UI Health - Staff Nurse I - Neuroscience Center (Neurology)

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

Staff Nurse I is accountable for the delivery of patient care utilizing the Nursing Process and Relationship-Based Care model as the framework. The Staff Nurse I provides direct patient care and takes initiative to improve patient outcomes by integrating Shared Leadership, Evidence Based Practice, Relationship Based Care and standards of nursing excellence into clinical practice. Through therapeutic relationships with patients, families, self and colleagues, the Staff Nurse I functions as an interdisciplinary team member who provides quality patient care and fulfills unit and organizational goals.

Duties & Responsibilities

Completes required orientation program and unit-specific competencies.

Develops, implements and updates the patient's plan of care based on on-going assessment of the patient and input from the patient's family.

Shares information and collaborates with other members of the health care team to promote effective patient care.

Verifies and implements orders from physician, physician assistant and/or advance practice nurse by performing interventions as prescribed by the provider and documenting accurately in the electronic medical record.

Engages and obtains information from patient and/or family to develop an appropriate patient educational plan.

Recognizes symptoms, establishes priorities and responds to patient's changing needs.

Engages support personnel by delegating appropriate tasks per the Illinois State Nurse Practice Act and provides support and feedback.

Demonstrates a commitment to UI Health's values through teamwork and effective communication in an effort to achieve quality outcomes, patient safety, customer satisfaction and a clean, safe and therapeutic environment.

Other duties as assigned.

Professional/Leadership

Advocates for patients, families, and their significant others, the community, and the nursing profession.

Integrates theoretical knowledge, evidence-based research, current standards of practice and clinical experience to provide "quality" patient care as measured by established nursing quality standards and other governing/accrediting health care bodies.

Utilizes the hospital approved acuity tool and the electronic scheduling tool, to facilitate optimal staffing, scheduling and patient assignments.

Recognizes and supports Shared Leadership as the selected method of nursing governance.

Participates in organizational, departmental and shared leadership activities; supports department and unit goals in daily behavior.

Demonstrates accountability for job performance by: (1) seeking opportunities to enhance job skills and knowledge; (2) maintaining conditions of employment (RN licensure, BLS and other required unit-specific certifications).

Assumes role of Charge Nurse when assigned, utilizing appropriate resources and tools.

Receives and provides feedback to members of the health care team regarding performance/practice.

Organizational

Adheres to UI Health's Code of Conduct.

Treats patients/families, staff, students and visitors with respect and dignity.

Adheres to Nursing's time, overtime and attendance policies.

Completes electronic learning modules and related programs as assigned by UI Health by established date.

Complies with University Health Services TB, flu compliance and fit-testing requirements.

Utilizes established communication channels/chain of command to escalate or resolve patient care problems.

Identifies recurring clinical practice and/or related unit problems and participates in problem solving and resolution.

Education/Research

Collaborates with other nurses to identify, promote and provide positive learning experiences for staff and students.

Serves as preceptor and/or resource to other nursing staff and students.

Accesses UI Health intranet/Outlook for relevant communication and to review and interpret changes in policy, procedure and other information pertinent to practice.

Supports nursing and multidisciplinary research efforts conducted on the unit and UI Health.

Takes responsibility for continued professional growth/development by identification of learning needs and initiates strategies to meet such needs.

Reporting Structure

This person works independently within the scope of nursing practice. The Director/CNCII, acting as coach and mentor, provides direction, guidance, and feedback regarding practice and performance. The employee's performance is evaluated annually in writing and more frequently if needed. The employee and Director, meet on an as needed basis for coaching and mentoring where support, guidance and direction can be given. The RN provides and receives input from peers regarding practice/performance.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Eligibility for licensure as a Registered Professional Nurse with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation.
2. Current AHA BLS/CPR and other required unit specific certifications
3. Effective communication skills (oral and written) that facilitate therapeutic relationships between patients, family, and health care providers
4. Intermediate computer skills with the ability to become proficient in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) with on-the-job training
5. Excellent attendance, interpersonal skills and work history required.
6. One (1) year of Neurology experience

Preferred Qualifications

University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System