CLINICAL NURSE I - OPERATING ROOM/PERIOPERATIVE SERVICES - STROGER HOSPITAL - HIRING FAIR - MAY[...]

Overview Cook County Health will seek to fill the position by means of the Hiring Fair process. Note: Onsite interviews will be held at 1950 West Polk Street - 5th Floor, Chicago, IL 60612. The only opportunity to interview for this position will be on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. You must attend onsite at the Hiring Fair (and sit for an interview if qualified) to be considered for the position. Please apply and bring your resume and any applicable certifications. This position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement between Cook County and the National Nurses Organizing Committee. Cook County will exhaust internal eligible applicants prior to considering external applicants. A list of qualified candidates will be assembled should the position not be filled from internal applicants. Location and Department Location: John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital Department: Operating Room & Perioperative Services Shift: Various Shifts Pay range: $37.454 - $51.040 Salary is commensurate with years of RN experience indicated at time of application submittal. Experience not disclosed or documented at the time of application will not be considered for initial step placement. Job Summary Job Summary Union - NNOC The Operating Room Clinical Nurse I is specially trained to practice nursing during the Perioperative period. The dimensions of practice range from preoperative assessment to intraoperative intervention to postoperative evaluation. It is practice designed to meet a patient’s needs through the nursing process, ensuring continuity of care during the surgical experience. Typical Duties Day of Surgery Performs in scrub or circulating role. Checks the following day’s assignments to be prepared in anatomy, the surgeon’s preference, and sequence of procedure. If special instrumentation or prosthetics are requested, ensure they have arrived and familiar with usage. Attends report at scheduled time. Damp dusts operating room surfaces. Checks supplies against preference cards, obtaining any missing items. Ensures that required blood products are readily available in the Blood Bank. Opens sterile supplies with scrub staff. Performs initial baseline counts according to John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital (JSH) Policy and Procedures. Checks spotlights, connects suctions, and electrical equipment. Greets patients in Pre-Op area and receives hand-off communication from Pre-Op nurse; refers to Pre-Op admission policy; ensures patients are in operating room fifteen (15) minutes before scheduled start of surgery. Checks patient documentation preoperatively to ensure chart is complete with all appropriate consents signed, proper patient identification verified with Pre-Op during hand off; Labs/X-ray, etc. (refers to policy). Assesses the physical and psychosocial needs of the patient; provides physical and emotional support as needed; explains routines and procedures to patients. Assists patients in moving to the OR table; requests assistance if necessary for moving/positioning; secures safety belt. Keeps noise level to a minimum. Assures surgeon and assistant are present in the operating room before anesthesia begins; remains with the patient during anesthesia induction; assists the anesthesiologist as needed. Performs pre-induction and pre-incision time out, checks with surgical team and anesthesia staff. Assesses patient skin integrity on arrival to and prior to transfer from OR. Assists in positioning of the patient. Properly places grounding pad; refer to Electrosurgical Policy. Performs skin prep per departmental policy. Assists in gowning surgeons, assistants, etc. Connects suction and electrosurgical unit. Pours medications on back table; ensures labels on all solutions and medications are checked by both scrub and circulating staff; ensures expiration date is reviewed. Maintains ongoing assessment of supplies needed on the surgical field vs. supplies in the room. Ensures instrument, needle, and sponge counts are performed as required. Notifies control desk and holds area as needed for subsequent cases. Documents all supplies, implants and medications used during procedure. Remains in the operating room at all times unless properly relieved by another Registered Nurse. Prepares tape for dressings, gurney, and suction towards the end of procedure. Accurately performs and documents final sponge, needle, and instrument count. Cleans patient, applies dressings, and connects drains. Assists anesthesiologist (extubation) as needed. Completes and documents all nursing interventions performed in the operating room. Transfers patient to gurney. End of Procedure Cleans and stocks room. Ensures all sutures and supplies are returned to their proper place. Returns furniture and equipment to designated areas. Ensures specimen(s) and slips are transported to the specimen refrigerator. Assists in collecting equipment for workroom and cleaning of operating room. Completes documentation and submits to Main Operating Room Office. Signs out of Operating Room. Documents time next case is scheduled in the room. Performs special weekly assignments as needed. Clinical Work Activities Supports the John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital, Department of Nursing Philosophy and goals. Assumes responsibility for clinical competence and continuing education. Participates in educational activities to increase competency. Acts as a role model/preceptor for staff, orientees, and students in collaboration with other nursing staff and the clinical instructor. Participates in staff nurse meetings, unit conferences, and patient care conferences. Seeks involvement in committees and professional organizations. Provides care that respects patient rights and ethical practices. Incorporates current research into nursing practice and supports research efforts within the division/department. Contributes to the efficient management of the Perioperative area. Minimum Qualifications Licensed as a Registered Professional Nurse in the State of Illinois (Must provide proof at time of interview). One (1) year of Operating Room experience within the past six years OR proof of completing a Senior Synthesis or Capstone rotation in the Operating Room or Perioperative Services at time of interview. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (Must provide proof at time of interview). Preferred Qualifications Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited college or university. Two (2) years of Cardiothoracic OR experience in the scrub and circulating roles. Two (2) years of Neurosurgery OR experience in the scrub and circulating roles. Two (2) years of Vascular OR experience in the scrub and circulating roles. Two (2) years of Orthopedic OR experience in the scrub and circulating roles. One (1) year of OR robotics experience in the scrub and circulating roles. One (1) year of Operating Room nursing experience in the scrub and circulating roles. Certification in Perioperative nursing. Bilingual. Veteran Preference When applying for employment with Cook County Health & Hospitals System preference is given to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for not less than 6 months of continuous service. To take advantage of this preference a Veteran must meet the minimum qualifications for the position, identify as a Veteran on the employment application, and attach discharge papers as required. A copy of a valid state ID card or driver’s license identifying the holder as a Veteran may also be attached. Veterans must provide original applicable discharge papers or state ID at time of interview. Must meet all required qualifications at time of application filing. Benefits Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage Basic Term Life Insurance Pension Plan Deferred Compensation Program Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) eligibility 100% Tuition Reimbursement for nursing-related programs For further information on our benefits package, please visit: Degrees awarded outside of the United States must be credentialed by an approved U.S. credential evaluation service (NACES or AICE) at time of interview. Please note all offers of employment are contingent upon references, background checks, licensure/certifications, and successful completion of a physical and pre-employment drug screen. Cook County Health and Hospitals System is an equal opportunity employer. Job Posting May 12, 2026, 6:01:20 PM • Collective Bargaining Unit: NNOC Nurses • Organization: Health and Hospital Systems #J-18808-Ljbffr Cook County Health