quality coaching and participation in the LEAD (Lead, Excel, and Develop) program.

The nurse reflects Northwestern Medicine’s mission, vision, and values; follows its Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program; and complies with applicable policies, procedures, and regulatory and accreditation standards. Candidates must have at least two years of ICU, PACU, or ER nursing work experience. This is a 0.9 FTE position with three 12-hour shifts per week, 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m., on rotating days of the week.

Requirements

• At least two years of ICU, PACU, or ER nursing work experience.
• Graduate of an NLN-accredited school or college of nursing.
• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing or higher.
• Current State of Illinois Registered Professional Nurse license.
• Current American Heart Association healthcare-provider-level Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation recognition.
• Current American Heart Association ACLS recognition.
• Analytic ability, including conceptual and quantitative skills.
• Oral, listening, and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact and collaborate effectively with others in difficult situations.
• Ability to lift or carry up to 35 pounds.
• Ability to push or pull with 50 pounds of force.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in the specific clinical area.
• Nursing specialty certification, if eligible.

Responsibilities

• Practice in accordance with the patient-centered care model and develop individualized, age-specific, culturally sensitive plans of care using the nursing process.
• Advocate for patients, protect their health, safety, and rights, maintain a safe environment, and incorporate significant others into care planning where appropriate.
• Use a team approach to establish and achieve individualized daily care goals, and identify and help resolve potential conflicts through established communication channels.
• Participate in research-related activities, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Provide safe, surgery-specific postoperative care, including assessment, monitoring for potential complications, and discharge teaching; identify potential pre-anesthetic surgical risk factors.
• Pursue continuing education and specialty certification when eligible, continually enhance clinical skills, and share knowledge with team members, patients, and students.
• Apply critical thinking to clinical questions and differences between evidence and practice; set priorities, establish measurable goals, and implement nursing interventions safely and promptly.
• Develop and implement individualized education plans for patients and families, evaluate and document responses to interventions, and adjust plans of care based on findings.
• Recognize situations requiring further intervention, escalate appropriately, and consult appropriate experts and resources.
• Participate in forming, implementing, and evaluating team goals; delegate and supervise interventions appropriately; and provide complete, timely, accurate handoffs.
• Adhere to ethical standards and be prepared to intervene in the event of a complication or undesired outcome.
• Participate in at least one volunteer initiative annually, organized by Northwestern Memorial or independently.
• Build consistent, respectful connections with patients and families; proactively address concerns, including expected delays; and support recovery or, where appropriate, a peaceful death.
• Participate in a professional organization or a Northwestern Memorial committee or task force; collaborate with colleagues and other departments; and contribute to professional growth and team development.
• Serve as a community mentor and preceptor for new team members, and participate constructively in peer feedback and evaluation.
• Contribute to policies, procedures, and systems for safe and effective care through the Shared Leadership Process; participate in innovation projects and unit-based quality improvement committees.
• Meet internal and external regulatory and accreditation requirements, support Northwestern Memorial’s strategic, operational, and fiscal goals, and maintain a professional image.
• Maintain and advance the professional image and practice of nursing through ongoing use of professional organizations, literature, and electronic resources.

Benefits

• The employer describes a range of benefits intended to support physical, emotional, and financial well-being and provide protection for unexpected life events.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Loan forgiveness.
• 401(k) matching.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level