UI Health - Staff Nurse I - PACU (Flexible days)

Hiring Department: PACU Location: Chicago, IL USA Requisition ID: 1040439

FTE : 1

Work Schedule – 4-10 hr Shifts-Flexible Day Shift : Flex Days # of Position: 1 Posting Date: 4/16/2026 Salary: The previously determined range for this position was $36.08/hr to $80.98/hr. Final rate offered will be determined by the collective bargaining agreement, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a rate at or near the top of the full range for a position. This position requires Illinois residency within 180 days of the hire date.(RNs only) About the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (UI Health) 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. Learn more: 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 Staff Nurse I provides direct patient care and takes the initiative to improve patient outcomes by integrating Shared Leadership, Evidence Based Practice, Relationship Based Care, & standards of nursing excellence into clinical practice. This position integrates professional practice model, current standards of practice & clinical experience to provide "quality" patient care as measured by established nursing quality standards & other governing/accrediting health care bodies. The Staff Nurse I engages & obtains information from patient and family to advocate for the patient, develops an appropriate patient educational plan, & responds to patient's changing needs while sharing information & collaborating with other members of the health care team to promote effective patient care. The Staff Nurse I participates in organizational, departmental, and shared leadership activities; supports department and unit goals in daily behavior. Duties & Responsibilities Provides safe, high-quality perioperative nursing care which encompasses preoperative intake, support for minor procedures, post-anesthesia recovery Phase I & Phase II, and recovery room boarders for all levels of care to include ICU for a diverse patient population spanning the continuum from pediatrics to geriatrics. Establishes an in-depth database by assessing the behavioral and physical status of a variety of pre-surgical patient populations, utilizing interview, observation, and physical examination. Interprets overt and subtle data to determine physiologic or psychosocial risk. Ensures the delivery of quality nursing care for patients undergoing surgical and non-invasive procedures in accordance with age-related and individual needs, physician's orders, hospital policy, standards of care and nursing practice. Responsible for assessing the needs of patients, planning nursing care to meet those needs, and ensuring that the plan of care is carried out and documented according to the principles defined in the nursing process. Provides patient with safe, therapeutic, and quality care by utilizing the nursing process and diagnosis in a timely manner, setting appropriate priorities. Evaluates patient’s responses to care based on the effectiveness of nursing interventions in relation to established outcomes and consults with the medical staff, Care Team Lead, and/or Nursing Supervisor. Demonstrates critical thinking by integrating theoretical knowledge and expertise to pose relevant clinical questions when evidence and practice differ. Recommends changes to the plan of care based on observed variances. Integrates nursing interventions into the multidisciplinary plan of care, incorporating appropriate standards of care and practice. Identifies learning needs with patients and families and teaches by adapting standard information to provide individualized and comprehensive learning. Incorporates discharge/home care planning into the multidisciplinary plan of care. Develops a therapeutic relationship by establishing trust and enabling the patient and/or family to verbalize the requirements for care comfortably. Supports and enhances the patient’s responsibility and self-determination in decision making concerning health, treatment, and well-being. Competent in all areas of PeriAnesthesia - Preop, Phase 1, and Phase 2 recovery areas, and extended care to boarder post-surgical patients requiring the appropriate level of care including ICU. Checking and updating patient files, charts, and medical records Assure that operative/informed consents are accurate and signed per policy Assess and instruct patient/family prior to surgery Engages and obtains information from patient and/or family to develop an appropriate patient educational plan Observing patients for side effects of anesthesia Monitoring and recording patient vital signs during the panesthesia Monitoring and recording patient vital signs during the perianesthesia phases Monitoring patient’s level of consciousness throughout sedation recovery Performing post-operative tasks, such as administering medication or changing dressings Collaborating with surgeons, anesthesiologists, physicians, and other members of the patient’s care team Discern and execute provider orders per hospital policy, guidelines, or protocol Verifies and implements orders from providers, by performing interventions as prescribed by the provider and documenting accurately in the electronic medical record. Ability to administer a variety of treatments & medications, including all medications on the crash cart Collaborating with the medical team on post-operative patient care and facilitating timely specialized interventions. Treating pain, nausea, and other post-operative symptoms of anesthesia. Providing comfort and answering questions when patients wake from sedation Assure intake of patient is accurate through chart review, questioning using safe communication tactics outlined in learning modules Monitor and accurately document vital signs and assure patient meets discharge criteria Monitor patients’ condition and report and changes to the appropriate physicians Assure patient comfort, address, and resolve patient and care provider questions. Coordinate holistic care needs with the interprofessional team. Evaluates effectiveness of teaching interventions and the patient/family’s level of understanding. Educating patients and their families regarding post-surgery care at home Oversees tasks and delegates to support staff and promotes positive patient experience. Requires adherence to all policies and procedures, including but not limited to standards for safety, attendance, punctuality, and personal appearance. Other assigned duties that will assist with safety, quality, and efficiency 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 elevate 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. Be proactive in a committee or a process improvement project 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 Extra help Perianesthesia RN provides and receives input from peers regarding expected care and documentation. 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. Our Values and UI CARE (Inclusion, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence) Standards Inclusion: We believe diversity is our strength and do not tolerate discrimination in any form. We recognize and celebrate differences and uniqueness amongst our patients, staff, and faculty to ensure that everyone feels valued and respected. Compassion: We will treat our patients and their families with kindness and compassion and strive to better understand and respond to their needs. Accountability: We will hold ourselves accountable as an organization and as individuals to act ethically and responsibly in everything we do, to be excellent stewards of our natural and financial resources and to be transparent in our actions. We will make every effort to reduce waste in all forms, including waste that impacts human health. Respect: We will act with respect, openness and honesty in our dealings with patients, families and coworkers. We will work collaboratively to promote the well-being of the communities we serve and to advance patient care, education and research. Excellence: We will work as a team to leverage best practices and innovation in providing the highest-quality care for our patients and families. We will devote ourselves to continuously improve in everything we do Minimum Qualifications Eligibility for licensure as a Registered Professional Nurse with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation. Required Eligibility for licensure as a Registered Professional Nurse with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation. Current AHA BLS/CPR, ACLS, and other required unit specific certifications. Excellent attendance, interpersonal skills and work history required. Four plus years of recent ICU experience required. Preferred Qualifications Minimum BSN preferred of an accredited nursing program CPAN, CAPA or Nationally certified through ANCC approved certifier Current PALS certification or obtained within 6 months of hire. Pediatric experience preferred. PACU experience (Phase I, Phase II, and Pedicatric Recovery) preferred. Effective communication skills (oral and written) that facilitate therapeutic relationships between patients, family, and health care providers. Basic computer skills with the ability to become proficient in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) with on-the-job training The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify. The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of Illinois Chicago