Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago provides superior pediatric care in a setting that offers the latest benefits and innovations in medical technology, research and family-friendly design. As the largest pediatric provider in the region with a 140-year legacy of excellence, kids and their families are at the center of all we do. Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is ranked in all 10 specialties by the U.S. News & World Report.

Day (United States of America)

Location

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago

Job Description

The Eating Disorder Nurse Specialist – Hem/Onc/BMT is a registered nurse who provides expert, evidence-based care for pediatric patients admitted with eating disorders. This role serves as the primary clinical resource, coordinator, and point of contact for all aspects of inpatient eating disorder care—including medical stabilization, behavioral expectations, family education, and interprofessional communication.

When eating disorder census is low, this nurse will provide direct patient care within the Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplant population in alignment with unit standards and competencies. This dual-specialty design ensures consistent support for eating disorder care while maintaining staffing flexibility and continuity across the unit.

The Eating Disorder Nurse Specialist functions as a clinical resource, mentor, and partner to nursing staff, ESS staff, physicians, dietitians, mental health providers, and families to ensure a safe, therapeutic, and structured environment for this vulnerable patient population.

Additional Job Description:

Primary Responsibilities (Eating Disorder Focus)

Patient Management & Clinical Care

• Serve as the primary nurse for patients admitted with eating disorders on the Hem/Onc/SCT unit.

• Conduct comprehensive assessments including vitals, orthostatic, intake/output, and medical/behavioral indicators of stabilization.

• Implement and reinforce eating disorder protocols, pathways, and unit expectations.

• Ensure accurate and timely documentation in accordance with program standards.

Coordination & Communication

• Lead communication between the interdisciplinary care team (medicine, psychiatry, dietitians, therapists), parents/caregivers, and bedside staff.

• Coordinate ESS (Eating Support Specialist) workflows, hand-off expectations, and escalation processes.

• Participate in daily rounds and advocate for EDO-specific needs and safety considerations.

Environment & Program Support

• Maintain therapeutic meal environments, Protected Meals protocols, and safety measures.

• Monitor compliance with privileges, movement guidelines, room safety, and engagement expectations.

• Assist with ongoing updates to the Eating Disorder Program, including documents, resources, and staff training materials.

Education & Resource Role

• Serve as the first-line resource for bedside staff regarding EDO procedures, behaviors, and interventions.

• Provide real-time coaching and support to ESS staff.

• Participate in orientation and ongoing education for nurses related to eating disorder care.

Secondary Responsibilities (Hem/Onc/SCT Nursing Care)

Activated when EDO census does not require a dedicated EDO nurse.

• Provide direct patient care to Hem/Onc/SCT patients consistent with established competencies.

• Support central-line care, chemotherapy precautions (if applicable), stem cell transplant protocols, and transfusion standards.

• Assist with unit throughput, admissions, and discharges.

• Serve as a resource for complex patient management and clinical teaching on the unit.

KSA's:

1.    Bachelor’s degree in nursing or higher required.  For positions that are identified as difficult to fill, CNO may allow approval for hiring of candidates with Associates degree in nursing with equivalent experience in lieu of BSN or above.
2.    Current licensure as a registered nurse in the State of Illinois. 
3.    Basic Life Support certification from the American Heart Association.
4.    Ability to effectively communicate with patients/families, physicians and hospital staff.
5.    Special certifications may be required by the department.

Essential Job Duties:

1. Performs nursing assessments utilizing a variety of assessment methods and/or area-specific tools.
2. Develops or individualizes existing plans of care and deve