CLINICAL NURSE I - MEDICAL/SURGICAL 8E

PLEASE BE ADVISED that this position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement between Cook County and the National Nurses Organizing Committee. Pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement, Cook County will exhaust internal eligible applicants prior to considering external applicants. Cook County is assembling a list of qualified candidates for this position that will be considered should the position not be filled with internal eligible applicants.

JOB SUMMARY

LOCATION: John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital (Medical/Surgical - 8E Unit)
SHIFT: 7:00 P.M. - 7:30 A.M. (36 hours a week/72 hours a pay period)
Starting salary is commensurate with years of RN experience

The Clinical Nurse I is a professional care worker who is responsible and accountable for providing and coordinating safe, effective individualized nursing care to critically ill patients and supportive care to significant others. Assess patient's needs and pain, implements, and evaluates nursing care according to established standards. These activities require nursing judgment based on application of scientific principles of nursing, problem solving, and teaching/learning.

Typical Duties

• Identifies, plans, and cares for the total needs of patients taking into consideration the age specific needs of patients served in assigned area of responsibility.
• Performs initial and ongoing assessment/data collection that includes consideration of biophysical, psychosocial, environmental, self-care, educational and discharge planning factors in a systematic manner.
• Formulates an individualized plan of care based on patient's assessed needs, desired outcome and consideration of age related requirements.
• Implements care in knowledgeable, skillful and a safe manner based on established patient and nursing practice standards.
• Evaluates effectiveness of care and revise interventions as appropriate.
• Documents all nursing assessments, treatments, medications, tolerance to procedures, changes in condition, intervention and patient outcomes.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates educational services/programs for patients.
• Makes appropriate and timely decisions in a crisis or emergency situation.
• Performs and/or directs cardio-pulmonary resuscitation activities.
• Operates equipment safely and necessary for providing patient care in assigned clinical areas.
• Works and communicates effectively with a variety of individuals.
• Provides general direction, guidance and coordination of patient care given by other levels of nursing staff.
• Applies knowledge of standard operating policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates awareness of patient/family rights and ethical/legal issues.
• Participates in staff orientation and staff development activities for the unit.
• Demonstrates responsibility and accountability for professional practice, growth and development.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationships

Reports to the Nurse Coordinator II

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Licensed as a Registered Nurse in the State of Illinois or ability to obtain license two (2) weeks prior to starting employment. (Must provide proof at time of interview if already obtained)
• Active Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or able to obtain one within two (2) weeks of starting. (Must provide proof at time of interview if already obtained)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• One (1) to five (5) years of acute care experience.
• CMSRN certification or other specialty certification.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

• Knowledge of using medical/surgical equipment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills necessary to communicate with all levels of staff and a patient population composed of diverse cultures and age groups
• Emergency response skills
• Accurate mathematical skills to calculate medications levels using weight, age, etc.
• Ability to apply the nursing process and utilize technical skills for patient care delivery
• Ability to make decisions under pressure
• Ability to see and hear clearly (including with correction)
• Ability to distinguish regular/high pitched sounds; discriminate source of sound
• Ability to demonstrate rapid physical/mental coordination
• Ability to use both legs, hands, and fingers
• Demonstrate attention to detail, accuracy and precision
• Demonstrates knowledge of and rationale for the safe use of equipment
• Demonstrates an ability to effectively utilize the nursing process as a basis for delive