UI Health - Staff Nurse I - PACU - Flexible Evenings

Perianesthesia Staff Nurse I

The University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (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 and 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.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Position Summary: The Perianesthesia Staff Nurse I is responsible for delivering comprehensive, patient-centered perianesthesia care across the care continuum, utilizing the Nursing Process and a Relationship-Based Care model. This role provides care to patients across the lifespan, from pediatric to geriatric populations in a variety of settings. This includes the outpatient, inpatient pre-procedure, and post-procedure recovery.

The Perianesthesia Staff Nurse I provides direct patient care while actively contributing to improved patient outcomes through Shared Leadership, Evidence-Based Practice, and nursing excellence standards. The nurse collaborates with patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members to ensure high-quality, coordinated care, and supports unit and organizational goals.

This role also serves as a clinical resource, role model, and educator, with expected participation in Shared Leadership and unit-based initiatives to advance clinical practice and patient care delivery.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Complete required orientation and unit-specific competencies.
• Deliver perianesthesia nursing care across the continuum, including outpatient, inpatient pre-procedure, and post-procedure recovery settings.
• Provide age-appropriate care for patients across the lifespan (pediatric through geriatric).
• Develop, implement, and update individualized patient care plans based on ongoing assessments and patient/family input.
• Deliver and document patient care in accordance with provider orders and organizational standards.
• Collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary team members to promote optimal patient outcomes.
• Educate patients and families to support informed decision-making and continuity of care.
• Recognize changes in patient condition, prioritize care needs, and respond appropriately.
• Delegate tasks in accordance with the Illinois Nurse Practice Act, providing guidance and feedback to support staff.
• Serve as Charge Nurse as assigned, utilizing appropriate resources and supporting unit operations.
• Act as a clinical resource and assist staff with policy, procedure, and patient care questions.
• Lead and participate in unit-based quality improvement initiatives.
• Support Shared Leadership through council participation and engagement in governance activities.
• Maintain compliance with all organizational policies, regulatory requirements, and accreditation standards.
• Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and commitment to continuous learning and development.
• Promote a safe, clean, and therapeutic environment for patients, families, and staff.
• Advocate for patients, families, and the nursing profession.
• Utilize staffing and acuity tools to support safe and effective patient assignments.
• Participate in research and evidence-based practice initiatives.
• Identify workflow or clinical issues and contribute to problem-solving and process improvement.
• Complete all required training, certifications, and mandatory health compliance requirements (e.g., TB, flu, and fit testing through University Health Services).
• Adhere to UI Health's Code of Conduct and Standards of Behavior.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Eligibility for licensure as a Registered Professional Nurse with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation.

• Minimum of 5 years of nursing experience.
• Current BLS, ACLS certifications.
• Prior to hire PALS certifications.
• Current AHA BLS/CPR certification (additional unit-specific certifications required).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Intermediate computer skills with the ability to learn electronic health records.
• Demonstrated reliability, professionalism, and strong interpersonal skills.
• Minimum of 3 years of critical care RN experience and/or Experience in PACU care settings.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior Charge Nurse experience (2+ years).
• Critical care or specialty certification preferred.
• Experience with Epic electronic health record system.
• CPAN certification.
• Bilingual skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office