UI Health - Staff Nurse I - Surgicenter (Flex/days)

Perianesthesia Staff Nurse I

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 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.
• Minimum of 2 years of critical care RN experience.
• Current BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Intermediate computer skills with the ability to learn electronic health records.
• Demonstrated reliability, professionalism, and strong interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior Charge Nurse experience (2+ years).
• CAPA certification.
• Critical care or specialty certification preferred.
• Experience in preoperative, perianesthesia, and surgical care settings.
• Experience with Epic electronic health record system.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Bilingual skills.

University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System